East African Court of Justice; Tanzania; 26 May 2017:
The East African Court of Justice mid-year plenary and strategic plan meeting is set for 29th May 2017, in Entebbe, Uganda, and will be officiated by the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, His Lordship, Bert Katurebe,. The Plenary for the Judges of the Court is a forum that brings together all the Judges, to carry out the planning as well as review the implementation of the previous activities, achievements and challenges of the Court on an annual basis. The Plenary also reviews the Rules of Procedure for the Court and makes amendments where necessary to suit all the operations of the Court and to include new developments.
On the plenary agenda, the Court will deliberate on various items that will include; reports from the Judge President, Principal Judge, and the Registrar; progress reports on EACJ 2016/2020; EACJ Administration of Justice Act, 2017; EACJ Administration and Financial Autonomy; proposed draft Terms of Reference for various Committees of the Court; report from the Rules Committee; (draft Code of Conduct); and proposed amendments to EACJ Rules of Procedure.
The Court also will embark on the development of the 2nd EACJ 5-year Strategic Plan 2016-2020, as well as review the achievements of the previous one (2010- 2015), to enable the Court achieve its goals and objectives.
The strategic plan will help identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Court, thereby providing an insight to the future. It is hoped that the strategy will build upon strengths and take advantage of the opportunities while overcoming and minimizing the effects of weaknesses and threats.
The meeting will also bring in the participation of a consultant and staff of the Court who will work towards the transformation of EACJ through implementation of the strategy. The strategic analysis plan is part of the efforts the court is making to define its own specific integral role in EAC integration process.
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For more information, please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo Registrar East African Court of Justice Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 2162149 mail: Okubo [at] eachq.org www.eacj.org
About the East African Court of Justice:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
East African Legislative Assembly; Arusha, Tanzania; 25 May 2017:
The EAC today presented for consideration Budget estimates for the Financial Year 2017/2018, totaling $110,130,183 to the East African Legislative Assembly Sitting in Arusha. Uganda’s State Minister for EAC, Hon Julius Maganda, presented the Budget Speech to an attentive House on behalf of the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC, Uganda and Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Dr. Ali Kirunda Kivenjija.
The 2017/2018 Budget themed: “Accelerating Implementation of the EAC Integration Agenda” is a step-up from $101,374,589 presented to the House in the previous Financial Year. The Budget speech prioritizes on the consolidation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) to cover all imports and intra-EAC traded goods, infrastructure development in the region and further liberalization of free movement of skilled labour across the Partner States.
Other key areas Hon Maganda said, include enhancement of regional industrial development through investment in key priority sectors and improvement of agricultural productivity with an aim to enhancing food security. Also of essence is the promotion of regional peace, security and good governance, on the one side and institutional transformation to spearhead the Community’s agenda on the other.
The Budget is allocated to the Organs and Institutions of the EAC as follows; East African Community Secretariat ($60, 183, 201), East African Legislative Assembly ($17, 996, 959) and the East African Court of Justice ($4,140,166).
The Inter-University Council for East Africa shall receive ($6,766,928), Lake Victoria
Basin Commission ($11,960,643) while $ 2,466,655 is earmarked for the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization. On their part, the East African Science and Technology Commission shall receive ($ 1,500, 164), East African Kiswahili Commission ($ 1,553,098) and the East African Health Research Commission ($ 2,225,324). The East African Competition Authority is to benefit from $1,337,045 in the Financial Year 2017/18.
The 2017/2018 Budget is to be financed by Partner State contributions through the Ministries of EAC Affairs ($50,226,522); Ministries responsible for Education – ($ 4,848,431) and Ministries responsible for Fisheries ($ 1, 549,254). Development Partners will support the Community to the tune of ($52, 868,638) while Member Universities will inject in to the kitty $ 303, 435. The miscellaneous revenue is pegged at $ 333,903.
The Minister cited a number of assumptions on which this year’s budget is pegged on to include the continued and consolidated political support of the EAC integration and the availability of adequate financial resources and remittances. Political stability and good governance as well as safe and stable security across the region are other areas of consideration.
The Minister informed the House of challenges the Community will have to address. “Mr. Speaker, the key anticipated challenges during the implementation of Community programmes and projects may include: persistent delays in remittance of funds from Partner States and Development Partners and limited financial resources (overall budget declining yet the demand is increasing on the Community to deliver more services to East Africans), occasioned by reduced support from Development Partners”, the Minister said.
