On 8 November 2024, the EAC, the East African Youth Ambassadors’ Platform, and the East African Youth Network, with the support of GIZ’s LIFTED project co-funded by the EU, convened the East African Youth Forum to review the EAC Youth Policy. Held at the East African Legislative Assembly Chamber as part of the YouLead Summit 2024, the forum welcomed over 200 youth leaders and policymakers, among other stakeholders, to promote youth engagement in policy development and regional integration under the theme, **_“Empowering Youth Voices for the Future of the East African Community”_** 

The forum highlighted youth contributions to shaping a responsive, future-orientated EAC policy, aligning it with the region’s vision for inclusive growth and integration. During the forum, EAC representatives, Ms. Generose Minani, Principal Gender and Community Development Officer, and Mr David Onen, Principal Political Affairs Officer, urged the youth to proactively engage at all levels on this process and ensure that the refined policy reflects their aspirations.

In her remarks, Ms Violet Ayoub, President of the East African Youth Network, emphasised that this was a profound opportunity to address the needs, challenges, and ambitions of the youth and define responsive and impactful strategies.

![4.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/4_6194814cdc.jpg)

On her part, Ms. Neema Bwaira, representative of the European Union Delegation in Tanzania, noted that the forum was not just about identifying gaps but about seizing opportunities to align youth policy with global, continental, and national frameworks like the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that the youth are equipped to compete, innovate, and thrive on a global stage.

From GIZ’s perspective, Mr. Marius Weist, Component Lead, Organisation Development and Outreach, highlighted that GIZ, through LIFTED, provides opportunities for youth engagement in the policy development process, adding that a [regional hackathon](https://www.eacgermany.org/news/call-for-applications-for-the-youth-and-women-innovations-to-enhance-east-africa-s-economic-integration-giz) has been organised for women and youth to contribute to solving regional economic challenges.

![2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/2_d3258c7e6c.jpg)

Concluding the discussions, key recommendations to the EAC Secretariat and Partner States were highlighted to inform policy implementation. These include integrating environment conservation and climate change action, mental health, urban agroecology, illegal immigration, and food security issues as part of the new policy. Additionally, the establishment of a youth trade desk at the Secretariat and the Ministries of EAC Affairs, i.e., to improve access to information.

As the EAC celebrates its 25 years of progress, it remains committed to creating an inclusive environment where youth play a central role in shaping regional integration. 

Find more information on LIFTED [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/leveraging-integration-frameworks-for-trade-in-services-and-cs-os-in-the-eac-lifted-giz).


Empowering East African Community Youth Voices – Review of the EAC Youth Policy (GIZ)

The Innovators Sprint Up Programme, an initiative under the dSkills@EA project, is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape for East African youth. With its reach spanning the EAC Partner States Burundi, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda—the programme has empowered over 1,000 young people, equipping university students and graduates with essential skills to scale their innovations and to attract potential investors to support their initiatives.

Driven by the need to enhance digital skills and create employment opportunities, the three-month incubation programme immersed participants in robust training workshops as well as mentorship and coaching sessions led by experienced professionals, including successful founders and venture capitalists.

Further, participants engaged in hands-on modules covering topics like design thinking, business model canvas, marketing, financial planning, and investor readiness, providing them with practical exposure. “The marketing module has made me visualise my business from a more detailed perspective,” shares Derick Kainan Omona from Uganda, reflecting on the programme's profound impact on his approach to business.

This initiative not only addresses the skill gap but also fosters an enabling environment for business growth, ensuring that young innovators can effectively navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and gain access to the innovation ecosystem network. Moreover, it equips them to address local challenges and contribute to their communities.

![collage 3.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/collage_3_97d554b6d9.jpg)

At the heart of the programme were the National Pitch Competitions held in the EAC Partner States, where young innovators presented their ideas and solutions before a panel of potential investors and industry experts, who evaluated their business models, scalability, and community impact. According to research, startups that engage in pitching competitions often secure funding, with about 90% of those who pitch successfully obtaining investment within a year.

The national pitch competitions kicked off on 26 September 2024, being implemented across seven EAC Partner States, providing the platform to showcase the best viable and scalable innovations from the top 11 young innovators. From Uganda to Tanzania, these events highlighted innovations addressing health, i.e., software platforms for early breast cancer detection, agriculture and eco-initiatives, food security, sustainability, and more, with winners like Kirabo Zeridah Sarah and Natukunda Amanda Ethol in Uganda, Branice Otiende in Rwanda, and Tanzania’s Ibrahim Msangi leading in impactful initiatives.

Victor Materanya, Director General Umoja Sarl from DRC, appreciates this opportunity presented to young innovators like himself, sharing that “I have gained valuable insights into commercialising and marketing my business, and I am confident it will play a role in reducing unemployment in my country and beyond.”

