The Training of Trainers Workshop on Small Hydropower Development organized by the East African Community (EAC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) concluded on 22nd December 2016 at the Blue Pearl Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The 30th November, 2016 to 21st December, 2016 workshop commissioned to the University of Dar es Salaam, College of Engineering, and Technology to carry out a Training of Trainers, covered training of fifteen tertiary Institutions from EAC Partner States, curriculum development and development of online platform to facilitate sharing of information as well as experience among small hydropower development stakeholders in East Africa.
The overall objective of the workshop was to enhance technical capacity for Small Hydropower Development in East African in order to increase access to electricity in the region and ensure there is a pool of people able to carry out operation as well as maintenance of small hydropower project.
Addressing the participants of the workshop during the official closing session, the Head of Cooperation from the Italian Embassy, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Mr Fabio Gigantino said, “ People of East Africa need affordable and reliable energy, produced in a sustainable manner”
Mr. Fabio Gigantino, who represented the Italian Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania disclosed to the participants that among all renewable sources, small hydropower can be duly held as one of the most promising for sustainable water and energy development.
He noted that small hydropower development can provide needed energy services in a sustainable manner in the East African Countries. The East African Community may become a pacesetter in Africa also in this filed, added the Mr. Fabio Gigantino.
“Let me assure you that the Italian government will make all the necessary efforts to support Small Hydropower Development in East African”.
In his part the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sector, Hon Christophe Bazivamo said development of small hydropower projects is important in the region because it is necessary for solving the problem of electricity access and also because it brings with number of benefits and opportunities for the East African Community.
He disclosed to the participants that EAC has vast potential for small hydropower according to the scoping study carried out by the EAC with the support from EU Energy Initiative Partnership Dialogue Facility (EUEI PDF), the potential for small hydropower in the EAC region is estimated at 4,097MW scattered in over 750 sites.
The EAC official informed the participants that the programme for small hydropower development is one among others that the EAC is undertaking. In the electricity sector, the region is implementing a Power Master Plan, which outlines priority generation and transmission projects for meeting the region electricity demand over the next twenty-five years, added Deputy Secretary General.
“I am please to inform you that a number of major generation and transmission projects are under implementation with the region expected to have its power system interconnected by 2020 to facilitate regional power trade.’’
Speaking at the same occasion, Acting Head of Energy Division, at the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Rashid Abdallah assured the participants that the African Union Commission is supporting the African Member States and the Region Economic Communities to strengthen and accelerate effective governance and regulatory reforms promoting management practices that will increase competition and attract private investments in the development of the energy sector.
On his part, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, University of Dar es Salaam, Prof.Cuthbert Kimambo said despite the fact that the region is endowed with various energy resources most of which have not been well developed. He called for the region to take advantage of the various energy resources available to enhance access to modern energy services through renewable and sustainable solution.
The Training of Trainers Workshop on Small Hydropower Development funded by Italian government saw 12 participants from EAC Partner States who participated in the workshop being awarded certificate for completing the programme.
At the close of business today Friday 16th December, 2016, the offices of the EAC Organs and Institutions will be closed to allow the staff to be with their Families to rest and rejuvenate during the End/New Year Festive Seasons. The Offices will re-open on 9th January 2017. A skeleton staff will remain behind to run the offices.
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko has sent a message of congratulations to all staff of the Organs and Institutions for their dedication during the year 2016. At the same time, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko is commiserating with all those who had problems of one kind or another in the course of the year, and, in particular, expresses his most heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their loved ones.
“As a result of your strong commitment, passion and dedication to the regional integration agenda, we have witnessed a lot of developments and achievements at individual and corporate levels”, notes Amb. Mfumukeko.
The Secretary General notes that several reforms, which he instituted in the Organs and Institutions aimed at cost reduction in the EAC projects and programmes early this year, were already showing positive developments. He says EAC has reduced its travel expenditures by 28% between May and November 2016, compared to 23% between May and November 2015.
