East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 1st December 2017:
The 18th edition of the annual EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition is set for 4th to 10th December 2017 at the Jardin Public in Bujumbura, Burundi. The theme of the Exhibition is “Buy East African Medium and Small Enterprises’ (MSEs) products to build East Africa” and portrays the role of East Africans in building their economy. Over 1,000 artisans have so far registered and confirmed their participation in the event.
The 18th EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Exhibition will be officially opened on 6th December 2017.
To participate in the Exhibition, exhibitors from Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda are required to register with the respective Ministries of Trade and Industry, while those in Kenya must register with the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority.
In order to support promotion of the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi sector of the regional economy, the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the Partner States and Confederation of Informal Sector Organization East Africa (CISO-EA) has organized the annual exhibitions since 1999. The exhibitions have proved to be strategic avenues for promoting the sector’s products, transfer of technologies, and promotion of the regional integration process.
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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, 30th November 2017:
A three-day EAC Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP) Regional Validation Workshop is taking place from 30th November to 2nd December, 2017 at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala, Uganda
The validation workshop is being attended by Heads of Delegations from the EAC Partner States, Representative of USAID East Africa and USAID Trade and Investment Hub, Executive Secretary- ASARECA, Chief Executive Officer- East African Business Council, Representative of the Executive Director Eastern Africa Grain Council, Coordinator CAADP Non State Actors Coalition, Chief Executive Officer- East African Civil Society Organizations Forum, and Chief Executive Officer- Eastern Africa Farmers Federation
Addressing the official opening session of the workshop, the EAC Deputy Secretary General- Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo acknowledged the commitment and tremendous contribution of EAC Partner States to the CAADP agenda and recognized the invaluable technical and financial support provided by USAID, African Union Commission and the NEPAD Planning and Coordination Agency to the programme.
The Deputy Secretary General disclosed that the process leading to the regional validation of RAIP had been lengthy, rigorous, inclusive and consultative and that over 10 technical meetings, national and regional workshops were held.
“The process elicited the participation of a wide range of stakeholders including EAC Partner States, Development Partners, Private Sectors, Civil Society, the African Union Commission and the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA)” and “all this was aimed at building consensus and securing ownership among stakeholders” noted the EAC official.
Notes to Editors
The East African Community (EAC) long-term vision and commitments towards social and economic development are anchored in the Treaty for the establishment of the Community. The Treaty has the strategic vision to attain a prosperous, competitive, secure and politically united East Africa. Agriculture and Food Security is among the key areas of cooperation prioritized in the Treaty, the EAC Common Market Protocol, EAC Vision 2050 and the EAC 5th Development Strategy. These instruments informed and inspired the formulation of EAC RAIP.
The African Union Heads of State and Government were visionary and pragmatic in adopting the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods. This is indeed a hallmark in efforts to reduce hunger and poverty on the continent and in the EAC in particular. The commitments that occupy a central place in the EAC integration process include ‘Commitment to Ending Hunger in Africa by 2025 and the Commitment to Boosting Intra-African Trade in Agricultural commodities and services.
The EAC RAIP is anchored on the EAC CAADP Compact, the EAC CAADP Results Framework and other key regional Agriculture Sector Instruments. The RAIP is aligned to Malabo Declaration goals and commitments. It is designed to facilitate coordination of regional and crosscutting programmes that are best handled regionally and those that compliment interventions in the National Agriculture investment Plans. The EAC RAIP seeks to catalyze the realization of the CAADP goals in the following five investment thematic areas:
Increasing regional agricultural production and food supply
Enhancing food utilization
Promoting agribusiness, value addition and agro-industry
Promoting sustainable natural resource use and management
Strengthening capacities of EAC regional agricultural institutions
…legislators to momentarily drop debating skills, exhibit athletic prowess and ball juggling
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: November 29th 2017:
As the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Senior Challenge pitting National Soccer teams start in Nairobi, Kenya on December 3, 2017, all roads similarly lead to Dar Es Salaam for the 8th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games (December 2-11th, 2017). The Games themed: “Integrating Citizens and Strengthening Inter-Parliamentary Relations through Sports”, brings together the National Parliaments of Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya and Uganda. Parliament of Rwanda and the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan have sent their apologies while at the regional Assembly (EALA), staff shall participate as a guest team at the ten-day tournament.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Rt Hon Job Ndugai, is expected to officiate at the commencement and flag-off the ten-day extravaganza. The tournament takes place at the Main Stadium and the adjacent Uhuru Stadium in Temeke District as well as at the Jakaya Kikwete Youth Stadium in the City Centre. The tournament is to be preceded by a half-day Pre-Tournament Conference on December 3rd, 2017, to nurture networking and bonding among the legislators.
