On 4 March 2025, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat in partnership with the East African Civil Society Organizations' Forum (EACSOF) and GIZ through the LIFTED project, convened the first Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Technical Working Group meeting. This long-awaited two-day meeting held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, follows the successful East Africa Secretary General’s Forum held in December 2024 in Nairobi. 

During the meeting attended by all the 8 EAC Partner States representative, the Regional Civil Societies underscored the importance of their involvement, if the East African Community (EAC) policies are to be people-centered.
 
"Engaging Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is crucial for making the EAC's policies truly inclusive and responsive to the needs of our communities," said Chairman of the East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF), Mr. Edmund Yakani in his message to the Technical Working Group (TWG).

On her remarks, the EAC Secretary General, Ms. Veronica Nduva, warmly welcomed the TWG meeting, calling it a pivotal step in fostering a collaborative environment where diverse voices can shape regional policies.
 
"We are committed to incorporating the valuable insights and recommendations from this meeting into our strategic framework," Ms. Nduva emphasized.

![TWG photo 2.JPG](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/TWG_photo_2_a6e963cd45.JPG)

EACSOF Executive Director, Ms. Lilian Alex, praised the inaugural CSOs technical working group meeting, expressing gratitude for the partners’ support and advocating for more frequent engagements.

"Regular interactions like this are vital for maintaining momentum and ensuring that the integration process benefits all stakeholders," she noted.

As part of its ongoing initiatives, the EAC Secretariat received various recommendations from the previous CSOs Secretary General’s Forum under the Consultative Dialogue Framework. The framework provides a platform for the private sector, CSOs, and other interest groups to actively contribute to EAC policy formulation and integration processes.

![TWG photo 3.JPG](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/TWG_photo_3_ab071c889c.JPG)

Key recommendations presented by CSOs to the EAC Secretariat included measures for addressing the shrinking civil space to ensure smooth operations of CSOs in the region. The discussions also centered on issues of peace, progress, and prosperity for the EAC and individual Partner States. The visa and borderless community topics were particularly prominent, given the treaty's clear position on free movement.

The TWG meeting's role is to refine these recommendations and prepare them for further review by the EAC’s policy and programmatic bodies. 

The TWG meetings are supported by the Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services (LIFTED) - a project jointly co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat.


EAC Urged to Engage CSOs for Inclusive Policy Development (GIZ)

The East African Community (EAC), a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight Partner States prioritized the Common Market as the second regional Integration milestone of the Community 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.

Even with market access commitments in professional service markets, lack of recognition of foreign qualifications and experience in EAC Partner States remains 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 East African Community (EAC) is committed to promoting regional integration and cooperation, including the harmonization of professional standards and regulations. This includes the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), which is rapidly growing with significant implications on economic development and social progress. 

However, there are currently multiple ways that ICT related engineering professions are classified and regulated across the EAC Partner States, which can create barriers to the cross-border provision of ICT services and hinder the development of a regional ICT market. 

To address the gaps, GIZ Tanzania/EAC is inviting interested consulting firms from EAC region to assess the current state of classification and registration of ICT-related professions in the EAC. The assessment aims to identify similarities and differences in classification and registration, regulatory frameworks, as well as provide recommendations on regulations and best practices. 

Interested firm should request for detailed tender documents from **tz_procurement@giz.de** no later than **10th March, 2025** and submit technical and financial proposals by email no later than **17th March, 2025**.


Invitation: Consultancy to Conduct a Comparative Assessment on Classification and Registration of ICT Related Professions (GIZ)

On 6 March 2025, hundreds of tourism stakeholders attending the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin, witnessed the unveiling of the **"Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe"** brand. This groundbreaking initiative aims to collectively promote the East African Community (EAC) as a single tourist destination.
 
Various stakeholders welcomed the move, recognizing it as a significant step toward enhancing regional tourism while ensuring the sustainable tourism practices.
 
Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest, Hon. John Ololtuaa, Chair of the Sectoral Council on Tourism and Wildlife Management and the Principal Secretary of Kenya’s State Department for Tourism, emphasized the importance of striking a balance between competition and collaboration among EAC Partner States.

He noted that while the region offers similar tourism experiences, embracing the spirit of "co-opetition", a model where countries engage in healthy competition while actively cooperating, will be key to maximizing East Africa’s collective tourism potential.
 