The travel expenditure during May-November 2015 was US$ 9,905,244, and the same expenditure during May-November 2016 is US$ 7,160,279, making a saving of approximately US$ 2.75m.
On behalf of the EAC Organs and Institutions, the Secretary General wishes all a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year!
A regional consultative meeting to finalize draft EAC Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Bill is ongoing in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting, which was convened by the EAC Secretariat and the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, is being attended by Partner States’ experts in trade, agriculture, health, livestock, food security, standards, legal, regional integration, and other stake holders.
Presiding over the opening session, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in-charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, highlighted the growing importance of sanitary and phytosanitary measures and noted that SPS had become an important topic of debate in international trade as well as regional integration.
Hon. Bazivamo informed the participants that the fundamental importance of SPS matters is linked mainly to Agriculture and trade in agricultural products, which is the mainstay of the economies of EAC Partner States. The EAC official acknowledged that agricultural trade continues to represent a notable portion of intra-EAC total trade flows and that there was enormous potential to increase and urged the EAC Partner States to adequately address and enforce issues around SPS measures and standards.
Taking stock of the progress, Hon. Bazivamo commended the EAC Secretariat, Partner States and non-state actors for the progress made and milestones reached in 2016. He noted that following adoption of the SPS Protocol in 2013; a strong foundation for supporting implementation of the Protocol had been laid. This includes finalization of SPS measures and setting in motion the process of developing SPS Bill. The SPS Bill is expected to facilitate effective implementation and enforcement of the SPS Protocol in the entire Community.
Hon. Bazivamo commended USAID East Africa Office for their sustained efforts in supporting Regional Integration and USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub for supporting the EAC SPS agenda.
A Seminar themed Implementing the African Union (AU) Declaration on Land: The Role of Regional Economic Communities, organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was held on 7th December 2016 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The seminar was held back to back to Sessions of the Ordinary Meeting of the African Union (AU)/UNECA Land Policy Initiative (LPI) Steering Committee that met on 6th December 2016. Prior to the LPI Steering Committee meeting, an experts planning and review meeting was held in the same venue from 4th - 5th December 2016.
All the meetings were hosted by the EAC and marked the first meetings of LPI Implementing Partners and Steering Committee in the EAC as a Regional Economic Community (REC).
The seminar, which was attended by officials from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, African Union Commission, Land Policy Initiative Secretariat, and the EAC Secretariat, aimed at raising awareness on the AU agenda on land and the mandate of the RECs/EAC in this regard; and draw lessons from existing LPI/REC partnerships for possible consideration to enhance technical and financial support to implement AU Declaration on Land, by the Community.
Addressing participants at the official opening of the meeting, the EAC Director of Productive Sectors, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, commended the ongoing continental efforts to ensure successful implementation of the LPI and informed the delegates that under the regional integration process, the EAC Partner States had taken initiatives to develop land Policies and Acts with the view to address land challenges in the region. He said land problems including access and ownership were presenting challenging situations in the region.
At regional level, the Director noted that land issues were being addressed as part of natural resources in general under Chapter 19 of the EAC Treaty where Partner States agreed to take concerted measures to foster cooperation in the joint and efficient management and sustainable utilization of natural resources within the Community, and to harmonize their laws and policies on Natural Resources Management.
On her part, the Director of Agriculture from African Union Commission, Dr. Janet Edeme, informed the delegates that the Land Policy Initiative was established in 2006 as a joint initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
She said the AU Heads of State and Government, through a Declaration on Land Issues and Challenges in Africa, during the Thirteenth Assembly of the African Union, in Sirte, Libya, in July 2009, launched the Framework and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa.
“The AU Declaration on Land Issues and Challenges calls on RECs to appropriately capture and address issues of land policies within their respective common frameworks. Two broad expected outputs from RECs are Land mainstreamed in REC programs and plans; and Land mainstreamed in National Governments Plans and Strategies”, affirmed the AUC Director of Agriculture.
