The East African Community (EAC), a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight Partner States including Burundi, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda focusses on Common Market as the second regional Integration milestone since 2010 in line with the provisions of the EAC Treaty. 

As part of this efforts, the "Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC (**LIFTED**)" a project co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aim to increase Trade in Services (TiS) by among other measures, facilitating the mutual recognition of professional qualifications within East Africa.

The lack of recognition of foreign qualifications and experience in EAC Partner States is a core impediment to trade in professional services, hindering the free movement of experts across borders either in their capacity as individuals or as professional firms. The signed Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) covering professional Accountants, Architects, Engineers, and Veterinarians, is a step closer to alleviating these challenges. However, limited understanding of MRAs hinders their effective implementation.

To address this knowledge gap, GIZ Tanzania/EAC is inviting interested consultants from EAC partner states to support in the development of a self-paced e-learning course on MRAs. This course will serve as a valuable resource for professionals, regulatory bodies, and policymakers to enhance their understanding of MRAs and their implications for professional mobility and regional integration. 

Specifically, the consultant is expected to:
- Design a comprehensive e-learning course on MRAs, including course curriculum, content, and assessments. The course should be accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive.
- Integrate the course into a Learning Management System (LMS).
- Monitor and evaluate the course's impact.

Interested candidates should request for detailed tender documents from **tz_procurement@giz.de** no later than **24th February 2025** and submit technical and financial proposals by email no later than **2nd March 2025.**


Invitation: Consultancy on Development of a Self-Paced E-Learning Course on Mutual Recognition Agreements in EAC (GIZ)

The East African Community (EAC), a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight Partner States, prioritised the Common Market as the second regional Integration milestone of the Community, and has been in force since 2010 in line with the provisions of the EAC Treaty. As part of this efforts, the "Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC (LIFTED)" a project co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aim to increase Trade in Services (TiS) and specifically facilitate the mutual recognition of professional qualifications within the East African Community (EAC).

The lack of recognition of foreign qualifications and experience in EAC Partner States is a core impediment to trade in professional services, hindering the free movement of professionals across borders either in their capacity as individuals or as professional firms. The signed Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) by various professions within the EAC, is a step closer to alleviating the challenges. 

Furthermore, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement presents a significant opportunity for the EAC to expand intra-African trade which can be effectively achieved through negotiation and implementation of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs). 

To fulfil this priority, GIZ Tanzania/EAC is inviting interested consultants from EAC partner states to provide the EAC with analysis and policy recommendations on MRAs within the AfCFTA and other trade agreements. Specifically, the consultant is expected to:

- Analyse the current state of MRAs within the EAC and their relation to AfCFTA's modalities.
- Identify best practices and lessons learned from other regions.
- Develop a roadmap and policy recommendations for EAC to effectively negotiate MRAs within the AfCFTA and other trade agreements.

Interested candidates should request for detailed tender documents from **tz_procurement@giz.de** no later than **14th February 2025** and submit technical and financial proposals by email no later than **23rd February 2025.**



Invitation: Consultancy Services for Analysis and Policy Recommendations to MRA Negotiations within AFCFTA and Other Trade Agreements (GIZ)

On 6th February 2025, the European Union (EU) and the East African Community (EAC) launched three key projects designed to strengthen regional integration, enhance trade and foster inclusive economic growth. 

The projects will support the EAC’s efforts to liberalize services, enforce competition policies, and improve institutional capacity, with a strong focus on empowering women and youth. With a total EU contribution of EUR 8 million, these three projects will significantly enhance economic regional integration and facilitate cross-border trade within the EAC. 

The first project, **Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and Civil Society Organizations (LIFTED)** which is co-finance by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, will tackle barriers to trade in services by streamlining tourism regulations and advancing the mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications across the region. LIFTED will also enhance civil society engagement in the economic integration process, ensuring that youth and women play an active role in shaping the region’s future.