Hon. Ololtuaa also highlighted that the EAC has developed a Common Classification Criteria for tourism accommodation establishments, restaurants, and conference facilities as well as minimum standards for various tourism service providers. These initiatives ensure uniform quality standards across the region, enhancing visitor experiences and boosting East Africa’s competitiveness as a premier tourism hub.
 
 
![KEYTOU~1.JPE](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/KEYTOU_1_626c01830d.JPE)
 
Representing the EAC Secretary General, the Head of the EAC Secretariat Tourism and Wildlife Department, Mr. Simon Kiarie, underscored the Secretariat’s commitment to strengthening the region’s tourism sector. Mr. Kiarie highlighted the development of an online capacity-building platform designed to enhance the skills of EAC’s tourism practitioners and service providers, featuring topics such as, implementation of sustainable tourism practices in product development, which are key focus points in the current tourism business environment.
 
"The platform ensures our industry professionals remain competitive and adapt to the changing global trends and costumer needs," he said.
 
In a bid to position East Africa as a unified tourism destination, the EAC has been organizing Regional Tourism Expos, rotating among Partner States. These expos aim at bringing together service providers, buyers, and media to showcase the region’s diverse offerings. Additionally, the Community is developing a **“Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe"** promotional video, which will be distributed digitally to enhance the region’s visibility and global appeal.
 
On his part, Marc Stalmans, the EU Head of Cooperation for the United Republic of Tanzania and the EAC, noted that the European Union is proud to support this transformative vision through the EU LIFTED project. He emphasized that by leveraging European agencies’ capacity to attract international tourists and East African operators’ deep understanding of the region, the EAC can develop tourism products that not only meet global demand but also celebrate and preserve local traditions and ecosystems.
 
Speaking at the event, Julia Hannig, Head of Division East Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), stated that a unified brand like **"Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe"** strengthens the region’s competitive edge. Germany had initially supported the development of the brand, while its promotion is now being supported under #TeamEurope. 

"This initiative makes it easier for global travelers and investors to recognize East Africa as a top destination. It also demonstrates the EAC’s commitment to sustainable tourism, balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation," she stated.
 
On behalf of the German private sector, Mr. Christoph Kannengießer, CEO of the German-African Business Association pointed out that tourism was a vehicle for triggering investments as tourists would often times return to invest in a country. Additionally, he noted that private sector cooperation between Germany and East Africa – in tourism and beyond – would be mutually beneficial while initiatives like joint regional branding could support business partnerships.
 
 
![Participants at the ITB Berlin event _rev.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/Participants_at_the_ITB_Berlin_event_rev_c8a2e814f7.jpg)
 
Beyond the launch, discussions were held on how East Africa, under its new brand, could embrace sustainability. The event was graced by Honorable Deputy Ministers of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Federal Republic of Somalia, Honorable Ambassadors of Rwanda and Kenya to Germany, along with Chairpersons and CEOs of Tourism Boards, EU-based tour operators, and international tourism journalists.
 
Under the banner of **"Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe,"** the region is not only showcasing its unparalleled beauty and cultural richness but also reinforcing East Africa’s appeal as a seamless, multi-destination experience.
 
The EAC recorded approximately 8.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, compared to pre-COVID levels of 7.7 million in 2019. By promoting the 'Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe' brand alongside national tourism brands, the EAC hopes to surpass 11 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2027.


EAC Unveils 'Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe' Tourism Brand at ITB Berlin (GIZ)

GIZ through LIFTED “Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and CSOs in the EAC” - a project jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), supports the East African Community (EAC) regional economic integration agenda by focusing on framework conditions for enhanced Trade in Services. 

The project is championing the harmonization of operating licensing requirements for tour operators, travel agencies, tour guide and tourism accommodation establishments and restaurants. 

The initiative is to develop areas for agreement and harmonization of the operating licensing requirements for travel agencies, tour operators and tour guides and tourism accommodation establishments and restaurants. 

Among other objectives, the action aims to simplify, streamline, and standardize the process for obtaining and maintaining tourism-related operating licenses in the region, thereby promoting the growth of the tourism sector, facilitating regional integration, and ensuring a unified experience for tourists visiting the EAC. 

Additionally, the action focusses on harmonization of operating licensing requirements for tour operators, travel agencies, tour guides and tourism accommodation establishments and restaurants, with the aim to develop Standardized Licensing Platforms where tour operators, tour guides, travel agencies, etc. can apply and renew operating licenses that are to be valid across the EAC region. This is to enhance the free movement of tourism service providers, in line with EAC Partner States commitments under the Common Market Protocol (CMP). 