“Delayed harmonization of national laws that impact on the implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and understaffing, which is seriously impacting on effectiveness and efficiency in implementation of projects and programmes are other challenges, we need to address”, the Minister added.
The Minister however reiterated mitigation strategies to address the challenges. “Mr. Speaker, the Community will closely follow-up on the remittances by Partner States to facilitate timely implementation of programmes and implement the institutional review as per the directive of the 17th Summit of the Heads of State,” he said.
The EAC Political Federation is yet another key priority area on the agenda in the coming Financial Year. In a bid to promote good governance, the EAC will dispatch Election Observer Missions to observe general elections in the Republic of Kenya and Republic of Rwanda in August 2017. The Minister also affirmed that the Community will continue to hold the annual EAC University Debates. The debates which lead to the appointment of the Youth Ambassadors have been critical in promoting the agenda of integration among the University student community.
On Peace and security, the Minister succinctly called for measures to ensure effective policing to counter terrorism and crime.
“The success of the EAC integration process must be supported by a predictable security environment. During the reporting period, the Peace and Security sector continued regular consultations towards joint action against Terrorism and other transnational and cross border organized crimes. The next Financial Year will see Standing Operating Procedures in Policing function developed as well as operationalization of the Police Regional Centres of Excellence in the Partner States”, he said.
On the global economic performance outlook, the Minister informed the House the global economy had expanded by 2.9 % in 2016 compared to a revised growth of 3.1% in 2015. The slowed growth was occasioned by constrained global trade, subdued investment and heightened policy uncertainty associated with the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) and elections in the United States of America (USA).
“The real GDP in the EAC is estimated to have grown by 6.1% compared to 5.8 % growth recorded in 2015. The growth was largely supported by investment in public infrastructure, buoyant private consumption and low oil prices. Tanzania recorded the highest real GDP growth in the region, expanding by 7.2% in 2016, compared to a growth of 7.0 % in 2015. Kenya and Uganda recorded improved economic performance of 5.8 % and 4.8 % respectively in 2016, compared to 5.7 and 4.8 % in 2015. Rwanda recorded a decelerated growth of 6.0 % compared to 6.9 % in 2015. Real GDP in Burundi contracted by 0.5 % in 2016 compared to a contraction of 4.0% in 2015,” he said.
The Minister highlighted a number of achievements registered in the Financial Year 2016/2017, notably, the upscaling of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) through finalisation of operational instruments of the business manuals, deployment of SCT Monitoring and Evaluation tools and deployment of staff in some Partner States.
Hon Maganda maintained the consolidation of the Customs Union remained a key priority during the period under review. The operationalization of the Single Customs Territory, the establishment of One Stop Border Posts and the development of the regional Customs instruments underpinned the drive to promote conducive trade and investment in the region.
Following the successes registered during the initial stages of the Single Customs Territory, the roll out of goods cleared under the Single Customs Territory was expanded both on the Northern and Central Corridors.
On legislation, the Minister informed the House the One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) Act was fully assented to and gazetted for its commencement. The OSBP Regulations were finalized by the Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Affairs and adopted during the 35th Meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The Chair of the Council of Ministers further stated that the EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Bill (NTB), 2015, passed by EALA was undergoing assent and would spur business and enhance the free movement aspects. The United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Uganda have assented to the Act. The Act, according to Hon Maganda, has been sent to remaining Partner States for assent.
The EAC Non-tariff Barriers (NTBs) Act is expected to address outstanding NTBs in the EAC Time Bound Programme (TBP) in pursuit of promotion of Intra-EAC Trade and to curtail the proliferation of NTBs in the region. According to Hon Maganda, the status of NTBs in EAC region as at the end of December 2016, indicated that sixteen (16) NTBs are unresolved, four (4) new NTBs had been reported, and one hundred and thirteen (113) NTBs had been cumulatively resolved since 2009.
The Minister informed the House the Secretariat was undertaking the acquisition of Infrastructure to support the payment and settlement systems in the region. He said a number of payment systems had been procured with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Minister said automated clearing house systems (ACHs) to accommodate cheque truncation system for National Bank of Rwanda was in place with disaster recovery sites and business continuity infrastructure for Central Bank of Kenya, National Bank of Rwanda and Bank of Tanzania now secured.
