East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 30th August, 2018: A two-day Pre-Budget Conference for the EAC Organs and Institutions for the Financial Year 2019/2020 is underway at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Conference is being attended by Members of the General Purpose Committee of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Permanent and Principal Secretaries, senior officials from Partner States, Heads of EAC Organs and Institutions, and staff from the Secretariat.
Gracing the opening session of the Conference was Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Mrs Edith Mwanje, who commended the Secretariat for convening the meeting and involving key stakeholders in the Community’s Budget Cycle.
Addressing the delegates, Hon. Abdikadir Omar Aden, the Chairperson of the Committee on General Purpose of EALA noted that EAC had registered commendable milestones which should be applauded and up-scaled to greater heights and achievements. However, he noted that there were challenges impacting on the smooth operation of projects and programmes, which need to be addressed urgently.
He disclosed that the Assembly was giving notice of the intention to, among others, introduce a Public Finance Management Bill that will fill all the gaps existing in the EAC Budget Act of 2008, whose provisions are continually disregarded.
He disclosed that EALA will pursue changes in recruitment (transparency), Human Resource matters in the Community as well as conditions of service of the staff of the Community, which fall under the mandate of the Committee on General Purpose. “It is no longer business as usual where policy decisions are made at the behest and will of particular entities, groups and even individuals”, noted Hon. Abdikadir Omar Aden.
The Chair of the General Purpose Committee pledged to lay a firm foundation for better cooperation between all stakeholders, Organs and Institutions of the Community.
On his part, Eng. Steven Mlote, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, who represented the Secretary General, cited achievements made in the implementation of programmes under the four Pillars of EAC integration during the Financial Year 2017/18.
These included, among others, completion of the necessary arrangements for roll-out of all products within EAC to be transacted under the Single Customs Territory; enhancement of application of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System on the Northern Corridor; enhancement of customs automation in all Partner States through upgrades of the Customs systems and migration to more advanced and robust systems; and initiation of an inter-connectivity program to address weaknesses in customs valuation and monitoring of goods across the region.
The region made stride in completion of the construction of twelve (12) One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs). These include (Holili/Taveta; Rusumo; Ruhwa/ (BR)/Ruhwa (RW); Nemba/Gasenyi; Kagitumba/Mirama Hills; Busia (KE)/Busia (UG); Mutukula (TZ)/Mutukula (UG); Malaba (KE)/Malaba (UG); Kabanga/Kobero; Horohoro/Lunga Lunga; Sirari/Isebania; and Namanga).
He disclosed that to promote the region’s textile and leather industries, the review of the EAC Common External Tariff (CET) was underway, to among other outcomes, set rates that will provide incentives for value addition, as well as cushion the industry from dumping. On the other hand, Partner States had taken measures to promote the textile and leather sectors through enforcement of conformity with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements, particularly for the used under-garments and synthetic shoes.
The Deputy Secretary General highlighted the challenges impacting on implementation of Community activities that include slow disbursement of funds by Partner States. “For instance, the status of contribution by Partner States towards the EAC main budget as of 29th August, 2018 was at 6% per cent, thus seriously affecting implementation of the activities planned for the first Quarter of the Financial Year 2018/19”, asserted the EAC official and urged Partner States to remit their contributions in time to enable the EAC Organs and Institutions deliver on their mandates.
The Deputy Secretary General proposed seven (7) global priority areas during the Financial Year 2019/20 to be considered by the Conference namely; consolidation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) to promote intra-EAC trade; development of regional infrastructure (roads, railways, ports, energy, etc.); and enhancement of free movement of all factors of production and implementation of commitments on other areas of cooperation as envisaged under the Common Market.
Others include enhancement of regional industrial development through investment in key priority sectors, skills development, technological advancement and innovation to stimulate economic development; implementation of the Roadmap towards the EAC Monetary Union; promotion of regional peace, security and good governance, and completion of the Constitution-making for the EAC Political Federation; and finally institutional transformation, focusing on implementation of the Institutional Review recommendations, alternative financing and improvement of performance management at the EAC Organs and Institutions.