The Chief of LPI Secretariat, Dr. Joan Kagwanja, highlighted progress made in implementing the Land Policy Initiative in support of efforts to mainstream land governance in key African institutions. Dr. Joan Kagwanja disclosed that the LPI Secretariat was ready to support EAC in implementing the LPI, particularly through capacity building in mainstreaming of Land in EAC projects and programmes.
LPI Secretariat further pledged to support the EAC Secretariat in different aspects including undertaking more assessments to understand the land issues in the EAC Partner States and to develop areas that need harmonization, operationalization and establishment of a monitoring framework for mutual recognition agreement for Land Surveyors and Land Valuers, and support to Partner States in completing the land registration and establishment of efficient land administration systems which is very key in the management of conflicts over land and its associated natural resources.
Parliament of Uganda are the new champions of football. Uganda beat Parliament of Burundi 7-6 in penalties a scintillating final played at the Mbaraki Sports Ground, over the weekend.
Both teams drew 0-0 in regular time leading to the taking of spot kicks to decide the winner. Even the regular five a piece did not decide the winner with each side losing a spot-kick. Eventually, Hon Peter Ogwang’s sudden death spot kick beat the Burundi keeper, Hon Ibrahim Uwizeye to give Parliament of Uganda the trophy, they last won in 2014.
Both played displayed total attacking football with attacks and counter-attacks, the mainstay of the game. Uganda came close to scoring in the second-half but star striker, Muhammad Nsereko chipped the ball over the bar with the Burundi Goalkeeper well beaten.
In netball, 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 men’s Volleyball, Parliament of Kenya dethroned former Champions, Parliament of Rwanda 2 sets to 0 (30-28 and 25-20).Parliament of Uganda took third place after dispatching EALA.
In women’s volleyball, Parliament of Rwanda were declared champions after defeating Parliament of Kenya 2 sets to 0 (25-19 and 25-19). Parliament of Tanzania clinched the third place after beating EALA 2 sets to 0 (25-9 and 25-12).
Parliament of Uganda were declared the best overall team. Parliament of Uganda also took the tug of War titles in both men and women’s categories while Parliament of Burundi were awarded for been the most disciplined team in the entire tournament
Parliament of Kenya also bagged the golf trophy while Hon Peter Mathuki of EALA was feted for being the best golfer.
A High Level Dialogue between the officials of the East African Community and the Development Partners concluded on 6th December 2016, in Dar es salaam, Tanzania, with the Development Partners commending the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko for his outstanding work and commitment in enhancing efficiency of EAC processes and procedures through introduction of reforms.
At the dialogue, held at the official residence of the Norwegian Ambassador to United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Hanne-Marie Kaarstad, the Development Partners expressed renewed confidence in EAC with UK, Canada, France and Turkey committing to resume contributions to the EAC through the Partnership Fund in the next financial year.
The Secretary General was accompanied by Hon. Christophe Bavizamo, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors; Hon. Jesca Eriyo, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration; and other Senior Officers from the EAC Secretariat.
Prior to the dialogue, the Secretary General met and held discussions with H.E. Hanne-Marie Kaarstad, the Norwegian Ambassador, who is also the Chair of the Partnership Fund High Level Committee. Their discussions revolved around the future of the Partnership Fund including the succession of the Partnership Fund Chairmanship and recruitment of a dedicated Manager for the Fund. She expressed her appreciation for the outstanding work the Secretary General had exhibited since he took over the leadership of the Community. H.E. Hanne-Marie has been the Chair of the Committee for the last 3 years and will be completing her term on 31st December 2016.
On the same day, the Secretary General held a series of meetings with several Development Partners in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to update them on the regional integration agenda and discuss possibilities of further collaboration.
EAC – EU cooperation
The Secretary General met the Head of European Delegation to United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Amb. Roeland van de Geer to discuss the EAC – EU cooperation, specifically the implementation of Euro 85 Million allocated under EDF 11.