“At the same time, an upgrade of the large value payment system-UNISS is ongoing in Uganda and the bidding documents for the upgrade of Central Bank of Kenya and Bank of Tanzania large value systems have been submitted to AfDB for consideration and approval”, he added.
Hon Maganda said bids to procure and implement disaster recovery and business continuity infrastructure equipment for Bank of the Republic of Burundi were successfully evaluated and the contract to for SWIFT connectivity to enable the Burundi integrate to the East African Payment System (EAPS) signed in March 2016.
On Infrastructure, the Minister informed the House of the completion in May 2017 of the 90 Km long Taveta – Mwatate road, itself, a part of the multinational Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi road.
In addition, the Minister said feasibility studies and detailed designs of two key links for the Republics of Rwanda and Burundi to the Central Corridor commenced in April, 2016.
“One project is the 250-km long Nyakanazi – Kasulu – Manyovu road in Tanzania linking to the 78-km long Rumonge –Bujumbura road in Burundi. The other is the 92-km long Lusahunga – Rusumo road in Tanzania linking to the 70-km long Kayonza – Kigali road in Rwanda” Hon Maganda said.
On railways, the Minister informed the House of the near completion of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway line in Kenya, adding that its inauguration was scheduled for June, 2017. Similarly, construction of the new Standard Gauge Railway of the Kampala-Malaba section in Uganda, is expected to commence during FY 2017/18. For the Central Corridor, the construction of the Dar-es-Salam-Morogoro section commenced in April, 2017.
On agriculture and food security, the EAC is strongly committed to support implementation of the June 2014, African Heads of State Malabo Declaration on Agriculture Growth and Transformation in Africa.
The Minister remarked the 34th Council of Ministers had adopted the EAC Food and Nutrition Security Policy and the EAC Livestock policy. “The process of developing an implementation strategy for the food and nutrition security policy has commenced, whereas the development of the implementation strategy for the livestock policy will commence in the early days of the new financial year”, he added.
On energy, the Minister remarked that all efforts were underway to increase production and to reduce costs, saying it was expensive in the region.
“Energy in EAC region remains expensive with a regional average cost of 15US Cents at the grid three times higher than 5 US cents in Ethiopia. He remarked that shared hydropower plants and interconnectors were some of the initiatives been used to reduce costs”, he said.
The Minister informed the House of implementation of projects under the Power Master Plan, which had raised the region’s installed capacity from 4,635MW in 2015 to 4,893.3MW in 2016, against a peak demand of 3,587.3MW in 2016 for the interconnected system.
The Minister also presented the priorities for the Tourism and Wildlife sector to include exploring innovative ways to brand EAC as a Single Tourist Destination and development of more diverse promotional materials. He further remarked that the region would be undertaking awareness programmes and other initiatives geared towards full implementation of the Single Tourist Visa by all Partner States.
In the area of EAC Health Systems and Health Policies Harmonization and Integration, the Council had in the financial year 2016/17, approved and officially launched several documents including the EAC Regional Health Policy (2016) and the EAC Health Sector Strategic Plan (2015-2020).
In order to strengthen the Monetary Union, the Minister said the Council will initiate Bills to establish, key EAC Institutions. He outlined them as the East African Monetary Institute Bill, 2017 and The EAC Statistics Bureau Bill, 2017 to establish the EAC Statistics Bureau.
The House is next week expected to debate on the presented Budget.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 25 May 2017:
The EAC Secretariat, the Government of Burundi and other EAC Partner States are finalizing preparations for the 8th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE’17) set to be held in Bujumbura, Burundi from 7th to 9th June 2017.
The three-day conference themed "East Africa - An Emerging Hotspot for Oil and Gas Exploration, Infrastructure Development and Commercialization" will bring together top players in the oil and gas sector as well as policy and decision makers from the region to dialogue on the potential that lies within the region while sharing information on the status of development of the sector in each Partner State.
EAPCE’17 will include an exhibition where investors, enterprises, researchers and academia will collectively showcase new products and services as well as exhibit the latest advances in the exploitation of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
The Conference programme also integrates field excursions to selected sites in each Partner State for participants to see the rich geological variety that the region possesses as well as the touristic attractions that the region is well known for.
H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi, has been invited to grace the official opening ceremony of the Conference.