As part of this initiative, GIZ Tanzania/EAC invites application from regional consulting firms with knowledge, skills and experience in the sector, to support in the harmonization of operating licensing requirements for tour operators, travel agencies, tour guide and tourism accommodation establishments and restaurants. 

Interested firms should request for detailed tender documents from **tz_procurement@giz.de** no later than **10th March 2025** and submit Technical and Financial proposals by email no later than **17th March 2025.**


Invitation: Consultancy on Harmonization of Operating licensing Requirements for Tourism Sector in EAC (GIZ)

The dSkills@EA Incubation Leadership and Innovation Management Programme for Universities in the East African Community (EAC) has successfully concluded, building the capacities at universities in fostering innovation and technology transfer. 

This initiative, a collaboration between the EAC and the German government, is implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in partnership with the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and aim to empower universities to foster academia-industry collaboration, positioning higher institutions as key drivers of regional economic growth.

The programme’s inception in June 2024, followed a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment, that revealed key gaps in innovation management across East African universities. Findings indicated that 65% of institutions required enhanced innovation infrastructure, and 60% sought structured capacity building programmes in technology transfer and intellectual property management. Addressing these needs, the initiative focused on incubation leadership, academia-industry collaboration, and strengthening innovation ecosystems.

The programme was a collaborative effort of universities and stakeholders from across the EAC Partner States; in partnership with Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) from East Africa and Germany, including the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), SA Innovation Summit, E4Impact Foundation, StartHub Africa, Koneta Hub, Centre d'innovation de Lubumbashi (CINOLU), ACLIS, and Technische Universität (TU) Berlin. The partners delivered a world-class curriculum and masterclasses, with deep dives into scaling innovation and start-up support within universities.

![photo 2.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/photo_2_fe4cea6eaf.jpg)

Speaking on behalf of the IUCEA Executive Secretary, Dr. Salome Guchu, the Principal Innovation and Research Officer, expressed gratitude for the tremendous contribution by all actors in the programme. She noted that this programme demonstrates the commitment of EAC Partner States to building a network of innovation leaders and to advance technology transfer across the region for sustainable development.

“We appreciate GIZ’s efforts through the dSkills@EA project, in skilling trainers, teachers and students across East Africa, including Somalia. The project has built digital capacities that will support digital transformation in the region. The launch of this AI Alliance will build on these gains,” said Dr Dorcas Omukhulu, the Principal Education Officer, EAC Secretariat.

The four-month programme equipped 129 university hub managers, research and development officers and technology transfer officers from over 91 universities in East Africa, with skills in innovation management and research commercialisation. It provided strategic frameworks for managing innovation processes, protecting academic innovations, translating research into market-ready solutions, and fostering supportive environments for start-ups and spin-offs.  

93.6% of participants stated the training met or exceeded their expectations, with 85% integrating innovation management principles into their institutional curricula. In Uganda, the programme led to the formation of a Consortium of University Hubs network, enabling over 10 universities to formalize innovation partnerships and co-develop research commercialization strategies.

![photo 3.jpg](https://strapi.eacgermany.org/uploads/photo_3_fac83ca064.jpg)

Sharing his testimony as a participant of the programme, Mr. Edison Kagona, Manager for the Center of Innovation at Cavendish University in Uganda, praised the programme for highlighting the importance of universities to unite and collaborate through strategic partnerships in research commercialization for a lasting transformation of the community.

The event also marked the graduation of 22 university staff from the Federal Republic of Somalia, who successfully completed digital skills training programme designed to equip educators with essential tools for enhancing learning at universities. The training that was delivered with support of SIMAD university in Somalia, marked the successful conclusion of the digital skills training programme, that benefitted 107 staff from 37 universities across the seven EAC Partner States. To date a total of 4,000 beneficiaries have been trained under the dSkills@EA project.

Mr. Abdiwahab Isak, Director of International Cooperation at SIMAD University in Somalia, commended the initiative expressing his appreciation to all partners for making this a reality and onboarding Somalia to the programme.

On his part, Mr. David Roos, dSkills@EA Project Director, emphasized that the project did not just train individuals, but cultivated an ecosystem that fosters innovation and drives economic development. 