These competitions are not only contests; they are transformative experiences, where participants have received critical feedback and established connections with investors and industry leaders.

![ISP collage.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/ISP_collage_ce9a44de3f.jpg)

Following the national competitions, the programme's top two winners from each Partner State will participate in a regional innovation tour, the grand finale, in Kenya and Rwanda, where they will be exposed to regional markets, connect with industry leaders, ideate with fellow entrepreneurs, and explore successful business models. This tour serves as a powerful platform to broaden their entrepreneurial perspectives, encouraging a collaborative vision that transcends national boundaries.

The success of the Innovators Sprint Up Programme is grounded in collaboration, with strategic support and partnerships with Entrepreneur Support Organizations in the region like the E4Impact Foundation and the Association of Startups and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK), as well as with universities across the region, including the Universities of Rwanda, Lubumbashi, and Juba. This collaboration fosters a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that links academia with the industry.

To further enhance a vibrant ecosystem, jointly implemented by GIZ and the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) as part of the German Development Cooperation’s commitment to EAC regional integration, the initiative collaborates with entities such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), and other GIZ projects in Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi, who are committed to empowering young people, innovations, and digital transformation in the region.

“Addressing the critical skills gap in innovation for young people in the region is very crucial for promoting digital transformation.” Noted Julia Schappert, Head of the Digital Transformation Center Tanzania.

![Julia ISP.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Julia_ISP_223ad1d3c1.jpg)

To date, the programme has empowered over 2,000 young people, building on a similar successful initiative in 2022, strengthening East Africa’s future through entrepreneurship and innovation. The Innovators Sprint Up Programme continues to lay the groundwork for a future defined by young, impactful, and innovation-driven entrepreneurs across the region. 

Find more information on the dSkills@EA project [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/digital-skills-for-an-innovative-east-african-industry). 

Accelerating Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship in East Africa: The dSkills@EA Innovators Sprint Up Programme (GIZ)


From 11 to 22 November 2024, the East African Community (EAC), through its joint Lake Victoria Basin – Integrated Water Resources Management Project, supported by GIZ, is poised to participate in the COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

This collaboration exemplifies GIZ's commitment to reinforcing East Africa’s resilience to the effects of climate change, promoting sustainable development, improving natural resource management and amplifying the region’s capacity to engage on a global stage.

The core objective of this partnership is to secure international support in addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change, facilitating sustainable growth, and promoting environmental stewardship. By aligning East Africa’s climate priorities, this collaboration seeks to elevate the EAC’s voice, advocate for necessary resources, and implement climate actions that resonate across sectors and communities in the region.

At COP 29, the EAC, with GIZ’s support, will align its agenda with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC’s) thematic areas, emphasising essential aspects of climate action. Key thematic areas include:

- **Adaptation, including loss and damage:** highlighting the urgent need to build adaptive capacities that mitigate irreversible impacts, particularly those of food security and livelihoods.
- **Integrated and holistic approaches:** emphasising the importance of cross-sectoral strategies that combine mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development to create a robust climate resilience framework for the region.
- **Means of Implementation and Support:** advocating for finance mobilisation, technology transfer, and capacity-building mechanisms needed to implement effective climate solutions.
- **Mitigation, including response measures:** highlighting commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across sectors like agriculture, energy, and transportation, with a focus on sustainable development and energy access.
- **UNFCCC-related procedural topics:** addressing legal and collaborative aspects that ensure effective implementation of international climate agreements.

To advocate for East Africa’s climate priorities, the EAC has crafted messages that bring attention to the region’s unique needs and challenges:

**Elevate recognition of regional climate challenges:** emphasise the critical need for global recognition of East Africa’s distinct vulnerabilities, including water scarcity, land degradation, and agricultural impacts, calling for targeted support.

**Advocate for increased climate finance:** urge for equitable access to financial resources to bolster EA’s resilience efforts. Such funding is essential to drive adaptation initiatives, enhance infrastructure, and support sustainable development.

**Foster technology transfer and capacity building:** Highlight the importance of strengthening regional capacity through technology sharing and skills building initiatives, enabling EA to adopt impactful, long-term climate solutions.

**Strengthening partnerships and collaborative efforts:** Encourage alliances that align with EAC climate goals, promote coordinated action across various sectors, and enhance the region’s ability to tackle climate challenges collaboratively.

**Promote a unified regional strategy:** advocate for a cohesive approach that consolidates the voices of EAC Partner States, ensuring East Africa’s perspectives are effectively represented on the international climate forums.