Other high level dignitaries expected to attend the Conference include Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko, the EAC Secretary General as well as line Ministers and heads of the respective Agencies from all EAC Partner States, who shall engage stakeholders on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking ahead of the Conference, the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Libérat Mfumukeko said the Conference provides unique networking opportunities with government, private sector, regional organizations, academia, technology developers, investors and civil society.
“Recent discoveries of oil and gas in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in addition to the existing oil industry in South Sudan have positioned East Africa as the world’s most promising frontier for petroleum exploration and development,” added Amb. Mfumukeko.
The Secretary General said the EAC Partner State shall share their policy, legal and regulatory frameworks and other initiatives aimed at continually improving the enabling environment in the sector.
EAPCE’17 is taking place at the peak of EAC's transforming into a Common Market. This transformation is geared towards providing great opportunities for business and investment in all sectors as the single market provides for free movement of goods, capital and services within the region.
EAPCE’17 will among others address the following critical issues:
Exploration and development in the East African Rift and Coastal Basins as well as Deep water and Inland Basins;
Commercialization of discovered oil and gas resources from field development, reservoir management and data management;
Local content in Africa and how it is likely to impact the future development of the petroleum sector;
The latest technological advancements in the petroleum sector; and
The balance needed between environmental management and the development of the petroleum value chain.
Registration for participation at the Conference closes on 6th June 2017. For more information on EAPCE’17, visit the conference website: www.eapce17.eac.int
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Notes to Editor:
The EAC has been holding the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE) biennially since 2003 to promote exploration, development and production of oil and gas. The main objective of the Conference and Exhibition is to promote investment in the oil and gas sector by demonstrating to the world the potential that lies within the region and sharing information on the status of development of the sector in each Partner State.
The Conference offers a wide range of technical presentations reflecting developments in the oil and gas industry in East Africa and around the world. The Conference provides a forum for discussing the legal and policy framework and the overall business environment prevailing in the region. It gives stakeholders in the oil and gas sector an opportunity to interact with EAC senior government officials and decision makers.
The Conference integrates an exhibition and field excursions that have become a popular feature of the Conference, attracting more and more participants with each successive Conference.
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 Secretariat; Kigali, Rwanda; 24 May 2017:
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Rt. Hon Anastase Murekezi said the EAC Member States, need to continue working as one team by harmonising policies that will boost the manufacturing sector in the region.
Rt. Hon Murekezi who was the chief guest at the official opening of the 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition (EAMBS 2017) at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda said ‘’The Collective action and harmonised policies will help the region to manage the consequences of economic growth as we work to stimulate the manufacturing sector”.
He disclosed to the summit that to date, the average contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP of EAC is about 10%. It is planned that this contribution will reach 25% by 2032. It is also expected that by the same year 2032, EAC will have diversified the manufacturing base and raised the value of the local content of manufactured exports to at least 40% from the currently estimated value of 8%.
To be able to achieve these targets, EAC must focus on full implementation of the Common Market Protocol as well as on value addition for export products. Therefore, the EAC Industrialization Strategy and its Action Plan cannot simply be shelved documents. They must guide all our policy actions and deliver results, said Prime Minister
The Prime Minister also urged the region to promote Intra- African Trade by deepening Africa’s market Integration and significantly increasing the volumes of trade that African Countries undertake among themselves. ‘’As EAC Partner States, we should embrace the COMESA, EAC and SADC Tripartite Agenda which will open up a much wider market for our goods’’
Rt. Hon Murekezi reiterated the importance of the Private Sector as the engine of the transformation in manufacturing sector and called for all participants attending 2nd East African Manufacturing and Business Summit to use their experience and skills to advise EAC on how our region can better engage with the Private Sector to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
In his part, Rwanda Minister of Trade, Industry and EAC Affairs, Hon François Kanimba informed the participants that EAC Industrialisation Policy provide an avenue to promote the competitiveness of the modern industrial sector by placing strength on diversifying manufacturing base, improving capacity, developing a strong Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) manufacturing sector and boosting exports of manufactured goods.
“I believe that this is the right time for stronger partnerships to be forged amongst various partners especially among the public and private sectors and member states but also the EAC and our fellow Regional Economic Communities. Let us therefore seize this moment and translate the political will prevailing in the EAC region into tangible results. ‘’
Addressing the same occasion, the EAC Secretary General, Amb Liberat Mfumukeko said that the region have the geographical and comparative advantage in terms of resource endowments in form of minerals, oils, gases and agricultural commodities, which are the key ingredients for manufacturing. We are also creating competitive advantage by developing infrastructure i.e. our road network; railway network; sea and lake ports; air transport and Information and Communications Technology, added Amb Mfumukeko.
