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). 


EAC Empowers Journalists to Drive the Outreach and Awareness of Regional Integration  (GIZ)

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.


December 26th, 2024