![004.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/004_192ff21798.jpg)

“The EU has a longstanding and valued partnership with the EAC, built on shared goals of economic integration and sustainable growth,” said Christine Grau, EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC. “These projects reinforce our commitment to this collaboration and will contribute to a more competitive and inclusive regional economy,” she added.

Complementing LIFTED, a second project will **strengthen the EAC Competition Authority (EACCA)** by improving the enforcement of competition laws, harmonizing regulations, and building institutional capacity. Through targeted technical assistance, this project will enhance the skills of EAC judges, EACCA commissioners, and other key stakeholders, ensuring a fair and competitive business environment across the region.

The third project, **EU-EAC Technical Assistance**, will bolster the capacity of the EAC Organs and Institution to effectively manage projects and improve public finance governance. Strengthening institutional frameworks and aligning with international best practices, this project will enhance the EAC’s ability to oversee development programs and manage resources efficiently.

![001.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/001_0c5b84f28c.jpg)

Speaking on behalf of the EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica Nduva, Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, expressed gratitude to the EU for its longstanding partnership.

She commended the EU for expanding its support to EAC Organs and Institutions, particularly the East African Community Competition Authority (EACCA).

 “This expanded support will enhance the Authority’s capacity to effectively carry out its mandate and promote fair competition, ultimately providing consumers with greater choice and lower costs for goods and services,” she remarked.

Ms. Ssemuwemba also shared that the EAC is in the process of developing the 7th EAC Development Strategy, which will focus on key priorities such as regional infrastructure development, boosting agricultural productivity, industrialization, sustainable natural resource management, and promoting peace and security across the EAC Partner States.

Further, she highlighted the upcoming Development Partners Forum, which will focus on strengthening cooperation to support integration initiatives and enhance the effective use of resources.

The three projects align with the EU’s broader strategy to support regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Team Europe Initiative, and will serve to advance the shared vision of the EU and EAC for a stronger, more integrated, and resilient East African region.

The launch event, held on the sidelines of the annual EU-EAC cooperation portfolio review, which assesses the implementation progress, challenges, and opportunities across various regional programs funded by the EU, brought together high-level officials from the EU and EAC, EU implementing partners, representatives from the private sector, and civil society organizations.

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


EU and EAC Launch Strategic Projects to Strengthen Regional Trade and Economic Growth (GIZ)

The East African Community (EAC), East Africa Civil Society Organisations Forum (EACSOF) in partnership with GIZ through the EU Co-financed LIFTED project held a series of dialogues forums with national policymakers to address Civil Society Organisations’ issues and concerns. These forums aim to facilitate government action for improved business environment.

Conducted between September and December 2024 in all the eight EAC Partner States, the national forums convened representatives from the private sector, over 230 CSO networks, academia, and relevant government ministries. This provided a platform for CSOs to share experiences and establish platforms in each Partner State for further discussions on CSO operations in coordination with their respective ministries. 

Beyond sharing of experiences, the meetings fostered supportive national and regional policies and legislative frameworks for CSO engagement in EAC integration. Participants assessed the current level of CSO involvement in regional integration, identified challenges and opportunities, and developed strategies to enhance CSO participation in the regional integration agenda. Among other measures, commitment to the existing EAC Consultative Dialogue Frameworks for CSOs and other non-state actors was recognised as a crucial tool for boosting CSO involvement in EAC regional integration matters.

![New photo.JPG](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/New_photo_4050b4e7f7.JPG)

During one of the forums, the Head of Economics and Governance for the European Union (EU) in Tanzania, Ms. Karina Dzialowska, highlighted the valuable lessons and best practices that EAC counter parts could benchmarks from the EU’s Civil Society Organisations. She observed that while each integration movement is unique, the experiences of EU CSOs and particularly regarding the movement of people, goods, and services, known as the "fourth freedom" could provide significant insights.

“These movements often led to substantial disruptions in labor markets and the broader economy and understanding how EU CSOs have addressed these challenges can equip EAC CSOs with strategies to manage similar issues effectively” Ms. Dzialowska added. 