It is expected that at the end of the Conference, consensus and agreement will be developed in relation to the Community’s Global and Sector-specific priority areas for the FY 2019/20.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
Burundi bagged the highest Medals while Tanzania trailed
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 30th August, 2018: The curtain fell on the inaugural East African Community (EAC) Games 2018 themed Fostering EAC Integration and Peace through Sports, which kicked off on 16th August 2018 in several play grounds within Bujumbura City and at the Gitega Stadium in Burundi, on Wednesday 29th August 2018.
At the end of the 14-day gruelling competition in 12 disciplines, the Republic of Burundi bagged the highest number of medals (10), followed by Uganda (9), then Kenya (8), and Tanzania trailed with (4). The Republics of Rwanda and South Sudan were expected but did not show up for the event. The 12 sporting disciplines were Football (women), Netball (women), Volley Ball (men), Volley Ball (women), Rugby 7s (men), Lawn Tennis (men), Lawn Tennis (w), Boxing (men), Boxing (women), Karate (men) Half Marathon (men), and Half Marathon (women).
Burundi won three (3) Gold medals in Lawn Tennis (w), Boxing (w), and Karate (m); six (6) Silver medals in Football (w), Volley Ball (m), Volley Ball (w), Rugby 7s (m), Lawn Tennis (m), and Boxing (m); and one (1) Bronze medal in Netball (w).
Uganda got five (5) Gold medals in Netball (w), Volley Ball (m), Volley Ball (w), Rugby 7s (m), and Boxing (m); two (2) Silver medals in Boxing (w) and Half Marathon (m); and two (2) Bronze medals in Lawn Tennis (m) and Lawn Tennis (w).
Kenya took home three (3) Gold medals in Lawn Tennis (m), Half Marathon (m), and Half Marathon (w); three (3) Silver medals in Lawn Tennis (w), Karate (M), and Half Marathon (w); and two (2) Bronze medals in Half Marathon (m) and Half Marathon (w).
The United Republic of Tanzania took home only three medals; one (1) Gold medal in Football (w), one (1) Silver medal in Netball (w), and one (1) Bronze medal in Karate (m).
Gracing the closing ceremony was the First Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Gaston Sindimwo, who commended the East African Community Secretariat and the Partner States for organizing the Games geared towards enhancing the citizens’ support and popular participation in the integration agenda.
Addressing the same occasion, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said hosting and providing a lot of support to the 1st EAC Games in Bujumbura and Gitega was a true demonstration and commitment by the Republic of Burundi to the EAC integration agenda.
He said the 1st ever EAC Games had offered yet another opportunity to the sportsmen and women to have a regional platform to show case the rich and diverse sporting talents the East African region has to offer in the overall context of the integration process.
He noted that the succesful conclusion of the EAC Games was yet another demonstration of the long-standing and now rapidly growing fraternal relations and networking among the ordinary citizenry in the region. “The event affirms our resolve to work together to promote peace, harmony stability and unity in East Africa. This marks the beginning of holding regular EAC Games which demonstrates our resolve as East Africans to move the Integration towards greater levels in widening and deepening the cooperation in all fields of life of our peoples”, affirmed the EAC official.
Ambassador Jean Rigi, the Permanent Secretary who represented the Minister to the Office of the President Responsible for East African Community Affairs noted that the First Edition of the EAC Games had been very significant to many for years to come because it has made it possible for the youth around the Region to come together and acquaint themselves with the realities of the East African Community. “It has also developed a sense of bondage, which is critical for deepening and widening East African Community integration”.
He urged the participants to nurture the ambition and the desire to play better in the 2nd Edition of the Games, with a much deeper sense of integration.
