Arusha, Tanzania – Regional business leaders recently engaged with the new EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva, during the EABC CEOs-EAC Secretary General Round Table. The event, themed “Boosting Intra-EAC Trade and Investment: Unlocking Barriers and Leveraging Opportunities,” was organized by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the East African Community (EAC), GIZ-EAC, and several sponsors including ISUZU East Africa Ltd and Stanbic Bank.
In her keynote address, Ms. Nduva called for a revitalized focus on intra-EAC trade, advocating for the slogan “Buy East African, Build East Africa.” She highlighted recent advancements such as the Single Customs Territory (SCT) and One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), which have streamlined border processes and significantly reduced crossing times.
Nduva also urged the private sector to help identify ways to improve access to financing for SMEs and stressed the need for climate finance under the East African Sustainable Growth (EASG) framework. The Secretary General pledged to address EAC Council directives and facilitate the adoption of pending trade instruments.
EABC Vice Chairperson Mr. Dennis Karera emphasized the need for governments to fully implement policies to enhance intra-EAC trade, while EABC Acting Executive Director Mr. Adrian Njau called for increased intra-regional trade, aiming for 40% by 2028.
The discussion included contributions from GIZ’s Ms. Estella Aryada, EALA’s Hon. Sadia James Sebit, and EABC Chairman Emeritus Mr. Vimal Shah, who recommended digitalization and cost reduction in logistics. The session also saw Ms. Pheona Wall advocate for enhanced financial solutions and Mr. Dennis Karera supporting the adoption of the EAC Single Tourist Visa.
The Round Table concluded with H.E. Nduva inaugurating the ISUZU FVR Tipper Truck, symbolizing progress in the EAC’s automotive sector. The event, which brought together 70 industry leaders, provided a crucial platform for discussing policy advocacy and advancing EAC trade and investment.