![003 photo.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/003_photo_f9c70a09f6.jpg)

In the Mogadishu forum, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry in charge of EAC Affairs, Mr Mohamed Fatiir, underscored the importance of regional CSOs in building a prosperous and united East Africa Community given their role in representing and connecting individuals who drive the regional economic integration agenda. 

Further, from the EAC Secretariat perspective, Ms Generose Minani, Principal Gender and Community Development Officer applauded the initiatives undertaken by Partners and national CSO chapters in holding these valuable discussions that define the citizens’ roles in the EAC integration, ensuring that the process remains people-centred. 



EAC, EACSOF and GIZ Concludes the National CSO Dialogue Forums in 8 EAC Partner States

The East African Community (EAC), a regional intergovernmental organisation composed of eight Partner States, has prioritised the facilitation of cross-border mobility of professionals under the Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs). As part of this initiative, the "Digitalisation for East African Trade and Integration (DIGEAT)" project, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is leading efforts to simplify the recognition of qualifications for professional engineers across EAC Partner States.

To achieve this, DIGEAT is developing a digital tool designed to enhance the processes of mutual recognition. This digital tool will support Competent Authorities (CAs) in reviewing, verifying, and approving qualifications and licenses for professional engineers within the region, thus facilitating seamless cross-border mobility.

As part of this initiative, GIZ Tanzania/EAC invites qualified regional suppliers to submit bids for the procurement, shipping, installation, and testing of ICT equipment for the EAC Secretariat in Arusha, Tanzania. The equipment will provide the technical foundation for the implementation and operation of the EAC MRA digital tool.

Interested suppliers should request detailed tender documents from **tz_procurement@giz.de** no later than **02.02.2025** and submit technical and financial proposals by email no later than **14.02.2025.**

This tender represents an opportunity to contribute to a project that will significantly enhance regional integration and mobility for professional engineers, setting a precedent for future professional mobility within the EAC region.

We will answer your request during office hours from 8:00 to 15:00 hours local time, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Late Bids, Partial Bids, Bids not received shall not be accepted for evaluation irrespective of the circumstances. 

GIZ is not obliged to follow any conditions in nominating the supplier and has the right to accept or reject any or all bids.


Invitation: Bid No: GIZ/DIGEAT/91184620/2024 – Procurement of ICT Equipments for EAC Secretariat (GIZ)

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](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/health). 
Find more information on GIZ support to pharmaceuticals [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/industrialisation-sme-development). 
 

EAC Co-hosts Pharmaceutical Roundtable with Germany’s Hesse Minister and Industry Delegation at the 5th German African Business Summit (GIZ)

On 9 December 2024, the EAC and the East Africa Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP), with the support of the EAC-GIZ DIGEAT & LIFTED projects, convened the Women CEOs Breakfast Meeting on Promoting Women in Business in Intra-regional Trade.  Held in Nairobi as part of the 7th EAC Secretary General’s Forum 2024, the breakfast meeting aimed to equip women CEOs with a common understanding of existing trade opportunities and mechanisms for East African women and develop recommendations for policy and regulatory support to empower women in business.

The meeting brought together representatives from the EAC Secretariat, private sector, civil society, development agencies, financial institutions and banks, and Women Engineering Associations from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda to deliberate on actionable strategies for enhancing women’s participation in intra-EAC trade and services.

The CEOs observed that economic empowerment of women was a critical driver for sustainable development in the East African Community, and despite the strides made in promoting gender equality, women in business continued to face challenges when engaging in cross-border trade and services. They identified the challenges, including limited access to financing, complex legal and regulatory frameworks, and persistent non-tariff barriers. In addressing the challenges, the CEOs agreed to foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, identify solutions, and advance strategies to support women in cross-border trade.

![B1.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/B1_8b3af8beb0.jpg)

Representing the EAC Secretary General, Ms. Flavia Busingye, the EAC Director of Customs, noted that as a community, the EAC was working with partners on programmes that had enabled women to move from one step to the next. She highlighted examples of programmes spearheaded by EAC, including those aimed at simplifying customs processes for ease of movement of goods, digital transformation programmes, and setting up of gender desks at border points to address complaints of harassment. “Women constitute about 70% of the informal cross-border trade, and therefore when women are empowered, they become the real change makers,” she added.