The Secretary General called for private sector to steadfastly work with the government of EAC Partner States to identify industrial sectors where targeted support is required so as to unlock their growth and developmental potential. He urged the Partner States government to be keen in creating enabling environment for competitive investment in the region.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, called for sustainable investment in an integrated manner in the region and noted that EAC was the gateway for Africa. Dr Kituyi said the region needs to model itself to the realities of the market; otherwise it will be left behind on the global market.
The Executive Director of the East African Business Council Ms. Lilian Awinja said for the region to become a middle income economy, or even to achieve Industrialization by year 2032, the manufacturing sector should be given the due attention it deserves, in terms of setting up a conducive environment for the manufacturing sector to continue to grow, prosper and become competitive within and outside the region.
She called for the EAC region to formulate Regional Local Content Policy with the aim of boosting the domestic value-add in the region.
Over 300 top executives in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors, high-ranking policy and decision makers, as well as leading financial institutions from Africa and beyond are participating in the 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition themed ‘’Harnessing the Manufacturing Potential for Sustainable Economic Growth in East Africa ‘’
The EAMBS 2017 is being organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the East African Business Council, the host Government of Rwanda and other EAC Partner States with the support of Development Partners.
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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; Tanzania; 19 May 2017:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) holds its sitting in Arusha, Tanzania, next week. The Sixth Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, May 22nd, 2017 to Thursday, June 1st, 2017.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega, shall preside over the Sitting. Significantly, this is the last Sitting for the 3rd Assembly, whose life and tenure ends on June 4th, 2017.
A number of issues are to be deliberated on at this Sitting. The key highlights include the reading of the EAC Budget Speech for the Financial Year 2017/18 and consideration of 2 key Bills, the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill, 2016 and the EAC Polythene and Materials Control Bill, 2016.
The Budget Speech for the Financial Year 2017/18, is expected to be delivered by the Council of Ministers on Thursday, May 25th, 2017, by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers. Last Year in June, EALA debated and passed the 2016/17 Budget totaling $101,374,589. The 2016/2017 Budget themed Towards Full Implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and Enhancing the Implementation of the Monetary Union Protocol was a drop down from USD $110,660,098 presented to the House in the previous Financial Year. It prioritized on the full implementation of the EAC Single Customs Territory, enhanced implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol and interconnectivity of border immigration systems.
This Sitting shall also debate on the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016. The Bill moved by Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo, anticipates provision of legal framework for matters relating to sexual and reproductive health, to protect children, adolescents and young children from sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation.
The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 on its part, moved by Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, aims at providing a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene materials. The Bill was re-introduced during the Sitting held in August 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Session marks the end of the 3rd Assembly with a new Assembly expected to be sworn in on June 4th, 2017. EALA is the regional Legislative Assembly of the East African Community. Under Chapter 9 of the Treaty, EALA is mandated with core functions of Legislation, approval of the EAC budget, 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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 17 May 2017:
The EAC Secretariat, East African Business Council, the Government of Rwanda and other Partner States are finalizing preparations for the 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition (EAMBS) to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from 23rd to 25th May, 2017.
Over 300 top executives in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors, high-ranking policy and decision makers, as well as leading financial institutions from Africa and beyond have already confirmed their participation.
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, has been invited to grace the official opening ceremony of the Summit.
Other high level dignitaries expected to attend include: Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the EAC Secretary General; as well as line Ministers from all EAC Partner States, who shall engage the private sector on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
Dr. Reginald Mengi, the Executive Chairman of the IPP Media Group Tanzania (Ltd), Mr. Ali Mufuruki, Chairman & CEO, Infotech Investment Group LTD, Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga, CEO, Kenya Association of Manufacturers are among the private sector heavyweights who have confirmed their participation in the Summit.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, the EAC Deputy Secretary General, in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, said the EAMBS offers an important platform for governments in the region to engage the private sector on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.
“The private sector, on its part, is expected to use the Summit to advocate for the acceleration of industrial reforms aimed at improving the investment climate in the EAC strategic sectors,” added Hon Bazivamo.