EAC-Turkish Cooperation
The Secretary General met H.E. Yasemin Eralp, the Turkish Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania. During the meeting, the Secretary General urged the Turkish government to consider identifying areas of potential cooperation with EAC. The Turkish Ambassador on her part expressed her Government’s interest to contribute to the Partnership Fund, and collaborate with EAC in areas of Trade, Investment, and Agriculture.
EAC- Germany Cooperation
The Secretary General and H.E. Egon Kochanke, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Republic of Tanzania, signed a EURO 7 Million with the Federal Republic of Germany to support Pandemic Preparedness in the EAC Region and the establishment of an Academic Center for Digital Innovation in East Africa. This is the second Agreement between EAC and the Government of Germany this financial year. On 23rd November EAC signed a EURO 40 Million agreement with the Federal Republic of Germany and KfW Development Bank to support immunization programmes in the EAC and operations of the Regional Laboratory Network for Communicable Diseases.
EAC-China Cooperation
The Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko met the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Lu Youqing. During the meeting, the Secretary General appreciated the contribution by the Chinese Government to the ongoing Inter-Burundi Dialogue. He acknowledged receipt of US$ 200,000 in the EAC Secretariat’s accounts as support to the Office of the Facilitator of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue. The Chinese Ambassador reiterated his Government’s commitment to supporting EAC in the investment, Industry and Environment and Wildlife Conservation. The People’s Republic of China also expressed interest to enter into a unilateral Free Trade Area Agreement with EAC and it was ready to commence discussions with the EAC towards this end.
The Federal Republic of Germany and the East African Community (EAC) on Tuesday, December 6th, 2016, signed a Government Agreement of 7 million euros. The Secretary-General of the East African Community Ambassador Liberat Mfumukeko signed on behalf of the Community while His Excellency Egon Kochanke, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Republic of Tanzania and also accredited to the East African Community signed on behalf the Germany Government.
3 million euros in technical assistance will be invested in strengthening the pandemic preparedness of the region. The project will support the operationalization of the EAC Regional Contingency Plan and a regional risk and crisis communication strategy.
4 million euros in technical assistance will be invested in an Academic Center for Digital Innovation. The project will support the set-up of a State of the Art Master programme focusing on embedded and mobile systems at an East African University, supporting the development of a skilled labor force in East Africa.
The projects will be implemented by the GIZ, the German International Cooperation Agency.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, thanked the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for its support to the EAC.
‘’We have truly benefited from the German support which has catalysed other development Partners to support our projects and programmes,” said Amb. Mfumukeko.
H.E. Egon Kochanke, Ambassador said: “Our support underlines that Germany wishes to further strengthen the long-standing and deep relationship it maintains with the East African Community in order to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of its citizens”.
Accompanying Ambassador Kochanke was the Country Director of GIZ, Dr. Regine Qualmannand, the Deputy Head of the GIZ Program at the EAC Dr. Kirsten Focken as well as Councellor of the Embassy, Mrs Lena Thiede. Others at the function were EAC Deputy Secretary General Finance and Administration, Hon Jesca Eriyo and Deputy Secretary Productive and Social Sector Hon. Christophe Bazivamo.
Since cooperation began in 1998 the total volume of German support to the EAC amounts to over 240 million euro.
GIZ is providing services worldwide in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ has over 17,000 staff in over 130 countries, headquarters are in Bonn and Eschborn/ Germany.
The ongoing migration of people to Europe is evidence that African countries have failed to implement policies that could yield benefits to their citizens.
The East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General (DSG) in charge of Infrastructure and Planning, Dr. Enos Bukuku, said that poverty-stricken refugees were willing to risk their precious lives to cross the Mediterranean and face other risks knowing they could get a better life in Europe.
Dr. Bukuku said the migration provides an opportunity for African leaders, elites and governments to ask themselves pertinent questions on why the continent continues to score poorly on all development indicators.
The DSG said it was ironical that many African countries were at the same level of economic growth with most economies in South East Asia in the 1960s yet the latter had become part of the 20 largest economies in the world even as their African counterparts continue to lag behind in development.
