East African Community

EABC has an Observer Status in all the organs of the EAC. We have applied for alleviation of this status to an independent collaborative institution of the EAC. Although we are not yet an independent institution of the EAC, we are currently enjoying a cordial relationship with EAC Secretariat and they have recognized us as the voice of the private sector in the region.

As part of the above recognition, EAC has selected EABC as the implementing agent for the EAC Private Sector Develop Strategy (PSDS). The aim of PSDS is to increase space of the private sector in development of the regional economy; focus on removing regional level constraints and tap economies of a larger regional market; and to promote competitiveness by focusing on areas of comparative advantage, and develop competitive advantages over time.

Among other activities include an annual Media Summit, under which two successful events have been jointly organized by EABC and EAC, the first one in March 2007 and the second one in April 2008. The Media Summit has now become part of the EAC / EABC annual joint activity.

In addition, EABC and EAC organized an Energy Conference in Frankfurt, Germany, which was attended by over 70 EAC participants. Due to its success, a follow up of the Frankfurt Energy Conference will be held in East Africa first half of 2009.

Other support from EAC include providing financial support enable EABC attend the on-going Common Market negotiations; joint co-hosting of the first ever East African Investment Forum; and joint activities in hosting the EAC Agricultural Show and the EAC Tourism Fair.

EAC support has also been instrumental in securing development partners such as GTZ, DFID and Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec), DFID as well as GTZ.

We are working hard to ensure that our relationship with the EAC Secretariat and other Organs of the Community is formalized.