Hon. Bazivamo said that the EAC region has already identified strategic areas for industrial development in the region that bear comparative advantages and where significant private sector investment is needed to unlock potentials.
Hon Bazivamo disclosed that the EAMBS would put a special emphasis on the role of diaspora investors and will come up with special provisions on how they can be attracted to invest in the region.
The 2nd EAMBS will among other comprise the following sessions:
Manufacturing in the EAC Region, Public and Private Sector perspective;
The EAC Treaty and its’ protocols, objectives vis-à-vis reality;
Long-Term and Innovative Financing for the Manufacturing Sector & the Participation of the Diaspora;
The Role of EAC Governments in Promoting Local Content with a focus on Iron, Steel, Mining and Construction Materials;
High level dialogue on the Manufacturing—Trade nexus in the EAC;
Improved Competitiveness through skills and innovation;
Partners Roundtable /Financing to support Industrialization; and
Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: “Growing EAC’s nascent pharmaceutical industry.
The EAMBS is being organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the East African Business Council, the host Government of Rwanda and other EAC Partner States with the support of Development Partners.
Registration
For further Information or Registration Attendance, Exhibition or Sponsorship please contact:
Mrs. Angelika Farhan-Reimpell, Business Development Manager, East Africa Business Council (EABC) afarhan[at]eabc-online.com and manufacturingsummit[at]eabc-online.com)
OR
Ms. Jennifer Gache, Senior Industrial Engineer, EAC Secretariat gache[at]eachq.org
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 17 May 2017:
The European Union (EU) will continue to offer its assistance, to the best of its abilities, to the East African Community (EAC).
The Head of the EU Delegation to Tanzania and the EAC, Amb. Roeland Van de Geer, said that over the seven year period from 2014 to 2020, the EU and the EAC were addressing key challenges in East Africa by jointly implementing an ambitious development programme through the 85 million Euro 11th European Development Fund.
Amb. Van de Geer further said that, in addition, EU Member states were also making available considerable amounts in development support to the EAC.
“However important aid may be, trade and investment are crucial for a better future for all East Africans,” said the envoy.
Amb. Van de Geer said the EU would continue to partner with the EAC in development cooperation and the promotion of peace, security and democracy in the East African region.
He noted that the two blocs had witnessed increased cooperation over the past two decades, adding that the wide ranging cooperation would continue in the political, economic and developmental fields.
Amb. Van de Geer was addressing guests during a cocktail event to mark the Europe Day 2017 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
He acknowledged that despite many years of unprecedented economic growth, Europe today suffers from serious economic difficulties.
“Difficult as the times may be, our Union, built on solidarity and on the strong commitment to peace and development, see these tough times as an opportunity for change, improvement and reform. Our collective European response is a new level of joint economic governance intended to speed up economic recovery, thus contributing to global improvement,” he said, adding that there was a silver lining to these challenges.
“Europe is not turning inwards; on the contrary, the current situation calls for well-coordinated and determined international action and narrow cooperation with our partners worldwide, in Asia, the Americas, Oceania and certainly also in Africa, the continent to which Europe feels so closely connected,” said Amb. Van de Geer.
In his remarks, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said that the EU provides good lessons to the EAC on the integration journey.
Amb. Mfumukeko said the EAC was particularly keen to learn from the EU on how it had managed crises such as war, poverty and disease over the years.
The event was attended by EAC staff, the business community and members of the diplomatic community in Arusha.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 16 May 2017:
The 18th Ordinary East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit has been set for the 20th May, 2017, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Top on the agenda is the consideration of EU-EAC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and Sustainable Financing Mechanism for the Community. The Summit will also consider the status of the EAC Political Federation, the appointment of a Deputy Secretary General from the Tanzania, the appointment of a Judge from South Sudan to the First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice.
The Summit will also receive a report on the roadmap for the accelerated integration of South Sudan into the EAC, and consider progress report on the implementation framework for the EAC Institutional Review.
Also on the agenda are: a progress report on the verification exercise for the admission of the Republic of Somalia into the EAC; a report on the modalities for promotion of motor vehicle assembly in the region and to reduce the importation of used motor vehicles from outside the Community, and; a report on the review on the textile and leather sector with a view to phasing out importation of used textiles and footwear.
The Summit will consider assenting to Bills passed by the East African Legislative Assembly and will also present awards to the winners of the EAC Students Essay, 2016. The Summit will also declare the transformation of the EAC into a Common Higher Education Area.