Dr. Bukuku was speaking when he presided over the official opening of the 3rd Stakeholders Meeting on the Sub-Regional Coordination Mechanism (SRCM) for Eastern and Southern Africa at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The main aim of the two-day SRCM is to bring together UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Sub-Regional Offices, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs) and UN agencies in order to identify opportunities for joint planning and programme implementation at the sub-regional level and thereby effectively support the work and priorities of the RECs and IGOs in the regions.
Among the RECs and IGOs represented at the meeting are the EAC, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Commission. Other organizations with representatives at the meeting are the African Union, United Nations Development Programme, International Labour Organisation, International Organization for Migration, NEPAD, and the Port Management Association for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Speaking at the forum, Mr. Maxwell Mkumba, the SADC Senior Policy Director and Technical Coordinator, on behalf of the SADC Executive Secretary and SRCM outgoing Chair, Dr. Stergomena L. Tax, emphasized the importance of aligning RECs and IGOs key flagship initiatives with the AU Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“We also need to discuss and agree on effective instruments to strengthen our collaboration, synergies and coherence that are necessary to ensure AU Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are effectively mainstreamed into the regional and national development plans,” said Mr. Mkumba.
Mr. Mkumba said that the SRCM had recorded significant achievements over the past one year when SADC held the position of Chair and cited the development of the Draft Addendum to the Business Plan and the study on the mapping of the SRCM stakeholders.
“However, we can do better than this if we are able to improve on our joint programming processes, allow for more regular interactions and effective information sharing and communication, as well as well as urgently deal with challenges around resourcing of programme implementation,” he said.
“Peoples of the regions we represent are looking up to initiatives like the SRCM to address development challenges, including poverty eradication. The SRCM should serve as the excellent mechanism for achieving sustainable development,” he added.
In her remarks, the UNECA Deputy Executive Secretary, Ms. Gionvanie Biha, said the SRCM was a relatively new and evolving mechanism that needs to be embraced and nurtured by all stakeholders, most of whom were still on a learning mode.
Ms. Biha urged UN agencies to use the SRCM as a platform for sharing information and knowledge and building on synergies and complementarities to support regional priorities, adding that leadership by RECs was key to the success of the mechanism.
The 7th Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament kicked off in Mombasa, Kenya with a bang with legislators starting the busy day on a sure footing, winning a good number of the track and field events.
In Athletics, Parliament of Kenya’s Hon Wesley Korir hit the finish in the 400 metres dash beating Parliament of Uganda’s Hon Gota to second place while compatriot, Hon Dr Victor Munyaka scooped third place. In the women’s category, Parliament of Uganda’s Hon Maureen Osoro was the toast of the team beating Hon Christine Ayo while Parliament of Tanzainia’s Hon Esther Matiko who came third.
Hon Maureen Osoro proved too good scooping the 800 Women’s run yet again beating Tanzania’s Hon Esther Matiko. Youthful legislator, Hon Ann Adeke from Uganda came third. In the Men’s category, Hon Wesley Korir, a former Boston Marathon Champion, once gain got his name on the medal chart, crossing the line ahead of former athlete, Hon Julius Acon of Uganda and Hon Kisoi Munyao of Kenya.
Team Kenya also did well scooping the 400 x 1 relay with Hon Dan Wanyama, Hon Kanini Kega, Hon David Ochieng and Senator Isaac Melly starring in the race.
The walking race was also won by Kenya’s Hon Wesley Korir.
In men’s tug of war, Parliament of Uganda were declared champions after beating Kenya 2-1 in a pulsating final. Parliament of Uganda started off well beating Kenya 2 pulls -1 pull and Tanzania 2 pulls to zero to book a date yet with Parliament of Kenya.
Parliament of Kenya on its part were the stronger side beating Parliament of Tanzania, 2 pulls to zero.
In the women’s category, Parliament of Kenya proved to be superior beating Tanzania 2 pulls to zero. However, in the second match, Tanzania beat EALA by two pulls to zero.