Speaking during the event, Ms. Nancy Gitonga, EAWiBP Chairperson, urged the CEOs to not only support building an economically resilient region but one that is inclusive and sustainable and reminded them never to underestimate the power of collaboration. The chairperson provided an overview of EAWiBP and its role in women’s empowerment in cross-border trade and services within the EAC. In her closing remark, she appreciated the continued efforts made by the GIZ team in promoting women's economic empowerment in the East African Community.

In his remarks, Mr. Marius Weist, GIZ’s Component Lead for Organisational Development and Outreach, emphasised the importance of empowering women to achieve EAC's economic goals and foster an inclusive economy. He highlighted the GIZ efforts in promoting Women in Business in Intra-EAC Trade, including the review of a Regional Strategy for Women in Business under the EU-EAC LIFTED project.

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

Empowering Women in Cross-Border Trade and Services within the EAC – Women CEO Roundtable (GIZ)

On 11 December 2024, eight youth and women innovators from EAC Partner States won a total of €120,000 to scale their innovative solutions for addressing the region's economic challenges.

The regional hackathon was held in Nairobi, Kenya, during the 7th Annual Secretary General’s Forum. The forum was held under the theme, "Towards a Resilient and Fully Integrated East Africa: Harnessing Opportunities in the Borderless Community," and tackled the multifaceted challenges facing the region, while exploring opportunities for collective growth and development.

It also served as a platform for citizens to contribute to the policymaking process, identify issues affecting them and collaborate on strategies for a shared future of integration and a borderless community.

The event featured a pitching session for women and youth-led projects aimed at solving regional economic integration challenges. This initiative was supported through the EAC-GIZ LIFTED project co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in partnership with the EAC Secretariat. It attracted over 1,000 innovative solutions in sectors such as tourism, agribusiness, environmental protection, trade, digitalisation, and financial services from youth and women across East Africa.

Each project had the opportunity to present its unique solution to a distinguished jury during the main plenary session attended by the EAC Secretary General, ministers, permanent secretaries, and representatives from civil society and the private sector. The presentations highlighted the potential impact of the initiatives in addressing regional economic integration challenges. After each presentation, a dynamic question and answers session encouraged in-depth discussions, providing valuable feedback to the participants and fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the diverse projects.

The eight winning projects, four led by women and four by youth, were awarded €15,000 each as part of the financial and technical support from EAC GIZ.

![Pic 4 hackathon.jpeg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Pic_4_hackathon_de2792dc99.jpeg)

Speaking during the session, the EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica M. Nduva, acknowledged the significance of the regional hackathon as a testament to the community's collective commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development within the EAC. She expressed gratitude to the European Union and GIZ for their support in making both the Forum and the hackathon possible.

Hon. Nduva emphasised that the future of the region lies in the hands of women and youth, who are the driving forces behind innovation, creativity, and economic resilience. She stated, “The hackathon brings together diverse minds to brainstorm, collaborate, and develop innovative solutions to real challenges. This event is not just about competition, but about collaboration, learning, growth, and harnessing the collective intelligence of our women and youth to address the pressing economic issues facing our region.”

On her part, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for East African Community Affairs, commended the EAC for its leadership in organising the Secretary General's Forum and the Regional Hackathon initiative. “These initiatives are attests EAC’s commitment to regional development and are a powerful demonstration of how collaboration across sectors can unlock the potential of our people. By supporting youth and women-led solutions, we are building a more inclusive and prosperous East Africa,” she stated.

On his part, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Gen. James Kabarebe, emphasised the importance of such platforms in driving regional collaboration and innovation.

 “These initiatives are vital in fostering cooperation and empowering our youth and women to play a central role in shaping the future of our region. The EAC continues to lead by example in creating opportunities that advance economic integration and development across East Africa,” he said.