Notes to Editors
EACoG is a Regional Sports initiative that emanates from the decision of the 20th EAC Council of Ministers, which directed the Secretariat to organize and hold Sports Tournaments on regular basis with partnership of private sector, civil society, voluntary organizations/ institutions/individuals and Development Partners
A summary of the Medals and Overall Ranking can be accessed from the EAC Games website: https://www.eac.int/eacog
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 23rd July, 2018: A one-day brainstorming meeting to promote the automotive industry and vaccine manufacturing with support from German companies Merck, Bosch and the World Economic Forum (WEF) was held on Monday 23rd July 2018, 2018 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The brainstorming meeting, which was chaired by the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo was attended by Dr. Kirsten Focken, the Programme Manager, Head-EAC-GIZ Programme based in Arusha, the Executive Secretary, East Africa Health Research Commission (EAHRC), Prof. Gibson Kibiki and technical officers from the department of Industrialization and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector. Also in attendance were, Ms. Elsie Kanza, Head of Africa, World Economic Forum, Mr. Thill Markus President of Region Africa, Robert Bosch (Pty) Ltd, Mr. Manuel Batz and Mr. Mwai Ngibuini from Merck and Ms. Angelika Farhan from EABC.
Addressing the meeting, Hon. Bazivamo hailed the initiatives taken by the above Foreign Partners to assist EAC in driving the process of promoting the establishment of an EAC Regional Automotive Industry Plant and an EAC Regional Vaccine and Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Facility noting that local manufacture of products and improvement of the required infrastructure especially for the health sector have been given high priority in the 5th EAC Development Strategy and also as directives of the 19th EAC Heads of States Summit . He pointed out that the initiatives are beneficial and feed well to the already existing policies in the EAC including the 5th EAC Development Strategy, the Industrialization Strategy (2012-2012) and the EAC Regional Pharmaceutical Plan of Action (2017-2027). He urged the collaborating partners to urgently come up with an Implementation Framework and a pragmatic Roadmap for advancing the two initiatives.
On her part, Dr. Focken, the Cluster Coordinator-EAC-GIZ Programme in Arusha, thanked all the participants for active participation towards the proposals. She said fast tracked implementation of the two initiatives would achieve tangible results to the citizens of East Africa and demonstrate the benefits of regional integration.
Mr. Manuel Batz, Director Sales Middle East and Africa, informed the meeting that for instance, by 2020 GAVI support to vaccines in the region will be scaled down and the region needs to be prepared with locally manufactured vaccines. He pointed out that it is imperative for the region to build its capacity in manufacturing vaccines by developing business models that have worked in other regions of the world. He proposed the following as measures to fast track the development of vaccines manufacturing: strong government action including enacting of enabling policies; implementation of a regional public procurement scheme for vaccines; identification of a selected number of vaccines to be prioritized for development of a negotiated regional common agreement to develop the vaccine among other measures.
Mr. Thill Markus, President of Region Africa, Robert Bosch (Pty) Ltd, informed the meeting that despite the fact that the EAC market for passenger, light vehicle is currently small and fragmented accounting for 6% of Africa’s demand and 0.5 of global demand making it difficult to justify local manufacturing, a step change is possible if the region can create a single regional market and enact policies to encourage new vehicle demand, and drive trade deals to enable exports that could justify the development of a sizeable local manufacturing industry, similar to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Morocco. He called on the region to make the right policies that would make the automotive manufacturing a major job creator and economic stimulator for the region, injecting over $840M in foreign direct investments per year and creating ~52,000 direct jobs in the first stage of major industry growth. He gave example of growth levers such as stimulating demand through trade policies, enabling consumer financing, encouraging supply through tax incentives and the creation of an auto-focused industrial zone that have worked in countries like Morocco.
In order to take forward the initiatives, the partners agreed on the establishment of a taskforce for each of the two initiatives that will detail out and evaluate the EAC Partner States opportunities and comparative advantage, as well as design a roadmap for action and begin investment attraction with specific potential investors. The ultimate goal of the process would be the establishment of regional vaccines/pharmaceuticals facility and a regional automotive plant that will privilege regional economies of scale and value/supply chains.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: August 20th, 2018: The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the East African Business Council (EABC) have agreed to deepen co-operation in a bid to strengthen the integration process.
This afternoon, EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Ngoga Karoli Martin, received the EABC Chairman, Mr Nicholas Nesbitt, in the Speaker’s Chamber in Arusha, where both officials revealed the need to take the partnership a notch higher.
“Both institutions are to set to deepen areas of co-operation, the specifics of which shall be worked out later in September 2018, under an engagement framework”, it was agreed.