In line with the above messages, GIZ’s partnership with the EAC strengthens East Africa’s climate resilience by building institutional capacity, mobilising resources, and promoting a unified regional strategy. Through targeted technical and financial support, GIZ enables the EAC to consolidate Partner States’ climate priorities, ensuring East Africa’s challenges are effectively represented in global climate negotiations. This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnership in facing global climate challenges, as it amplifies East Africa’s voice, advocates for critical resources, and champions sustainable development. Together, the EAC and GIZ are paving the way toward a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future for the region. Find more information on LVBC-IWRM [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/environment-and-natural-resources). 

Strengthening East Africa's Climate Resilience and Action: EAC and GIZ Unite for COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan (GIZ)

For the first time, the East African Community (EAC) is operationalising its Rapidly Deployable Expert (RDE) Pool in response to an international public health emergency due to the spreading Mpox virus disease outbreak. EAC Partner States such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Burundi are particularly affected, with the DRC reporting over 7,000 confirmed cases by end of October 2024, around 40% of them among children under 15.

To support health efforts in the DRC and Burundi, today, 01 November 2024, the EAC Secretariat is deploying skilled regional emergency experts through three joint deployments with the German Epidemic Preparedness Team (SEEG) over the next six months. The official flagging-off of the EAC RDE Pool is led by the EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica Nduva, and Marcus von Essen, Head of the East Africa Division at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in the presence of the Ambassador of Burundi and Government representatives from the DRC, as well as an RDE Pool expert representatives.

The deployments for the Mpox outbreak follow a formal request from the Provincial Ministry of Health of South Kivu Province, DRC, to the SEEG, to support a series of deployments in the region, implemented in collaboration with the EAC RDE pool. This deployment builds on an initial SEEG mission in June 2024, focusing on infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to respond to Ebola and Mpox Virus Disease outbreaks, which highlighted critical needs for IPC trainings and supply gaps in IPC commodities for healthcare facilities at regional level.

During the upcoming deployments, experts will deliver critical training on IPC measures, as well as risk communication strategies and laboratory diagnosis, to enhance the capacities of health workers’ and local communities’ response to Mpox outbreaks. A training-of-trainer’s approach will further amplify the knowledge within local health facilities. In addition, these efforts will address shortages in critical medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring communities and healthcare providers are better prepared to manage the outbreak.

![Image (27).jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Image_27_31339c1633.jpg)

The EAC region has long faced recurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases, including Ebola, Marburg, Measles, Bird Flu, and COVID-19, all of which threaten the health, livelihoods, and economic stability of the region. To enhance preparedness and response, the EAC established the RDE Pool following the 18th EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health's approval in 2019 (EAC/SC/Health/18/Decision 08). The pool aims to ensure a timely, coordinated, and multidisciplinary response to disease outbreaks, in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR).

Lessons from the West Africa Ebola outbreak (2014-2015) underscored the need for rapid and coordinated cross-border responses, leading to steps of operationalising the EAC RDE Pool. In June 2024, the EAC Secretariat, Partner States, Africa CDC, and WHO conducted a Tabletop Simulation Exercise (TTX) in Nairobi, Kenya, to test the deployment mechanism of the RDE Pool in coordination with continental and regional outbreak response frameworks. This exercise, supported by BMZ through GIZ and SEEG, informed the development of a roadmap for enhanced integration with Africa CDC’s AVoHC-SURGE initiative, promoting joint planning, deployment, and capacity building as a basis to formalise cooperation.

The ongoing Mpox outbreak, initially reported in eastern DRC, has since spread to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, posing a growing threat in light of concurrent outbreaks like the Marburg Virus Disease recently reported in Rwanda. Shortages in PPE, infection control measures, and limited laboratory capacity underscore the urgency of deploying the RDE Pool to assist in outbreak containment.

The RDE Pool, now consisting of over 140 experts from EAC Partner States, is set for expansion, marking a new era in EAC's health emergency response capabilities. Through these deployments, the EAC strengthens its collaboration with key partners to safeguard regional public health and support effective cross-border outbreak responses.

Speaking during the press conference, the EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica Nduva, said that infectious diseases have no boundaries with the EAC region exhibiting all the features for cross-border movement of diseases.

“This is a region that is known for continuous movement of people and goods, and where we are experiencing recurrent infectious disease outbreaks, often spreading from animal to humans,” said Hon. Nduva. 

![Image (28).jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Image_28_dcfd92a366.jpg)

“The ongoing public health emergency due to Mpox as well as the parallel outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the EAC reflect this. These outbreaks pose substantial challenges to our health systems and affect our economies and livelihoods more broadly,” she added. 

The Secretary General disclosed that the EAC and its Partner States have over several years built up preparedness and response capacities in collaboration with key technical and funding partners, adding that Germany had been a worthy partner in promoting better health initiatives across East Africa. 

