Members

Our 131 Members are categorised into three (3) broad areas:

1. Ordinary Members: - who include National Chambers of Commerce & Industry; Manufacturers Associations, Private Sector Apex Bodies, Federation of Employers, associations/organizations in banking, tourism, insurance, agricultural and transport sectors, among others. 
2. Associate Members: - who comprise business facilitating government bodies such as Port Authorities, bureaux of standards, Investment Promotion Agencies, Export Promotion Councils and Export Promotion Zones Authorities, among others.
3. Corporate members – individual companies, including small and medium enterprises. 

With such a broad membership, and with members in all the 5 EAC Partner States, we ensure that we are as representative of the private sector as possible and that the views of majority businesses are articulated in all policy dialogues.

Becoming an EABC Member is simple – interested companies are required to complete a Membership Application Form, which provides EABC with details of the company and their areas of interest. The Secretariat then sends a letter to the company accepting their application and an invoice for Membership fees; which is USD 1000 (One thousand US Dollars only) for Ordinary and Associate Members; and USD 2000 (Two Thousand US Dollars) for Corporate Members. Membership fees are payable on annual basis.

Membership benefits 

There are many benefits to being an EABC Member. These include:

• Opportunity to influence policy-making at top level. Members articulate their interests through EABC, which we then lobby to the various EAC policy makers. Where possible, we articulate these issues to the Summit whenever the opportunity presents itself. In addition, we seek input from members for all the positions we take and then articulate them during EAC led policy meetings.
• Accessibility to regular first-hand information on regional integration and trade issues. We gather this information from the EAC and other relevant sources and then avail it to members in a timely manner. For example, EABC was the first to carry out a Customs Union impact study and to discuss the various achievements, opportunities and challenges. In addition, we have been at the forefront in articulating the relevant issues in regard to EPA that EAC is negotiating with the EU. This information is sent to members through a bi-weekly newsflash; through email, through the website, letters, circular and telephone where possible.
• Opportunity to network with local business – through various activities, in particular those that are sector focused, we bring members together to discuss issues that are affecting their given sectors. Such sectoral approach makes it possible to isolate the problems and identify regionally harmonized solutions, which EABC then lobbies.
• Opportunity to network with overseas businesses – we have in place several platforms that afford EABC Members the opportunity to network with overseas businesses. These include study tours, overseas missions and local conferences that bring international businesses to EAC region.
• Opportunity to members to promote their products and services through EABC platforms such as Website, News flash and EA Business Directory. These in turn help complement members own marketing strategy
• Opportunity to belong to a well established and respected regional apex body for the private sector. This in turn gives your company a regional image and credibility to your customers.