Speaker Ngoga rallied for a clear avenue of engagement that institutionalizes the efforts of the regional legislators and the private sector. “This is something we need to bring to fruition so that we strategize together and regularly consult over key matters of integration”, he added.
The Speaker remarked that EALA remained keen to enhance its legislative, representative and oversight role for the benefit of all stakeholders including the Business Community. He further lauded the regional private sector body for the tremendous work it continued to undertake in the region noting that it was a major driving force and engine for integration.
Rt Hon Ngoga said it was vital for stakeholders in the integration process to think ‘regional in their approach to issues’ saying the nationalistic tendencies should be discarded.
On his part, the EABC Chairman, Mr Nesbitt reiterated the EABC was focused on the ultimate prize of full integration and said the apex body as part of its strategy would be aligning itself with key institutions to realise mutual beneficially relationships.
Mr Nesbitt informed the Speaker that EABC would be holding a full Board meeting in Arusha in September 2018 and that a second meeting between both institutions (EABC and EALA) was necessary to discuss the “nuts and bolts” of co-operation.
The EABC Vice Chairman, Mwine Jim Kabeho said the Private Sector had continued to face a number of challenges which the Assembly was best placed to address while EABC’s Ambassador (and former EALA Chair of the Legal Rules and Privileges Committee), Hon Peter Mathuki said it was necessary for both institutions to interface and resolve many issues for a stronger integration and for posterity’s sake.
In attendance were senior EABC staff led by the CEO, Lilian Awinja, and the EALA Senior Public Relations Officer, Bobi Odiko.
NOTES TO THE EDITORS
The East African Business Council (EABC) is the apex body of business associations of the Private Sector and Corporates from the 6 East African Countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the Private Sector in the integration process of the East African Community. Originally comprising members from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, its membership was expanded after 2007 to include private sector from Burundi and Rwanda as well as South Sudan in 2017.
EALA is an Organ of the East African Community established in 2001 with a mandate of legislation, representation and oversight.
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For more information, please contact:
Bobi Odiko Senior Public Relations Officer East African Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255-27-2508240 Fax: +255-27-2503103 Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org Web: www.eala.org
About the East African Legislative Assembly:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 21st August, 2018: The EAC Games themedFostering EAC Integration and Peace through Sportstaking place at various play grounds within Bujumbura City and at Gitega Stadiumentered day four (4) with Tanzania Women Netballers thrashing the Burundi team 79 to 14 in a game played at the ENS play ground in Bujumbura, Burundi.
In another thrilling opening home match between Burundi and Uganda played at the Parque play ground in Bujumbura, Uganda beat Burundi 3 sets to 0 in women volleyball. Burundi takes on Uganda in the 1st home match men volley ball on Tuesday 21 August, while in Women Volleyball; Uganda will play Burundi on Friday 24th August in their away match at the same venue.
In Karate match played on Sunday 19 August, Burundi won the 1st Gold medals of the tournament in both the Individual and Team Kata having taken on Kenya and Tanzania at the Dojo Nationale. Karate Individual and Team Kumite (Burundi Kenya and Tanzania) matches are scheduled on 21st and 24th August respectively at the same venue.
In Boxing,Burundi and Uganda will be on the stage on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August at the Dojo Nationale.
Burundi, Kenya, Uganda have registered for Lawn Tennisfor Men and Women singles and Doubles which are scheduled to be played on Wednesday 22nd August whenBurundi will take on Uganda Men Singles, and Kenya will tussle it out with Uganda in Women Singles at the Entente Sportive arena in Bujumbura.
Kenya will take on Uganda in Men Doubles on Friday 24th August, while Burundi will play against Kenya in Women Doubles. On 26th August, Uganda takes on Burundi in women doubles while Kenya takes on Burundi in Men doubles.
In Rugby 7s (Men), Burundi plays Uganda on 25th August at the Tempete Fields in Bujumbura.
Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania registered Football Women Teams and in the opening football encounter played on Monday 20th August 2018 in Gitega town, Tanzania slashed the host Burundi 8 to 1. Tanzania will take on Kenya (W) on Thursday 23rd August and Kenya versus Burundi (W) will be on Saturday 25th August 2018 also at the Gitega Stadium.