The tournament shall for the first-time feature a walk-race –a newly introduced sporting discipline. Other disciplines include football, netball, golf, athletics, tug-of-war and volleyball. Athletics will feature races in 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 and 1500 metres respectively for men and women. The 400 x 4 relay is also on the cards.
In football, defending champions, Parliament of Uganda will face stiff competition from the other Parliaments keen to dethrone them. Last December (2016), Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Burundi 7-6 in penalties during a scintillating final played at the Mbaraki Sports Ground, Mombasa, to reclaim the trophy. In men’s Volleyball, Parliament of Kenya who are the champs will have to put up a good fight with all Parliaments –going out guns blazing for the title. In women’s volleyball, all Parliaments are expected give themselves a good outing in the absence of the trophy holders, Parliament of Rwanda. Last year, Parliament of Rwanda were declared champions after beating Parliament of Kenya 2 sets to 0 (25-19 and 25-19). In Netball, Parliament of Uganda is expected to renew rivalry with the Parliament of Tanzania. Last year in Mombasa, Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Tanzania 38-29 to retain the title for a second year running. The third place went to Parliament of Burundi who beat EALA 30-19.
In Athletics, Parliament of Uganda were declared the best overall team after capturing gold in a majority of the races. Parliament of Uganda also took the Tug-of-War titles in both the men and women’s categories while Parliament of Kenya bagged the golf trophy. On its part, Parliament of Burundi was feted as the most disciplined team in the entire tournament.
The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games is a key aspect building on relations between the EALA and the National Parliaments in the EAC region. The Games are held annually and on a rotational mode in the Partner States. Article 119 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community obliges the Partner States to promote close co-operation amongst themselves in culture and sports, with respect to the promotion and enhancement of diverse sports activities among other areas.
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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.
EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 28th November 2017:
The 43rd EAC Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC FAL), was held from 22nd to 24th November 2017 in Fort Portal, Uganda.
The meeting is a forum for discussion on issues that affect Air Transport in the region in order to comply with Annex 9 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (Air Transport Facilitation) which requires every State to adopt all required measures to prevent unnecessary delays to aircraft, crews, passengers, and cargo, especially in the administration of the laws relating to immigration, quarantine, customs and clearance.
The meeting refers to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices and proposes appropriate recommendations to be implemented by the Partner States at the various Airports especially those approved as EAC Priority Airports. It is hosted by EAC Partner States, two times a year, on rotational basis.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Katushabe, Commissioner, Transport Regulation and Safety, Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda on behalf of the Minister for Works and Transport, informed the meeting that air transport plays a key role in the promotion of trade, tourism and economic growth of the region.
He reminded the participants that Air Transport facilitation is an important aspect of aviation and the EAC airports have to continuously enhance capacity of existing infrastructure to be able to cope with future aviation demands, meet international requirements and to contend with the ever changing threats against Civil Aviation.
He pointed out that the solutions to the challenges civil aviation faces with regard to infrastructure, safety, security and environmental concerns require a consultative approach in a forum like this.
The 43rd EAC Consultative meeting started with a visit of the various facilities at the Entebbe International Airport. The participants commended the Republic of Uganda for improvements in Air transport facilitation including the capacity improvement of the immigration at arrival, expansion of space for the duty free area and at various lounges, improved baggage handling system with improved security system, full internet access within the Airport, upgraded passenger handling system, and the ongoing works for expansion and upgrading of the Airport including the cargo terminal.
The meeting further discussed and agreed among other recommendations, to ensure continuous improvement of clearance processes at the EAC Airports, to introduce online payment systems for all Air operators, to fully implement paperless immigration process, to share information on people involved in theft/losses/damages of baggage and other valuable items at EAC airports for monitoring purposes, and to increase their non-aeronautical revenue streams so as to reach a 30:70 ratio by 2020.
The meeting concluded with a tour to various tourist attractions of Fort Portal in Western Uganda including Semirik hot springs, kigere crater and Omukama’s palace.
Representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Aviation and Airport Authorities, Airlines, Customs, Immigration and other Aviation stakeholders from the EAC Partner States as well as representatives from the EAC Secretariat and Civl Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency attended the meeting.
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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, 27th November 2017:
The 36th meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers is taking place from 27th November to 2nd December, 2017 at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
Themed Enhancing Socio - Economic Development for Deeper Integration of the Community, the 36th meeting of the Council started today with the Session of Senior Officials which will run up to Wednesday 29th November, 2017. The session of the Coordination Committee (Permanent /Principal/Under Secretaries) is on 30th to 1st of December while the Ministerial Session will be held on Saturday 2nd December, 2017.