“The EAC Expert Pool does not operate in isolation. Through our long-term collaboration with the Africa CDC, WHO, the German government, to name a few, we aim to create synergies that can enhance our collective efforts. We know that every outbreak requires a coordinated response,” she added. 

In partnership with the German Development Cooperation, the EAC Secretariat is advancing efforts to boost regional preparedness and response capacities for epidemics and pandemics.

"I am glad to witness this small but concrete output of our cooperation - lasting now for more than 25 years. From the first days onwards, we support the EAC in its mandate of regional economic integration. For which it is necessary that goods and people can cross borders smoothly, goods and people not diseases. As any pandemic outbreak is ignorant of borders, any response calls for regional cooperation. Hence, it is an important step that the EAC has set up and sends out trained health specialists of its Rapid Deployable Expert Pool today.", reiterated Marcus von Essen, the Head of Division for East Africa, BMZ.

![Image (26).jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Image_26_dfb2f3f26c.jpg)

Since 2016, BMZ, through KFW, has supported the establishment of 10 mobile labs across EAC Partner States. These labs, with an investment of approximately EUR 25 million, provide rapid diagnostic capacity essential for outbreak containment. They have proven instrumental during various disease crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Ebola outbreak in Uganda, and the 2023 Marburg outbreak in Tanzania. Currently, efforts are focused on laboratory testing capacities through the provision of diagnostic kits for Mpox and Marburg viruses and the deployment of mobile laboratories at key locations.

Additionally, BMZ, through GIZ, has enhanced the EAC’s risk and crisis communication at the regional level and established 43 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in border areas. These efforts include community awareness programs and trainings for health personnel at key locations, such as airports, border posts, and ports, to improve infection prevention and inform travelers, including EAC citizens and tourists, about health-related risks.

Find more information on the EAC-GIZ Pandemic Preparedness programme [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/support-to-pandemic-preparedness-in-the-eac-region-pan-prep). 


EAC Deploys Experts to Combat Mpox Outbreak (GIZ)

The EAC Secretariat in collaboration with GIZ through the LIFTED Project and East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum with financial support from the European Union is inviting applications for the East African Community Hackathon.

Designed to drive regional economic integration within the East African Community (EAC), the hackathon aims to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of women and youth Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from across the eight EAC Partner States. At its core, the hackathon will provide a platform for nurturing innovation and collaboration, empowering participants to devise, refine and elevate transformative projects that address critical barriers to regional trade in services. 

By focusing on key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, finance, ICT, logistics, and environmental management, the hackathon seeks to generate actionable and scalable solutions that will enhance the flow of services across borders, streamline economic cooperation, and foster inclusive growth within the region. Through the initiative, women and youth will be provided with a platform to showcase their ideas and will be equipped with tools, mentorship, and networks needed to turn these ideas into sustainable ventures that contribute to EAC's broader economic and social development goals. 

**Eligibility Criteria (What Solutions are we looking for?)**

The Hackathon is receiving applications from all the East Africa Partner States including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia who meet the following criteria:

- Must be Enterprises or Organizations registered in any of the EAC Partner states
- Must be innovative solutions addressing the East Africa Region Economic Challenges and integration issues that enable ease of movement of goods and services within the East Africa community
- Must be from a youth (between the age of 18-35 years old) or women founded enterprise or organization
- Must be solutions being implemented or have potential to be implemented in two or more Partner States
- Must be from or targeting any of these sectors: Tourism, Agriculture, Finance, Logistics, Communication, Digital Services and Environmental Conservation.
- If selected as a finalist, be available and committed to participate in all capacity enhancement sessions, the actual hackathon and final pitch events.

**Assessment Criteria**

Your innovative project will be assessed against the following Criteria:
- _Problem statement:_ Clearly researched and defined problem statement backed by credible evidence
- _Impact & Scalability:_ Applications should have a defined vision, target group and be able to demonstrate potential to solve the challenges or existing problems within the EAC
- _Novelty:_ Applications should demonstrate how their solutions and business models are innovative while being technically and technologically suitable and viable in the EAC market
- _Traction:_ Applications should be able to present evidence of feasibility and adoption by the target group within EAC
- _Financial Sustainability:_ Applications must demonstrate their ability to generate revenues and long-term potential for financial sustainability
- _Team:_ Applications should demonstrate diverse, non-discriminatory and inclusive team that is youth or women founded and led with the necessary skills to grow the enterprise

**Benefits**

- Grant funding of up to Euro 15,000 for each of the top 4 youth and 4 women led enterprises
- Pitching at the Regional EAC Youth Forum.
- Participation in the Training, Coaching, Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
- Opportunity to showcase and market the Innovative Solutions within the EAC

**Can you apply with more than one project or enterprise?**

•	Yes, you can submit as many applications as you wish if they are independent    innovations solving the regional integration challenges.