Notes to Editors
The 1st Edition of the East African Community Games (EACoG) is being hosted by the Republic of Burundi from 16th to 30th August 2018 in the city of Bujumbura, and in the town of Gitega, under the themeFostering EAC Integration andPeace through Sports. The Games will take the form of all East Africa Games and will include multiple sports disciplines including: Football, Volley Ball,Karate, Boxing, Tennis, Rugby, and Half Marathon to be competed among the Partner States.
EACoG is a Regional Sports initiative that emanates from the decision of the 20th EAC Council of Ministers, which directed the Secretariat to organize and hold Sports Tournaments on regular basis with partnership of private sector, civil society, voluntary organizations/ institutions/individuals and Development Partners.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 17th August, 2018: The 2nd Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Joseph Butore officiated at the kick-off of the 14-day inaugural EAC Games at the Lycee SOS HG in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Addressing Honourable Ministers; Members of Parliament; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Sports men and women from the Partner States, and the citizens of Bujumbura, who thronged the Play field of SOS HG School, the 2nd Vice President, who represented H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Burundi to the promotion of close cooperation among the Partner States in the field of sports, particularly by promoting and valuing the various sports activities.
H.E Butore informed his audience that sports was a channel for strengthening and safeguarding unity and peace in the development of the world, adding that “Faced with the issues and challenges of the globalized world, the EAC Games are one of the answers to the question of youth employment, who are the majority of the population, and a pathway for their socio-economic integration”.
The 2nd Vice President asserted that the major concern in the region was to strengthen interstate partnership, to build and consolidate synergy, in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development. “We must therefore turn the page of history and build a world united in the spirit of the people, in order to invite them to reject violence, and give a place of choice to the culture of peace in African in general, and in the East African Community in particular”, noted H.E Butore.
At the same occasion, Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Rt. Hon. Kirunda Kivenjija, disclosed that the Council of Ministers will, in the next 5 years, endeavor to promote and support the development of Sports through public-private sector partnerships. “This will be done in fostering closer collaboration among Partner States to strengthen the sports institutional capacities and establish a conducive regulatory frameworks in the region”.
He said greater emphasis will be put towards attraction of domestic and foreign investment for construction of sports facilities across the region, development of sports academies for effective tracking and nurturing of talents. He reiterated that the role of Sports in reinforcing the spirit of East African unity and development and galvanizing a passionate, visionary and broad participation among the East African people.
On his part, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said the EAC Games being launched for the first time in the region will be conducted every two years on rotational basis in accordance with the Decision of the Council of Ministers.
He disclosed that in this 1st edition, more than 1,000 sports men and women from the EAC Partner States were on the ground and will participate in Football, Volley Ball, Karate, Boxing, Tennis, Rugby, and Half Marathon.
He noted that the EAC Games was providing an opportunity for East Africans to showcase the diverse sporting talents and an avenue for sports talent exchange, learning and celebration. He said the EAC Secretariat’s focus is to make the regional sports event attractive to the public to enable East Africans to move across borders to interact freely within the Community.
Notes to Editors
The 1st Edition of the East African Community Games (EACoG) is being hosted by the Republic of Burundi from 16th to 30th August 2018 in the city of Bujumbura, and in the town of Gitega, under the theme Fostering EAC Integration andPeace through Sports. The Games will take the form of all East Africa Games and will include multiple sports disciplines including: Football, Volley Ball, Karate, Boxing, Tennis, Rugby, and Half Marathon to be competed among the Partner States.
EACoG is a Regional Sports initiative that emanates from the decision of the 20th EAC Council of Ministers, which directed the Secretariat to organize and hold Sports Tournaments on regular basis with partnership of private sector, civil society, voluntary organizations/ institutions/individuals and Development Partners.
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 17th August, 2018: A two day Regional Forum to launch the East African Community (EAC) Policy Briefs on Aflatoxin Prevention and Control came to a close on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya.
The workshop, which was geared towards enhancing levels of awareness on Aflatoxin control and prevention in the EAC region, was organized by EAC in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA). To officiate the launch and representing the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation was Prof. Hamadi Boga, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department of Agriculture Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya.