Earlier on, the week-long extravaganza was preceded by a Pre-Tournament Conference opened by the Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega East African Legislative Assembly.
The Speaker reiterated the importance of the Games saying it enhanced inclusiveness and bonding.
“Beyond interface as Parliaments, the Inter-Parliamentary Games further enhance interaction with the citizenry of the Partner States and act as a mode of sensitization by popularizing the Integration process. Sports is key for the integration of the region as enshrined in Article 119 which anticipates the promotion and enhancement of diverse sports activities”, Speaker Kidega noted.
Sport he remarked, similarly plays a vital role in building social inclusion in the region, as an engine of shared experience and empowering citizens to develop friendships. Sporting activities create greater sense of belonging, increase in confidence levels and strengthening of Community capacity.
The Speaker called on the Partner States to promote sports, tourism by investing in more budgets. The theme of the Pre-Tournament Conference; “Uniting East Africans, One People, One Destiny,” was called to enhance bonding ahead of the Games.
Senator of Mombasa, Hassan Omar said sports was key in integration. He said there was need for common identities, justice and common standards including adherence to human rights. He said the integration pillars would only be realized if there was total commitment from all Partner States.
The Governor of Mombasa, Hassan Ali Joho, said there were clear values stipulated in the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC on the reasons for coming together. He said the integration systems needs to be anchored on economic, social and cultural values as well.
“Let us ensure the Community is people-centred and private sector driven”, Governor Joho said.
The Governor called for the fast uptake of Kiswahili as the official language of the Community.
The Chair of the EAC Joint Planning Committee, Hon Saoli Ole Nkanae also addressed the Conference.
Another key presentation was made by the Senior Monitoring Evaluation Officer, Julius Burungi who said significant progress had been made at the EAC, the challenges notwithstanding.
The presenter said all stakeholders need to be involved in the integration of the region. He cited lack of awareness and funding as some of the challenges the Community is facing.
Leaders of the delegations, Hon Bakabulindi Charles, Minister of State for Sports (Uganda), Hon William Ngeleja (Parliament of Tanzania), Hon Kalisa Evariste (Parliament of Rwanda) and Hon Dennis Karera (Burundi National Assembly) addressed the Pre-Tournament Conference.
EALA Member, Hon Abubakar Zein called on the legislators to embrace fair play and discipline as the games proceed. He maintained that there was need for etiquette and adherence to decorum, rules of conduct and courtesy as the games proceed.
Hon Zein said fair play as well as sportsmanship/sportswomanship were key attributes in the entire tournament.
In attendance were representatives of the Kenya Ports Authority and the Aga Khan University.
The Italian Government has appointed Counsellor Roberto Mengoni as Italy’s Permanent Representative to the East African Community.
The Envoy (Roberto Mengoni), who is also the Italian Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, presented his letter of accreditation signed by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Paolo Gentiloni, to the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, today at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
Welcoming Amb. Mengoni to the EAC Headquarters, the Secretary General commended the Italian Government and people for showing interest in furthering the existing cooperation between Italy and the Community.
Amb. Mfumukeko briefed the Envoy on the key millstones recorded in integration process and pledged to link up the envoy with the the East African Business Council through which Italian investors could explore available opportunities.
On his part, Amb. Mengoni commended the EAC Secretariat for spearheading the integration agenda and highlighted a few areas that the Italian Government was interested in supporting the EAC, especially the Renewable Energy sector. He disclosed that his government was pushing for a policy change on Africa that will see a more robust engagement with the continent and the EAC.
Amb. Mfumukekeko and his guest also discussed also the status of negotiations of the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and the Inter-Burundi dialogue. With regard to the Inter-Burundi Dialogue, Amb. Mengoni hailed the efforts of the Facilitator, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, and the EAC Secretariat in spearheading the process and called upon all the parties and stakeholders to give peace a chance in Burundi.
Also present at the ceremony was the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo.