**Application process**

•	To apply, fill in the application form at [here](https://shorturl.at/yKR2H)
and submit on or before **21st November 2024**

For more information on the Hackathon and the application process, please send an email to: accelerator.kenya@e4impact.org


**About LIFTED**

LIFTED “Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC” is a project jointly co-financed by the European Union EU, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). LIFTED aims to increase EAC, continental and further bilateral trade with EU in Trade in Services and Civil Society engagement in the framework of the (AfCFTA) for people-centred EAC integration. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat.


Call for Applications for the Youth and Women Innovations to Enhance East Africa’s Economic Integration (GIZ)

From October 8 to 11, 2024, the EAC Partner States, with support from the EAC-GIZ Programme, gathered in Nairobi to validate the assessment report and regulatory framework on the One Network Area (ONA) initiative. This initiative aims to streamline communication across the EAC by harmonising roaming and traffic exchange for voice calls, SMS, and data. The goal is to foster regional integration and make communication more affordable.

ONA seeks to create a seamless telecommunications environment within the EAC, allowing users to communicate across borders without incurring extra charges. For instance, when someone roams in another EAC country, they will only pay local rates for calls and messages, significantly reducing costs.

To ensure the successful rollout of ONA, the Regulatory Framework incorporates a SWOT analysis that evaluates the current roaming and traffic exchange arrangements to identify strengths and weaknesses. It benchmarks with other regions, such as the European Union (EU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), on their regional and international direct dialling traffic interconnect arrangements to identify best practices. Further, the framework contains Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, ensuring high standards for roaming services and proposals for revenue assurance and protection against revenue loss and fraudulent activities in telecommunications.

![ona.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/ona_6c0ed6c58a.jpg)

 Imagine you're a business traveller, and you often travel within the region for business. Prior to ONA, if you received a call while roaming in another country, you would incur high charges. If a colleague from Kenya called you while you were in Uganda, you might have paid extra just to answer the call, along with additional costs for making calls and sending texts.

Now, with the new regulations under the ONA, specific cost caps for mobile communications within the EAC have been established:

**- Receiving Calls:** when receiving a call while roaming, there will be no charges reflected. Users, therefore, do not need to worry about additional costs.
**- Making Calls:** When making a call to someone in Rwanda, for example, you will pay a maximum of USD 0.10 per minute, including taxes.
**- Sending Texts:** If you send a text message, the maximum you will be required to pay is USD 0.027 per SMS.
**- Using Data:** If you need to use data to check emails or browse the internet, for example, your data charges are capped at USD 0.005 per MB. This makes it affordable for users to stay connected on the go.

ONA fosters a more connected East Africa; it makes it easier for individuals and businesses to connect, boosting economic activity, i.e., trade and investment in the region.

The EAC initially launched ONA for voice calls in January 2015, starting with Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. Recent additions include Tanzania and Burundi, which joined in July 2023 and August 2024, respectively. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia, as newer members of the community, are encouraged to adopt ONA to benefit their citizens and businesses.

The EAC One Network Area initiative marks a significant step toward greater connectivity and integration in East Africa. By harmonising telecommunications policies, the EAC aims to create a common market that benefits all its member states, paving the way for enhanced economic growth and social interactions across the region.

**Background:** 

Through the Support to East African Integration (SEAMPEC II) Programme, EAC-GIZ supports the advancement of the One Network Area to all Partner States and the development of regulatory frameworks/guidelines on mobile money, data, and voice call and SMS roaming in the Financial and Communication sectors with respect to the EAC Common Market Protocol.

Find more information on SEAMPEC II [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/projects/support-to-east-african-market-driven-and-people-centered-integration-seampec). 

Enhancing Connectivity in East Africa: The EAC One Network Area Initiative (GIZ)

On 4 November 2024, the Republic of South Sudan acceded to the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) of engineers, marking a significant milestone towards the movement of professional engineers in the East African Community. The MRA aims to streamline recognition of professional qualifications of engineers in the region, thereby paving the way for their cross-border mobility. 

The accession agreement was signed by the Registrar of the Engineering Council of South Sudan, the Engineers Board of Kenya, the Engineers Registration Board of Tanzania, the Engineers Registration Board of Uganda, and the Rwanda Engineering Council. The ceremony was witnessed by a representative of the Partner States, the EAC Secretariat and GIZ through DIGEAT & LIFTED initiatives supporting the EAC to facilitate the movement of professionals in the region in line with the Common Market Protocol. 

The Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community provides for the creation of a Common Market among the Partner States with free movement of labour, goods, services, capital, and the right of establishment. For this purpose, the Partner States are required to mutually recognize the academic and professional qualifications granted, experience obtained, requirements met, licenses, or certifications granted in other Partner States. 