“Building on the success, of the dSkills@EA project, IUCEA and GIZ will continue engaging universities through advanced digital skills, AI research and innovation through regional collaboration platforms,” he added. 

Find more details about the dSkills@EA project visit [www.eacgermany.org](www.eacgermany.org)


150 Staff from 100 Universities Complete Incubation Leadership and Digital Skills Training Towards Sustainable Education in EAC (GIZ)

The East African Community (EAC) will, for the first time, participate as an entity having its own stand at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) - Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair, from 4th - 6th March, 2025. Representing the region as a single tourism destination, the EAC will showcase its diverse attractions under the brand **“Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe.”**
 
The EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica Nduva observes that “this is part of the EAC’s efforts to position the region as a leading global tourism destination. The bloc aims to attract international tourists and investors by highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique attractions.”
 
The region offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. It is home to some of the most iconic wildlife, including the traditional Big Five, with the highest population of lions in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, continues to draw adventurers from around the world, while the Great Migration, a natural wonder shared between Kenya and Tanzania, remains a major highlight for visitors. The region’s vibrant cities, hospitable people, and diverse ethnic communities further enhance its appeal as a must-visit destination.
 
Participation at ITB Berlin will also serve as a platform to promote East Africa’s multi-destination tourism offerings and cross-border experiences. International visitors have an opportunity to explore the seamless travel possibilities across the region, with its breathtaking natural landscapes, pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean, and rich cultural traditions. The EAC aims to demonstrate the region’s potential to provide an unforgettable travel experience for tourists from around the world.
 
Moreover, the EAC stand at ITB offers the upcoming and undiscovered destinations within the region an opportunity to showcase their offerings and penetrate the international market.

In addition to showcasing East Africa’s unique attractions, the fair will create valuable opportunities for business partnerships. Exhibitors from the region will meet with buyers from international markets, strengthening relationships with global travel trade partners.
 
The EAC will also convene a platform to deliberate on sustainable tourism trends and joint tourism marketing efforts as it launches the Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe” brand. Tourism remains a critical contributor to the region’s economy, driving foreign exchange earnings and creating employment. By presenting itself as a unified bloc at ITB Berlin, the EAC seeks to increase international tourist arrivals and encourage sustainable tourism practices. This approach also aligns with its broader strategy of standardizing services across member states, ensuring a high-quality experience for all visitors.
 
“We are delighted to note that the EAC has fully recovered from the impacts of COVID-19 in terms of tourism numbers, with the region having recorded approximately 8.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, compared to pre-COVID levels of 7.7 million arrivals in 2019,” Hon. Nduva stated. She further noted that through the promotion of the "Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe" tourism brand, as well as the national tourism brands, the EAC will reach over 11 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2027.
 
The East African Community invites tourists and industry stakeholders to discover the beauty and vibrancy of the region. Whether exploring the majestic mountains, witnessing the breathtaking Great Migration, or immersing oneself in the warmth of East African culture, the region offers something special for every traveler.
 
The promotion of regional tourism under the **“Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe Brand”** including participation at ITB is supported by the European Union via the LIFTED project. Speaking on the brand, the European Ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, Christine Grau, highlighted, “The ‘Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe’ brand is a bold celebration of this region’s diversity, culture, and natural wonders, a vision the European Union is proud to support through the LIFTED project. As the EAC is launching this brand globally, we are building bridges between East Africa and Europe, fostering sustainable tourism that empowers communities, preserves ecosystems, and inspires the world.”
 
Speaking on the upcoming event, the Chairman of the East Africa Tourism Platform, Mr. Fred Odek Odhiambo, highlighted the importance of EAC’s presence, describing it as a historic milestone in the collective efforts to elevate East Africa’s tourism sector on the global stage. “Under the banner of ‘Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe,’ we are not only showcasing the unparalleled beauty and cultural richness of our region but also reinforcing East Africa’s appeal as a seamless, multi-destination experience,” he stated.
 
Mr. Odhiambo further emphasized that this is a pivotal moment for the world to discover East Africa in its full vibrancy. “We look forward to forging meaningful partnerships that will drive sustainable tourism growth and investment across the region,” he added.
 
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). It 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)](https://www.eacgermany.org/) in collaboration with the [EAC Secretariat](https://www.eac.int/the-secretariat).


EAC to Promote the Region as a Unified Tourism Destination at ITB Berlin 2025 (GIZ)

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. 



March 14th, 2025