Kenya's Principal Secretary for the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development, Hon. Abdi Dubat emphasised the value of the discussions in highlighting both the challenges and opportunities within the EAC region.

“The insights shared throughout these discussions have clarified the challenges we face and illuminated a path forward. While the journey ahead may have its hurdles, our shared commitment, collaboration, and practical solutions will shape East Africa’s future and help realise a resilient, integrated region,” he stated.

In his remarks, Mr Marius Weist, GIZ’s Component Lead for Organisational Development and Outreach, emphasised the importance of empowering women and youth to achieve EAC's economic goals and foster an inclusive economy.  Mr Weist praised the enthusiasm of the women and youth hackathon participants, noting their creative solutions for regional challenges.

“By providing women and youth with the tools and support needed to solve real-economic challenges, GIZ aims to create a more inclusive economy that benefits everyone.” He added

![Pic 2 -hackathon.jpeg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Pic_2_hackathon_f41df989d0.jpeg)

The 7th Annual Secretary General’s Forum presented several key recommendations for advancing regional integration. EAC Partner States were urged to remove barriers to the free movement of goods, services, and people, including mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Additionally, the EAC Secretariat was encouraged to strengthen youth representation in policy and decision-making.

The Forum also recommended enhancing training for SMEs on trade procedures and documentation and addressing language barriers by translating key documents into multiple languages. Partner States were urged to prioritise small-scale farmers in green initiatives and to develop inclusive policies for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy solutions.

Local governments were called to actively participate in EAC decision-making, while the EAC Secretariat was encouraged to facilitate cross-border dialogues to address emerging issues. In the health sector, the harmonisation of health insurance systems and healthcare standards was recommended, along with increased investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Further, the forum highlighted the need for expanded digital infrastructure in rural areas to support SMEs and called for policies that promote digital adoption and create a favorable regulatory environment for innovation.

The forum follows the adoption of the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF), a structured guide aimed at ensuring inclusive and consultative participation of the private sector, civil society, professional associations, other interest groups, and the EAC towards realising the community objectives and promoting a people-centred and market-driven integration process. 

Listed below are the winners of the Youth and Women Hackathon. Each winner received a cheque of 15,000 Euros to support their enterprises.

- Niyonkuru Kevin; SPOTA Company; Burundi
- Cirhuza Birhaheka Onesphore; AGRIMOD SARL; DR CONGO
- Tayba Hatiym; BAUS Taka Enterprise; Kenya
- Pacifique Niyorurema; Fresco Fruits; Rwanda
- Mohamed Osman Abdulkadir; Greenlife Agribusiness LTD; Somalia
- Anok Athor Deng; Future of family planning; South Sudan
- Faith Kuya; SafeSip Limited; Tanzania
- Munyasa Hellen; Helton Traders Limited; Uganda

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

Youth and Women Innovators Scoop €120,000 at the EAC Regional Hackathon – 7th EAC SG Forum (GIZ)

On 2 December 2024, the EAC and the Federal Republic of Germany reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation as EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica M. Nduva, and Mr. Marcus von Essen, the Head of the German Delegation and Director for East Africa in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) signed the summary record of the EAC-German intergovernmental negotiations following fruitful discussions between both parties on priorities for development cooperation in the upcoming years.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the German-African Business Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, which brought together more than 1,000 representatives from Germany and the private sector in East Africa.

As a result of the successful negotiations, Germany committed EUR 64 million for extending the partnership in the jointly agreed areas of cooperation in the next three years.

![Image (41).jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Image_41_805ab5e6db.jpg)

In the area of sustainable economic development, training and employment, EUR 36 million was committed to further support regional economic integration, digital skills and AI research, strengthened regionalisation and female empowerment in health professional trainings as well as trade infrastructure development. EUR 23 million was committed to upscale support to pandemic preparedness and combatting communicable diseases. To strengthen environmental conservation, EUR 5 million was committed to enhance EAC’s management of nature-based solutions.