Prof. Boga hailed the EAC Secretariat for prioritizing aflatoxin prevention and control as one of its flagship projects in the region. He disclosed that that Africa loses up to US$ 670 million annually from lost exports due to aflatoxin contamination.
The PS further said that approximately 40% of food commodities in local markets exceed allowable levels of aflatoxins in foods.
The PS officially launched the 9 sets of policy briefs on Aflatoxin and underscored that they contain key recommendations on strategic policy action and interventions required to mitigate impacts and effects of aflatoxin along the food and feed value chains.
Aflatoxin contamination poses a serious threat to human and animal health, and to the economies of the EAC Partner States. Existing efforts to mitigate aflatoxin at national level have remained fragmented and not adequately supported, technically and financially. The 36th Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers directed Partner States to mainstream EAC Aflatoxin Prevention and Control Strategy priorities in their national budgets and national agriculture investment plans.
In her remarks, the USAID/Kenya and East Africa Feed the Future Regional Coordinator, Ms. Kathryn Begeal, commended stakeholders for the efforts towards aflatoxin prevention and control.
Ms. Begeal further called on EAC Partner States to make real progress in implementing solutions to aflatoxin contamination such as disseminating information to communities, promoting farmer use of Alfasafe in extension and input packages, and scaling up improved post-harvest handling practices.
Pursuant to the directive of the Council, the EAC regional project on aflatoxin abatement was launched in 2014 with the aim of preventing and controlling adverse impacts of Aflatoxin along the food and feed value chains. The overall goal of this project is to contribute to Food Security and Safety in the EAC and Protect Human, Animal and Plant Health.
A Regional Forum was then established to create awareness and sensitize high level policy makers and other key stakeholders on the necessary policy action and interventions to mitigate impacts and effects of aflatoxin.
Speaking at the meeting, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, noted that Aflatoxin prevention and control is one of the flagship programmes implemented by the EAC Secretariat.
Hon. Bazivamo said that the overall goal of the programme is to contribute to food and nutrition security as well as to protect human, animal and plant health in EAC from the adverse impacts of aflatoxin along the food and feed value chains.
Participants at the event included government officers from the line Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock in the EAC Partner States as well as academicians, researchers, animal health, food safety and nutrition experts who shared presentations on observations, lessons learned, new technologies, challenges and recommendations with regard to aflatoxin mitigation efforts.
Addressing the closing session of the event on Thursday, Hon. Mathias Kasamba, the Chairperson of the East African Legislative Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources commended USAID Kenya and East Africa for funding the EAC Aflatoxin Prevention and Control project, the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa, the US Centers for Disease Control, the private sector and other development partners engaged in dealing with the scourge of aflatoxin on the continent.
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
Inter-University Council for East Africa August 10, 2018: On May 4, 2018, the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), the Regional Facilitation Unit for the Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACE II) Project, announced a Call for Applications for Masters fellowships targeting female students in the nine participating countries of Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique and Malawi.
The aim of the competitive scholarship is to enhance the participation of young African female scientists at postgraduate level, encourage regional student mobility and identify and cultivate future leaders in the region.
A total of 30 fellowships were available for the 2018/2019 academic year and another 30 will be announced next year. The selected students will study full time at any of the 24 ACEs in the priority disciplines of the ACE II Project, namely: (i) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) or Industry, (ii) Agriculture, (iii) Health, (iv) Education and (v) Applied Statistics.
The Scholarship will cover cost for tuition, stipend, research, visa fees, laptop, books/stationeries and a round trip air ticket between the beneficiary’s home country and the study destination.
Names of candidates recommended for the award, areas of specialization and host institutions can be viewed on the list below. IUCEA shall contact all scholarship recipients through personal contacts submitted at the time of application.
“We congratulate the successful applicants and extend to them our best wishes for success in their studies. We have no doubt that when they return to their country of origin after completing their studies, they will play meaningful leadership roles at national and regional levels in identified priority science and technology areas for Africa,” said Prof. Goolam Mohamedbhai, the Chairperson of the Independent Selection Panel.