![4.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/4_c8577a8b4f.jpg)

As an innovative step to breaking down barriers hindering the cross-border mobility of professionals in East Africa, the East African Community, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the European Union (EU) jointly developed the project Digitalisation for East African Trade and Integration (DIGEAT) and LIFTED. The two projects focus on the existing Mutual Recognition Agreement for engineers and aim to improve cross-border mobility regulatory frameworks as well as establish a digital data exchange mechanism to facilitate the recognition of qualifications of practicing engineers in the region. 

By enhancing the mobility of professionals, the MRAs are expected to facilitate transfer of knowledge and skills in the region and improve access to a wider pool of experts, thereby promoting quality and professionalism in the EAC region. 

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Dorcas Omukhulu, EAC Principal Education Officer underscored the need for the Competent Authorities in the 5 Partner States to ensure quality assurance of engineering professionals in the region.  

“I also in this vein call upon the Partner States’ whose competent Authorities have not acceded to the Engineers’ MRA to do so”. She added. 

Representing the Engineering MRA Coordination Committee in East Africa, Eng. Benard Kavishe, Chairman and Registrar of Engineers Registration Board of Tanzania observed that the decision was reached after comprehensive conformity assessment of the application by South Sudan, as guided by Article 11.3 of the MRA.    

“This historic event will further strengthen the region's engineering profession and facilitate the free movement of skilled engineers within the EAC, contributing to the overall development and economic growth of the region” he added 

![5.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/5_c7c52d189b.jpg)

In his remarks, Mr. Bjoern Richter, the EAC – GIZ Cluster Coordinator reflected on the GIZ support to the East African economic integration journey for the last 25 years. “GIZ is pleased to support the Engineering Boards of different Partner States to facilitate not just the ceremony but also the platforms for cross-border skilled labour and look forward to working with the engineering stakeholders in the region.” he said 

The accession of South Sudan to the MRA is a testament to the EAC's commitment to fostering regional cooperation and creating a vibrant and prosperous East African Community. 

**Backgound** 
 
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising eight Partner States: the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Federal Republic of Somalia. The EAC's mission is to promote sustainable development and regional integration through cooperation in various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and human development. 

LIFTED “Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC” is a project jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). LIFTED aims to increase EAC, continental, and further bilateral trade with the EU in Trade in Services and Civil Society engagement in the framework of the AfCFTA for people-centred EAC integration. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat. 

DIGEAT “Digitalisation for East African Trade and Integration is a project financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). DIGEAT focuses on the existing Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for engineers to establish a digital data exchange mechanism to facilitate the mutual recognition of practicing engineers in the region. The mechanism will later serve as the best practice for other regulated professions. 

The Republic of South Sudan Signs the EAC Mutual Recognition Agreement for Engineers, Advancing Cross-Border Mobility (GIZ)

From 24 to 26 September 2024, the EAC hosted a joint planning meeting at its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, bringing together key regional stakeholders, policy experts, and civil society representatives to review the Regional Strategy for Women in Business for Socio-Economic Development and the EAC Youth Policy.

Facilitated by the EAC Secretariat's Gender Department in collaboration with the EAC-GIZ CSOs component, under the LIFTED Project, the East African Civil Society Organization Forum (EACSOF), and the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP), the meeting marked a crucial step in the region's push for more inclusive growth towards empowering women and youth engagement in shaping policies that impact their futures.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Generose Minani, EAC’s Principal Gender and Community Development Officer, emphasised the importance of reviewing and updating the two policy documents in line with the directives from the Sectoral Council of Gender, Youth, Children, PWDs, Social Protection, and Community Development. She stressed that these policies need to address the changing dynamics of socio-economic development in the region and the challenges faced by women in business and youth to ensure they can meaningfully participate in the EAC integration process.

On her part, Ms. Joyce Kevin Kimaro, representing the EAC-GIZ CSO component, emphasised EAC-GIZ's support for women and youth in the EAC policy and decision-making process, including the review of the two policy documents. She encouraged all relevant stakeholders to contribute both technically and financially to the policy development process, following the roadmap developed and adopted by the meeting.

![IMG-20240925- 2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/IMG_20240925_2_eec7f0414c.jpg)

Representatives from various organisations, including the East African Business Council (EABC), Africa Youth Trust (AYT), East African Youth Network (EAYN), Vision4Youth, and East African Child Rights, were present to collaborate on the development of a comprehensive roadmap for policy updates. The roadmap focused on ensuring the policies reflect the needs and aspirations of women and youth while remaining consistent with the goals of the wider EAC integration agenda.