The meeting is considering several matters geared towards deepening and widening the regional integration agenda that include the: Report on the implementation of Previous Decisions of the Council; Report of the Office of the Secretary General; Report on Planning and Infrastructure, and; Report on Productive and Social Sectors.
Other Reports to be considered are: the Report on Political Matters; Customs and Trade; Report on the Finance and Administration Matters; and Reports of other EAC Organs i.e. East African Legislative Assembly and East African Court of Justice.
Reports of EAC Institutions are also on the agenda namely the; East African Civil Aviation Safety, Security and Oversight Agency; Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization; Inter-University Council for East Africa; East African Development Bank; Lake Victoria Basin Commission; East African Science and Technology Commission; East African Kiswahili Commission, and; the East African Health Research Commission
The Council of Ministers is the Policy Organ of the Community. It consists of the Ministers responsible for East African Community/regional cooperation of each Partner State and such other Ministers of the Partner State as each Partner State shall determine. Among its functions, the Council promotes, monitors and keeps under constant review the implementation of the programmes of the Community and ensures the proper functioning of the regional organization.
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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.
EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 27th November 2017:
The East African Community Secretariat has embarked on conducting a series of capacity-building trainings for Partner States’ women Officers in security and the law enforcement agencies aimed at raising awareness on the provisions of the United Nation Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 specifically on the roles and requirements of women security Officers and law enforcement officers in implementing the UN Resolution at both national and regional levels.
The expected output of the capacity building is to further advance the EAC Secretariat’s role in Peace and Security interventions, and in particular strengthen the role of women and girls in Peace and Security in the regional bloc.
Addressing a 20th – 23rd November Training on Gender UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security for security and law enforcement officers from the Partner States at the Des Milles Collines Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, said over the years he had been at the helm of the EAC Peace and Security Sector, he was yet to see women security officers visibly involved in decision making within the sector.
“This has been so despite the fact that we see the visibility of women at the national level but I am yet to fathom as what stops women in the sector breaking the glass ceiling and it is against this background that we invite you to deliberate and share experiences on the practical issues affecting the advancement of women into decision making in the sector and how this can be promoted within the context of UNSCR 1325” affirmed Mr. Njoroge.
The Deputy Secretary General informed the trainees that in 2000, the United Nations Security Council formally acknowledged through the creation of Resolution 1325 the changing nature of warfare, in which civilians were increasingly targeted, and women continue to be excluded from participation in peace processes. “The UNSCR 1325 addresses not only the inordinate impact of war on women, but also the pivotal role women should and do play in conflict management, conflict resolution, mediation and sustainable peace”.
The EAC official disclosed that the region had developed a Framework for the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and that during the course of the training, it will be shared with the participants whose roles form a critical mass in the process of its implementation.
He urged the participants to pay great attention to the deliberations and come up with proposals that would facilitate placing women at the centre of decision making as victims and also as persons who play a critical role in amelioration of conflict situations and recovery effects in the region.
The Deputy Secretary General reiterated that there were also a number of initiatives made both within the Defence and Interstate Security Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, which include, among others, the Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution Mechanism, the Early Warning Mechanism; and Mediation Processes. “A number of these need your greater involvement and all this is being done to make the EAC Region a better place to live in”.
At the same occasion, Mr. Alex Mutamba, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community said that under the EAC framework, security is an area of cooperation and it is therefore through strengthening security cooperation that the EAC regional integration projects can be protected and continue to bring more growth and development to the Partner States.
He noted that security was a very sensitive sector and a serious business that the Partner States must invest in. “The training of Women Officers in peace and security is recognized as a human capital investment of which it’s expected outcome is meant to support the regional integration initiatives” concluded the Rwanda official.
Notice to Editors
This activity is funded under African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Support Programme. As a regional requirement, the EAC is committed to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 as a mechanism of strengthening women’s participation and involvement in the promotion of peace and security within the context of conflict prevention and resolution, eradicating sexual violence and ending impunity in conflict situations. The EAC Regional Framework on UNSCR 1325 sets out what the EAC will do at the level of the EAC Secretariat and in partnership with Partner States, to integrate a gender perspective into its peace and security, efforts to protect women and girls’ human rights, and promote their participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution.
Aim of Training Women in Peace and Security
The immediate aim is to raise awareness of EAC Women Security Officers on the UNSCR 1325; the existing Regional and International Instruments; so as to build a formidable force of women officers trained on Women Peace and Security. The outcome of this training will be the ability of trained officers to competently mainstream the EAC peace and security interventions and enrich the EAC Peace and Security Instruments including the EAC Strategy on Regional Peace and Security; and competently participate in the regional Peace and Security interventions and initiatives.