Mr. von Essen hailed Hon. Nduva on the successful organisation of the recent EAC Heads of States Summit which aimed to accelerate regional integration through digital transformation. Furthermore, the German side congratulated the EAC for improvement of intra-regional trade and furthering of EAC position as a bloc within the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Regarding the role of the private sector and civil society in regional integration, Mr. von Essen welcomed the invitation of the EAC Secretariat to the SG’s Forum describing it as a tool for engagement as foreseen in the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework in December 2024.

On her side, the Secretary General expressed her appreciation to the German government for its continued support to regional integration in East Africa, which has led to technical and financial support of more than EUR 600 million over the last 26 years. SG Nduva said that the cooperation had created various impacts for 320 million East African citizens in the areas of cooperation.

In view of the regional outbreaks of infectious diseases in the last two years and current outbreaks of Mpox and Marburg Virus with devastating effects on health, livelihoods and intra-regional trade, both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening regional capacities in the health sector. Against this background, EAC and Germany reaffirmed their collaboration in pandemic prevention and rapid response.

Following on EAC’s successful participation in the UN Climate Change Conference, the German side congratulated the EAC on establishing a regional position at COP29. As flooding and droughts are hampering human development in the region both sides emphasised that cooperation for integrated water resource management will remain a key area of support.

The variety of joint EAC-German projects displays the broad spectrum of the longstanding cooperation between the EAC and Germany. The overall goal is to improve the living conditions of EAC Citizens.

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

Germany Commits Euro 64 Million to Support EAC in Creating Impacts for East Africans (BMZ)

On 28 November 2024, the EAC, in collaboration with GIZ, convened a media training workshop bringing together journalists from various regional media agencies representing a mix of television, print, and digital media, including Rwanda TV, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, NTV Uganda, Citizen TV, and The East African News Paper.

As the EAC set to mark its 25th Anniversary celebrations, this workshop themed “EAC@25: Empowering Media as Essential Partners in Integration,” was an opportunity to strengthen its collaboration with the media, empowering journalists as vital storytellers, influencers, and critical partners in driving awareness of the regional integration agenda.

The EAC recognises the media’s unparalleled role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information to citizens at all levels. By partnering with journalists, the EAC aims to amplify its integration message, ensuring that East Africans are well-informed about policies, programmes, and initiatives driving regional unity and economic development.

This capacity development and sensitisation workshop bridged the gap between the EAC and media practitioners by enhancing their understanding of the regional bloc’s integration process, partnerships, challenges, and milestones to enable them to report accurately. Officials from the EAC Secretariat, EAC Organs and Institutions, and GIZ representatives took the stage and presented on both ongoing and upcoming initiatives as well as progress made on various regional topics, i.e., trade and customs, tourism, and digital transformation.

Participants gained in-depth knowledge of EAC integration efforts and were empowered to frame stories that resonate with the public while highlighting the bloc’s economic and social impact. For example, after the training, Mr Moses Mordecai, Uganda’s Senior Business Editor at New Vision, published an [article on Tourism](https://x.com/newvisionwire/status/1864543287186501633?s=12) based on the information provided during the presentation made at the workshop.

![Screenshot 2024-12-11 114008.png](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Screenshot_2024_12_11_114008_fc8c56b1d2.png)

As the EAC commemorates 25 years of fostering economic and social ties among Partner States, the capacity-building workshop underscores the importance of inclusivity. By investing in media, the EAC not only amplifies its voice but also ensures that the integration message reaches every East African citizen, including opinion leaders and decision-makers, fostering a shared vision of unity and prosperity.

For GIZ, this was an important workshop in strengthening its support to the East African Community and collaboration with the East African media to enhance outreach and high-quality communication on various implemented measures and interventions in all the sectors of the EAC-Germany cooperation and their impacts on the EAC integration process to regional and international stakeholders.

Find more information on GIZ's support to EAC Organisational Development and Outreach [here](https://www.eacgermany.org/sector/organisational-development-and-outreach). 


February 23rd, 2025