LIST OF STUDENTS AWARDED MSc. FELLOWSHIP UNDER THE ACE II PROJECT FOR 2018/2019 ACADEMIC YEAR
COUNTRY
NAMES
PROGRAM
ACE
UNIVERSITY
Remarks
BURUNDI
INGABIRE BIENVENUE CARELLE
MSc. Agricultural Economics
CESAAM
Egerton University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
NDABASHINZE CHRISTELLA
Masters in Petroleum Engineering
CS-OGET
Eduardo Mondlane University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
IRAKOZE LAETITIA
MSc. Epidemiology
SACIDS
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
ETHIOPIA
FETENE ELSHADAY
MSc. Energy Studies
PTRE
Moi University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
KALEL HENNA UMER
MSc. Public Health
ACEPHEM
University of Malawi
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
KIFLAY ELIZABETH
Master in Material Science and Engineering (Structural Materials)
WISE FUTURES
Nelson Mandela Africa Institute of Science and Technology
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
ABDULKADIR BENAT EUSMAN
MSc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
SACIDS
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
KENYA
NGEI VIRGINIA MUMBUA
MSc. In Biodiversity Conservation
CLIMATE SABC
Haramaya University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
MAHINDA BETTY WANJIKU
MSc.in Climante Smart Agriculthre
CLIMATE SABC
Haramaya University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
SEREDE MARLINE MMBUKANE
Master in Data Science
ACE-DS
University of Rwanda
ABDULRAHMAN HALIMA
MSc in Internet of Things-Embedded Computing Systems
ACE IoT
University of Rwanda
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
NANCY EVANS KALEE
MSc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
SACIDS
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
KUNDU MERCY NASIMIYU
Msc in Hydology and Climatic Studies
WISE FUTURES
Nelson Mandela Africa Institute of Science and Technology
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
MALAWI
ALIDE THANDIWE
MSc. Analytical Chemistry
PTRE
Moi University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
RWANDA
INGABIRE MARIE ANGE
MSc. Railway Engineering (Civil Infrastructure)
ARERI
Addis Ababa University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
ISHIMWE PASCASIE
MSc. Railway Engineering (Rolling Stock)
ARERI
Addis Ababa University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
MUKANKUBANA JOHVANIE
MSc. In Biodiversity Conservation
CLIMATE SABC
Haramaya University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
MUKESHIMANA LILIOSE
MSc. In Water Management - Hydrology and water resources track
ACEWM
Addis Ababa University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
ODETTE MANIRAMBONA
MSc Railway Engineering Traction and Train Control
ARERI
Addis Ababa University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
UWASE MARIE LOUISE
MSc. Aquaculture
AQUAFISH
Lilongwe University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
INEZA MARIE AIMEE
MSc Railway Engineering Traction and Train Control
ARERI
Addis Ababa University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
TANZANIA
MOHAMED SWAUMU HASSAN
MSc. Agribusiness Management
CESAAM
Egerton University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
MEELA ANGEL GABRIEL
MSc in Internet of Things- Wireless Intelligent Sensor Networking
ACE IoT
University of Rwanda
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
MGENI ASYA SULEIMAN
MSc in Internet of Things- Wireless Intelligent Sensor Networking
ACE IoT
University of Rwanda
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
UGANDA
NASSAZI WINFRED
MSc Analytical Chemistry
PTRE
Moi University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
ATUGONZA STELLA
MSc in Petroleum Engineering
CS-OGET
Eduardo Mondlane University
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
MPAGI EVA
Msc in Data Science
ACE-DS
University of Rwanda
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
ZAMBIA
MAMBWE JOSEPHINE
MSc in Aquaculture
AQUAFISH
Lilongwe University
MWALE FLATA
MSc. Global Health Implementation Programme
ACEPHEM
University of Malawi
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
KAONGA NAOMI
MSc. Microbiology
SACIDS
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Confirmed
(Prog. + Adm)
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For more information contact: Agnes Asiimwe Okoth Communication Officer Mob: +256-752-980079 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. http://ace2.iucea.org/
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 9th August, 2018: A one-day appraisal workshop on the Federal Republic of Germany’s support to the EAC integration process was held on Wednesday 8th August, 2018 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The appraisal workshop, which was co-chaired by the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo and Dr. Kirsten Focken, the Cluster Coordinator-EAC-GIZ Programme based in Arusha, was attended by the Director General of the EAC Customs and Trade Directorate, Mr. Kenneth Bagamuhunda, Heads of Departments that are involved in implementing the activities supported by GIZ, and the representative of the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Ms. Norzin Grigoleit-Dagya.