Participation
Participants in the training included Partner States’ In-service Women Officers from the disciplined forces and law enforcement such as the Military, Police; Prisons and Correctional Services, among others. Staff from the EAC Organs also participated in the Training.
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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.
The Facilitator of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H. E. Benjamin William Mkapa has announced that the 4th Inter-Burundi Dialogue Session will be held in Arusha, Tanzania from 27th November to 08th December 2017.
This important Session will be all-inclusive and will bring together participants from the Government of Burundi, former Presidents and Vice Presidents, all the 32 political parties registered in Burundi, Key political actors resident in Burundi and those outside, civil society organizations, women, the youth, religious leaders from the Catholic Church, Protestant Churches and the Moslem Community as well as the Media.
It is expected that the two-week long session will allow the participants to seriously negotiate and reach tangible results.
The Facilitator and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania have assured all participants that adequate security arrangements are in place to guarantee their safety and a pleasant stay in the United Republic of Tanzania.
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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.
EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 21st November 2017:
Three East African Community Organs – the EAC Secretariat, East African Legislative Assembly and the East African Court of Justice – are set to join other international, regional and sub-regional organizations based in Arusha to participate in the inaugural Open Day for International Organizations scheduled to take place on Saturday, 25th November, 2017 in Arusha.
The Open Day will be held at the premises of the UN-Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT or Mechanism) located in Lakilaki, Arusha.
The Open Day 2017 for International Organizations aims at increasing visibility and raising awareness on the mandates and functions of the respective organizations that make up the international community in Arusha. It is anticipated that the open day will also serve to improve the level of cooperation between the participating organizations and local Government authorities.
The event will further showcase the significance of the city of Arusha at both the regional and international levels.
Arusha is host to a number of key international, regional and sub-regional organizations that have, over the years, made it a prominent judicial, economic, political, tourism and cultural hub in the region.
Other Arusha-based organizations that will participate in the Open Day include: the MICT, the African Court for Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Institute of International Law, the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community, the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI), and the Pan African Postal Union.
The MICT has kindly offered to take the lead in the organization and hosting of the inaugural event, which will take place from 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours at the MICT premises at Lakilaki.
Senior Tanzanian government officials, Executives and Staff working in the participating organizations and their families, University students and members of the public are expected to attend the event.
The programme will start with welcoming remarks by the MICT President, Judge Theodor Meron, followed by remarks from the Heads of other international organizations’ and the guest of honour, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Augustine Mahiga, as well as the Regional Commissioner for Arusha and the Lord Mayor of the City of Arusha. The remarks will be followed by a variety of presentations through the course of the day and activities for all age groups.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to visit the respective stands of the international organizations’ and learn more about the work of these organizations.
The programme for the day will also include guided tours of the UN-MICT courtroom where a moot court organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross will take place from 14:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs.
Other events planned include the screening of documentaries produced by the MICT External Relations Section and the Outreach Programme of the former International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
The EAC Organs will have an exhibition booth where they will display some of its documentaries and promotional materials. Additionally, there will be a Medical Camp and a children’s corner, with activities for young visitors.
Free Snacks and refreshments will be served. There will also be free transport to and from MICT premises at Lakilaki, Arusha. Branded buses (25-seaters) will move around the city with three (3) major routes, namely:
Njiro via Kijenge, Impala, Regional Commissioner’s office (garden), Naaz, friends’ corner, Kilombero market, Mbauda, to MICT;
The Buses will be leaving the starting points and the final destination after every 30 minutes. The trips will be monitored by the members of the organizing committee and the ushers who will be placed at every pick-up point in branded T-shirts to help people identify the buses.
The 4th Extraordinary Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication and Meteorology (TCM) to consider and approve status of implementation of the Directives of the 3rd Heads of State (HoS) Infrastructure Retreat, to update the HoS Priority Infrastructure Projects, and to approve proposed flagship projects was held on 13th – 15th November, 2017 at the EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania.
Speaking at the opening session, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Steven Mlote informed the meeting that the implementation of the proposed flagship projects which have high impact on regional integration and social - economic growth of the region required an investment amounting to more than US$ 55 billion.
Eng. Mlote called for joint efforts between all stakeholders including Partner States, co-operating partners and the private sector in order to realize the huge financial investments required for infrastructure development in the bloc.
On his part, the Chair of the Extraordinary Sectoral Council and Uganda’s Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon. Aggrey Bagiire informed the meeting that infrastructure plays an important role in promoting regional integration hence the need to continuously enhance capacities of existing infrastructure to cope with future demands and to meet International standards and requirements.