The team outlined key deliverables for the policy development process, discussed resource mobilisation approaches for execution, established a coordination committee to work alongside consultants, and set a schedule for future meetings to ensure consistent progress.

Moving forward, the meeting agreed that the EAC Secretariat should take the lead in coordinating stakeholder engagement and participation in the policy and strategy review. Further, it should convene another stakeholder meeting to review the EAC Gender Strategic Plan for Gender, Youth, Children, Persons with Disability, Social Protection, and Community Development, ensuring that the region’s development is truly inclusive.

Additionally, it was agreed that the regional committee will work on fundraising initiatives to supplement available resources for the review and implementation of the EAC Youth Policy and the Regional Strategy for Women in Business. This commitment to resource allocation reflects a long-term vision of sustainable and impactful policy change.

**About LIFTED**

LIFTED “Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC” is a project jointly co-financed by the European Union EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). LIFTED aims to increase EAC, continental, and further bilateral trade with the EU in Trade in Services and Civil Society engagement in the framework of the AfCFTA for people-centred EAC integration. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat.


EAC Convenes Key Stakeholders to Review Women and Youth Policies (GIZ)

On 30 September, the East African Community (EAC) and the European Union (EU) officially launched the EU-EAC Regional Co-creation Workshop on Digital Transformation in Arusha, Tanzania. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a human-centric approach to digital transformation in East Africa, leveraging technology and innovation to strengthen regional integration.

The two-day workshop, co-organised by the EAC Secretariat and the European Union and facilitated by the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub, marks a significant step towards shaping a digital economy package for East Africa. It brings together stakeholders from the EAC region, including delegates from all EAC Partner States, representatives from the Ministries of ICT and Cybersecurity Agencies, Ministries of Trade, Central Banks, e-Government Agencies and the EAC Secretariat. Additionally, the event includes participants from the European Union Delegation, as well as EU member states and their development agencies, such as GIZ, MFA/EstDev, and MFA/Expertise France.

As part of its digital transformation journey, the EAC initiated consultations with Partner States in 2022, further accelerating the momentum during the EAC Regional Digital Transformation Conference in October 2023. Held in collaboration with the European Union under a Team Europe Initiative, the conference identified seven strategic areas for engagement, aligned with the 6th EAC Development Strategy’s goal of fast-tracking digital transformation in East Africa. These priorities include; connectivity, data governance, e-governance/cybersecurity, e-commerce, ICT regulations, digital innovation, and digital skills. 

Based on these areas of engagement, a joint digital transformation roadmap was developed to guide the cooperation between EAC and Team Europe. Among the short-term actions proposed were initiatives to boost the data economy across borders as well as benchmarking and project development of green and secure data centres (data governance); establishing comprehensive electronic cross-border health services (e-governance/cybersecurity); development of systems to facilitate a cross-border e-payment system (e-commerce).

Building on these efforts, the EAC, with support from GIZ, developed the Digital Transformation Strategy, which has been agreed upon by Partner States and is expected to launch in November 2024. This co-creation workshop aims to review progress on digital development collaboration, support the formulation of the Safe Digital Boost for Africa (SDBA) initiative, and launch the appraisal process for a digital economy package tailored to East Africa. The SDBA initiative is expected to support the EAC in implementing the Digital Transformation Strategy.

![PHOTO-2024-09-30-11-38-57 (003).jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/PHOTO_2024_09_30_11_38_57_003_a210643b20.jpg)
_EAC DSG Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba and Mr Marc Stalmans, EU Head of Cooperation at the official opening of the EU-EAC Regional Co-creation Workshop on Digital Transformation. _

In her opening remarks, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba reflected on the EAC digital transformation journey, and the commitments made including developing the EAC Digital Transformation Strategy which has since been validated, laying a strong foundation for the Safe Digital Boost Africa (SDBA) Project.

 “This project is not just about technology; it is about the future success of our entire region. It represents a strategic move towards creating an interoperable regional digital market that will drive innovation, economic growth, and inclusive development. By fostering digital trade and integrating technology into key sectors such as e-commerce, data governance, and cybersecurity, we aim to transform lives across East Africa and create a competitive edge for our region in the global economy” she added. 
 
Speaking during the event, Marc Stalmans, EU Head of Cooperation, highlighted the success of previous engagements and the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting digital transformation in East Africa. "Today’s event follows last year’s EU-EAC Regional Conference on Digital Transformation, which launched our joint efforts toward an inclusive, human-centric digital transformation. The discussions led to a Digital Roadmap with key milestones, shaping the Safe Digital Boost for Africa initiative, a program we are proud to finance that will support digital economy activities in areas such as e-commerce, e-payments, e-governance, and cybersecurity," he said.