Also in attendance were the Consultants undertaking the appraisal exercise for the 4th phase of the EAC-GIZ Support Programme that comes to an end in mid-2019.
Addressing the workshop participants, Hon. Bazivamo commended the long standing support of the German Government to the EAC integration and urged the participants to come up with clear and smart project objectives, outputs and indicators for the next phase of the cooperation.
On her part, Dr. Focken, the Cluster Coordinator-EAC-GIZ Programme, thanked all the participants for active participation and input into the mission. She said that the cooperation will continue in many areas with more focus on implementation to achieve tangible results and demonstrate the benefits of regional integration in East Africa.
The process of planning for a new phase of the programme started with consultations between the EAC and the German government, which took place on 18 September 2017. The consultations took into consideration the key strategic interventions as laid down in a document presented by the EAC Secretariat.
Both sides agreed in their joint minutes that Regional Economic Integration should remain the priority area for technical cooperation.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
In a first appraisal mission held from 12th to 23rd March, 2018, the appraisal team visited the EAC Secretariat and selected stakeholders for discussions in order to pave the way forward. Based on these findings, GIZ developed a proposal.
Implementation of the Customs Union and continued implementation of the Common Market will remain the core areas of support and cooperation. The concept includes support to selected economic sectors through regional cooperation and improved trade integration. It also focuses on strengthening the capacities of the EAC Secretariat and selected regional partners, improved inclusion of the private sector and communication of success stories on regional integration through the Incubator for Integration and Development in East Africa (IIDEA).
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 8th August, 2018: A four-day workshop bringing together implementing agencies of the 50 Million African Women Speak (50MWS) project, a software developing firm and representatives of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the project financiers, is currently underway in Lusaka, Zambia.
The 50MWS Project is being implemented by three different Regional Economic Communities (RECs), namely the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern (COMESA), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
COMESA, which is coordinating the 50MWS Project, recently hired Izertis, a Spanish consulting firm to develop the 50MWS platform and the main objective of this workshop is for the implementers to clarify the scope of the platform and provide design inputs to the consulting firm.
The 50MWS Project aims at contributing to the economic empowerment of women through the provision of networking platforms to access information on financial and non-financial services so that they can start, grow or scale up their businesses.
At the opening of the workshop, Ambassador Dr. Kipyego Cheluget, COMESA Assistant Secretary General, assured the AfDB that the 50MWS project will be implemented for the benefits of all women.
Amb. Cheluget said that the different implementing RECs had held consultative meetings with their stakeholders to gather their views on how they want the project to be implemented.
‘’This is an opportunity for us to utilise the feedback from our partners,’’ Ambassador Kipyego said.
“This project comes when RECs are moving towards Digital Economic Integration, towards the full adoption of digital technologies with the objective of establishing seamless processes across the RECs Partner States to enable ease of doing business/trade and to enhance regional integration using ICT as a tool,” Amb. Kipyego added.
Amb. Kipyego urged the participants to volunteer ideas that would assist the consulting firm to create user-friendly platforms that could easily be accessed by women entrepreneurs.
The COMESA official suggested that the ideal platform should have unique features differentiating it from other multiple social media platforms that were already in existence.
Ms. Mary Makoffu, EAC Director of Social Sectors and head of the EAC delegation to the workshop, said in her opening remarks that the project was being implemented at a time when the EAC Partners States were rolling out instruments of Digital Trade to minimize physical barriers to trade in the reion.
Ms. Makoffu said that the 50MWS project would complement ongoing efforts to enhance the EAC economic integration agenda.
David Sabiti, COMESA 50 MWS Coordinator, expressed hope that women entrepreneurs would start using the platform six months after the Lusaka workshop.
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For more information please contact: Achel Bayisenge, Content Manager for the 50MWS Project Tel: +255 786726230; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
