The EAC has made significant strides in advancing economic integration, including in the healthcare sector. This was demonstrated through recent engagements, from 3 to 5 December 2024, with representatives from the State of Hesse, Germany, during the 5th German African Business Summit (GABS) 2024 in Nairobi, the largest German business event in Africa.
A delegation led by Minister Manfred Pentz, comprising the State Chancellery officials, pharmaceuticals, and private sector representatives from Hesse, engaged with EAC counterparts from the EAC Secretariat, the East African Business Council, Partner States regulatory authorities, and the pharmaceutical industry to explore collaborations in the pharmaceutical sector.
The focus was on addressing East Africa’s healthcare challenges, including the recurrent Mpox outbreak, by enhancing local pharmaceutical production. Events such as a business-to-business breakfast and roundtable provided platforms for high-level discussions on joint procurement of medicines, local manufacturing, and sustainable supply chains.
Africa imports 99% of its vaccines and a significant portion of medical products, leading to high costs and unequal access, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Mpox outbreak. Highlighting this context, Mr. Adrian Njau, Ag. Executive Director of the East African Business Council emphasised the potential for partnerships to strengthen local pharmaceutical production and foster technology transfer.
Minister Pentz reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between Germany and East Africa, stating that “jointly, we can foster collaboration in healthcare and other sectors to improve living conditions and enhance knowledge transfer across continents.”
From his side, Mr Jean Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors, EAC Secretariat, welcomed the concrete opportunities for collaboration to support the sector, highlighting that “We are cognisant that the pharmaceutical sector forms a cornerstone of our public healthcare, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for our citizens.”
Presentations by the Africa CDC and EAC Secretariat outlined initiatives to enhance pooled procurement, aiming to reduce costs and improve access to essential medicines. GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, highlighted the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), an initiative funded by Germany and other international partners to boost local vaccine production and reduce dependency on global suppliers. Additionally, insights from Rwanda’s efforts to build local pharmaceutical production capacities in partnership with Germany were shared by GIZ expert.
A key outcome of the discussions was the decision to continue dialogue between German pharmaceutical companies and EAC stakeholders to identify investment opportunities that strengthen local production and supply chains. This commitment was supported by the State Chancellery of Hesse, which pledged to facilitate follow-up engagements. A field visit to pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi provided delegates with practical insights into regional manufacturing capabilities.
The EAC Secretary General, H.E. Veronica M. Nduva, represented at the GABS, emphasised the importance of strategic EAC-Germany partnerships. She noted the region’s progress over 25 years in creating a single market and economic community of over 300 million people while stressing the need for technology transfer, innovative solutions, and intensified partnerships to adequately address healthcare challenges in the region.
Minister Pentz also reiterated the importance of both political and economic cooperation and further praised the EAC as a strategic partner in its progress in regional integration.
The GABS 2024, which brought together 900 participants from 30 African countries, emphasised strengthening Germany-Africa economic ties. The EAC emerged as a pivotal partner in shaping the continent’s healthcare landscape, underscoring the mutual benefits of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and enhancing regional resilience.
Find more information on GIZ support to the EAC Health Sector here. 
Find more information on GIZ support to pharmaceuticals here.