D4D Hub Deputy Coordinator for Africa, Hussein Jaffar, emphasized the role of the D4D Hub as a platform to identify synergies and support the co-creation of joint European initiatives based on extensive bilateral and multilateral cooperation experience between Africa, the EU and its Member States. “Coordinated and simultaneous action in key areas of digital transformation is crucial in a dynamic region with a fast growth in digitalisation,” he said.

The conference hosted deep dive sessions on e-Commerce & Payment, e-Governance, cybersecurity and national-regional inter-linkages. The sessions facilitated a co-design approach and brought out key recommendations in the areas for collaboration.

Find the press release on the EAC Website [here](https://www.eac.int/press-releases/3179-eac-eu-convene-a-digital-transformation-co-creation-to-accelerate-east-africa-s-digital-economy).

Find more information on German Development Cooperation [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/who-we-are/about-german-development-cooperation). 

EAC-EU Convene a Digital Transformation Co-creation Workshop to Accelerate East Africa's Digital Economy (GIZ)

On 24 September 2024, the EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva, among other global leaders, showcased their commitment to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) during a side event hosted by the International Peace Institute, the UN Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology, and the UN Development Programme in New York. Discussions held during the side event at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), emphasised the EAC's growing role in promoting DPI as a driver of sustainable development.

This follows the success of the East African Digital Leaders Forum on DPI, held in Kigali, Rwanda, in August 2024, which served as a key foundation for regional collaboration and knowledge exchange on advancing DPI in East Africa. The forum, hosted by the EAC Secretariat, the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and supported by GIZ, focused on the challenges and opportunities in implementing DPI. Discussions highlighted the critical role of DPI in digital transformation, emphasising regional collaboration, inclusivity, and safeguards to build a safe and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

Further, experts from the UN's Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology (OSET) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led sessions on DPI safeguards, discussing risks and strategies to ensure safe and inclusive digital infrastructures. Participants called for enhanced collaboration, interoperability, capacity building, and safeguards to protect human rights, privacy, and security. The forum concluded with a unified call to action for East African stakeholders to work together in realising the potential of DPI in the region.

![12.jpeg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/12_68300414c0.jpeg)
_Delegates at the East African Digital Leaders Forum on DPI, held in Kigali, Rwanda._

Now, at the UNGA 79 side event, EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva outlined the EAC's vision for DPI as a cornerstone of regional integration and inclusive development. She emphasised the potential of DPI to create jobs, drive economic growth, and empower women and youth. Rwandan Minister of ICT Paula Ingabire reinforced these points, advocating for collaboration, digital inclusion, and ethical governance to harness the full potential of DPI.

Additionally, Anna Herken, CEO of GIZ, highlighted DPI's role in advancing financial inclusion, noting that secure digital payment systems could enable participation in the digital economy for 1.4 billion people who lack access to banks and payment systems globally. She also projected that DPI could create 4.5 million jobs and generate $2.6 billion in economic growth in East Africa by 2030.

She stressed that GIZ’s approach to DPI development is rooted in understanding the local context and collaborating closely with partner countries, local communities, and digital ecosystems to tailor solutions that meet specific needs. Herken underscored the significance of coordination and cooperation among diverse stakeholders, drawing parallels with the successful development of M-Pesa, which required collaboration between telecom companies, banks, regulators, and the public. “GIZ's strategy involves providing technical assistance and capacity building to ensure the sustainability of DPI initiatives,” she added.

![DPI pic 2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/DPI_pic_2_d89583f931.jpg)
_EAC and GIZ Delegation at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)._

Other notable speakers included Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, who stressed the need for DPI safeguards to ensure trust and resilience in digital systems; Carla Montesi from the European Commission, who elaborated the EU's support for DPI initiatives through its Global Gateway strategy and partnerships with developing countries; and Amandeep Singh Gill, the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology, who highlighted DPI's role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They reinforced the importance of international cooperation, multistakeholder engagement, and continuous innovation in advancing DPI globally.

Despite the EAC's progress in implementing digital payment systems, digital IDs, and e-Government services, challenges such as interoperability, regulatory hurdles, and the digital divide remain. The EAC is addressing these issues through partnerships with international organisations like the World Bank and GIZ, as well as investments in infrastructure, digital literacy, and innovation.

The EAC's proactive approach to DPI has positioned it as a global leader in leveraging technology for sustainable development. It is showcasing its achievements, sharing lessons learnt, and contributing to the global discourse on DPI. By prioritising inclusivity, collaboration, and safeguards, the EAC sets a positive example for the international community.

From the Kigali forum to UNGA 79 in New York, the EAC is demonstrating its commitment to building a digitally empowered and integrated region. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, the EAC is leading the charge toward a sustainable digital future that benefits all East Africans and inspires other regions to follow suit.


November 23rd, 2024