The Sectoral Council reviewed the key achievements since the 3rd Heads of State Infrastructure Retreat held in November 2014, which include;
Construction of Makebuko – Butaganzwa and Ruygi - Cankuzo roads (Burundi);
Construction of Phase 1 of Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Nairobi (Kenya);
Construction of 2nd Container Terminal – Kipevu West Phase I at Mombasa Port increasing container handling capacity by 550 TEUs.;
Construction of a new single point mooring, one stop centre, expanded gates and improved access roads at the Port of Da es Salaam;
Upgrading of the Ndumbi Port on Lake Nyasa (Tanzania); Construction of Voi- Taveta road (Kenya);
Construction of the road between Simiyu/Mara border and Sirari/Isebania (Tanzania);
Road upgrades in Dar es Salaam; and Construction of 120 KM of 10- inch diameter oil pipeline (i.e. line 6) parallel to existing one from Sinendet to Kisumu (Kenya).
Among the flagship infrastructure projects approved by the 4th Extraordinary Sectoral Council in a bid for intra -EAC bloc development/integration and connection to its neighbouring countries includes;
Construction of a new crude oil pipeline from Hoima (Uganda) to Tanga (Tanzania) (1,443km) plus Hoima Oil Refinery in Uganda;
Construction of Mombasa – Nairobi – Malaba – Jinja Expressway (Kenya and Uganda);
Development of EAC-based Airports and EAC Unified Upper Flight Information Region;
Construction to standard gauge railway of the Dar es Salaam – Isaka – Mwanza and Isaka -Kigali/ Keza –Gitega – Musongati (Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi);
Construction to standard gauge of Uvinza – Musongati Railway line (Tanzania and Burundi, Construction to standard gauge of the Mombasa – Nairobi – Malaba – Kampala-Kigali line with Malaba – Nimule Juba spur (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan) Construction of Dar es Salaam to Chalinze Expressway (144km) in Tanzania;
LAPSSET Corridor Development (Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia), the Construction of Rusizi Hydro power Project (Burundi, Rwanda and DRC), Construction of Rufiji Hydropower Project at Stiegler’s Gorge along the Rufiji River, 2100 MW (Tanzania), and Development of Zanzibar Ports among others.
The meeting also approved “Development of Resilient Infrastructure to Accelerate Industrialization, Support Trade to Foster Socio-Economic Transformation in the EAC’’ as the theme of the 4th HoS Infrastructure Retreat.
The meeting recommended to the Council to consider and adopt the proposed new projects and to request the Heads of State to champion the implementation of the proposed flagship projects.
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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, Tanzania, November 21st, 2017:
A two-day regional workshop on the establishment of Trade Information Portals (TIPs) organised by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is currently underway at Crowne Plaza hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Themed “Harnessing transparent trade information for effective trade facilitation in the East African Community,” which will run from 21st to 22nd November, 2017, the objective of the workshop is to assess the progress made in terms of the implementation of TIPs, and to identify how TIPs can best support and help monitor the implementation of national and regional trade facilitation agendas.
The workshop, among other things, specifically seeks to provide a forum for member states to share current status, challenges and achievements on the implementation of TIPs. The workshop will further formulate a regional Trade Facilitation Index and measurable targets for the online publication and simplification of trade procedures.
Also on the agenda of the Workshop will be the public launch of the Kenya Trade Information Portal hosted by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) which is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, 22nd November, 2017.
Participants at the workshop are drawn from each EAC Partner State’s National Trade Facilitation Committee, Single Window Project Coordinator/Customs Officer and the TIPs Project Coordinators.
Note for Editors:
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), adopted by the WTO General Council on 27th November, 2014 came into force on 22nd February, 2017. The TFA aims to create a more efficient trade environment by targeting administrative barriers to trade – unnecessary border inspections, excessive document and data requirements, manual processes, lack of coordination among border authorities and complex and inefficient rules and procedures.
The EAC Secretariat has partnered with UNCTAD to assist, with the financial support of TMEA, EAC Member States efforts to comply with, and benefit from, the provisions of the TFA through a Trade Facilitation Programme. One of the Programme’s key objectives is to increase the transparency of trade procedures by supporting the establishment of national Trade Information Portals (TIP). TIPs are currently being installed in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda while the TIP will be implemented on a larger scale at a later stage in Burundi and South Sudan.
Once they are fully operational under the supervision of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), TIPs are expected to provide trade operators with all the necessary regulatory and practical information on import, export and transit procedures, and governments with a powerful tool to simplify procedures and to support improved national trade facilitation policies.
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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.