The Summit is being preceded by the 34th Extraordinary Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers that is currently underway at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel from today 16th to 18th May, 2017.
Media Alert
All Local and Foreign Journalists intending to cover the 34th Extraordinary Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers and the 18th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State are alerted that the Accreditation Process will be done at the Maelezo offices (Tanzania Information Services-TIS) in Dar es Salaam, 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.
East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 15 May 2017:
The Tripartite Task Force Infrastructure Sub-Committee meeting to consider progress of projects and programmes under the Infrastructure Pillar of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA) concluded on 12th May, 2017 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The two-day meeting chaired by the Director of Infrastructure at the EAC Secretariat, Dr Kamugisha Kazaura was attended by the representative from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the host EAC.
Delivering his opening remarks on behalf of the Secretary General, Dr Kazaura, appreciated the support from the EU for funding the Tripartite Transport and Transit Facilitation Project (TTTFP) from the EDF 11 funding cycle for the next five years. The support will go a long way in facilitating harmonization of the transport standards, regulatory frameworks and specifications in the Eastern and Southern African Region.
The representative of SADC, Mr. Lovemore Bingandadi, thanked the EAC for convening the meeting and reiterated SADC’s commitment to work with COMESA and EAC to accelerate the implementation of the Tripartite Infrastructure programmes.
On his part, Mr. Bernard Dzawanda from COMESA, pledged to work with the other RECs in the implementation of the Tripartite Infrastructure programmes. He lauded the EAC for enacting regional legislation that made it easier for Partner States to implement regional policies and standards and called for replication of the practice across all Tripartite RECs.
The meeting discussed the progress in the implementation of the Tripartite Infrastructure Projects and Programmes in the areas of Tripartite Transport and Facilitation Programme, Corridors Infrastructure Development, Civil Aviation, Maritime Transport, Ports, ICT and Energy. The Tripartite RECs and Member States have developed Tripartite Transport and Transit Facilitation Programme (TTTFP) which has received funding amounting to 18 million Euros under the 11th EDF.
Implementation of the programme is expected to commence in July 2017. It was noted that the lack of an integrated and liberalized road transport market in the East and Southern African (EA-SA) region poses numerous obstacles to trade by causing severe delays and increased transport costs, as well as challenges to road safety and durability. This programme (which builds on previous REC programs) addresses these challenges through the implementation of harmonized road transport policies, laws, regulations, systems and standards that affect drivers, loads, vehicles and road infrastructure in the countries of the EA-SA region.
All REC’s forming the Tripartite have prioritized the development of corridors to facilitate transit transport and expand trade within and between the respective regions.
In the Civil Aviation Sub Sector, the meeting noted that the Tripartite is currently playing the key role in the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision and establishment of a single African Air Transport Market as adopted by the African Union Assembly in January 2015. The full liberalization in the Tripartite region will lead to the removal of all restrictions on access, price, frequency and capacity in intra-African Air Transport market, free exercise of the first five freedom rights and the reduction of Air Transport Cost.
The report of the Tripartite Task force Infrastructure Sub-Committee meeting will be considered by the Tripartite Sectoral Committee of Ministers of Infrastructure (TSCMI) scheduled in July 2017.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 09 May 2017:
East African Community Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko has sent a message of condolence to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli, following the demise of 35 people including 32 students in a road accident near Arusha last Saturday.
In his message, Amb. Mfumukeko on behalf of the EAC and on his own behalf expressed his heartfelt condolences to the President, the bereaved families, relatives and friends of those who perished in the accident, the Government and the people of Tanzania.
Amb. Mfumukeko said it was unfortunate the students and their teachers met their untimely end while in the noble pursuit of knowledge.
The Secretary General said the Community would continue to work together with all Partner States to improve transport infrastructure and road safety throughout the region.
“The entire East African Community and I share with Your Excellency, the bereaved families, the Government and the people of Tanzania, the feelings of great loss at this moment of sorrow. May God rest the souls of the departed in eternal peace.”
The 32 pupils of Lucky Vincent English-Medium School in Arusha, their two teachers and the driver of the bus died when the vehicle crashed into a roadside gorge along the Arusha-Karatu road on Saturday morning.
A national funeral was held for the deceased persons at the Sheikh Abeid Karume Stadium in Arusha on Monday. The government delegation at the funeral was headed by Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
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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.
