View - East African Community
14
FINLAND BOOSTS EAC PARTNERSHIP FUND The Finnish Government has granted 3 Million Euros to support various regional integration activities through the EAC Partnership Fund. The Grant Agreement was signed on 10 December 2013 by EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera and Finnish Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania who is also accredited to the EAC bloc, Her Excellency Amb. Sinikka Antila during a ceremony held at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania. “It is a great pleasure for me to make the commitment for 3 additional years, it is worth noticing that after DFID, Finland is the second biggest supporter to the Fund since 2008,” remarked Finnish Ambassador According to the signed agreement between the Government of Finland and the East African Community, the Government of Finland shall make available on a grant basis and subject to annual parliamentary approval in Finland, a contribution amounting up to a (Continued on page 2) In this Issue Finland Boosts EAC Partnership Fund Germany Contributes 24 Million Euros to Support Media Relations & Water Sector Development EAC-EU Hold Political Dialogue in Arusha EALA Undertakes Oversight of EAC Programmes and Projects in Uganda EAC-COMESA-SADC Tripartite TWG on Rules of Origin ongoing in Mauritius Nairobi Hosts 14th EAC Jua Kali/ Nguvu Kazi Exhibition President Kenyatta Meets EA-CISO Leadership Uganda and Tanzania retain Soccer and Netball Trophies e-EAC Newsletter EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
Transcript of View - East African Community
NL - 12 - 2013.pubFUND
The Finnish Government has granted 3 Million Euros to support various regional integration activities through the EAC Partnership Fund. The Grant Agreement was signed on 10 December 2013 by EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera and Finnish Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania who is also accredited to the EAC bloc, Her Excellency Amb. Sinikka Antila during a ceremony held at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania. “It is a great pleasure for me to make the commitment for 3 additional years, it is worth noticing that after DFID, Finland is the second biggest supporter to the Fund since 2008,” remarked Finnish Ambassador According to the signed agreement between the Government of Finland and the East African Community, the Government of Finland shall make available on a grant basis and subject to annual parliamentary approval in Finland, a contribution amounting up to a
(Continued on page 2)
Germany Contributes 24
EAC-EU Hold Political
Oversight of EAC Programmes and Projects in Uganda
EAC-COMESA-SADC
Nairobi Hosts 14th EAC
President Kenyatta
e-EAC EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013
Newsletter
2
maximum of 3 Million Euros to support the EAC Partnership Fund during the period of 2013-2016. The first payment of 1 Million Euros shall be made against a written request upon the entry into force of the agreement. Subsequent payments shall be made in accordance with the actual progress of the activities and on the basis of the financial needs for the coming period, against a written request. EAC Secretary General Amb. Richard Sezibera thanked the Government of Finland for their continued support in the Partnership Fund. He commended Finnish Government for see- ing the need to intensify development co-operation within the EAC. Amb Sezibera said that the signing of multi-year agreements with development partners made it possible to predict the con- tribution to the Partnership Fund and therefore facilitated the development of EAC multi-year plans. EAC Secretary General also on 10 December 2013, held a High Level Dialogue with the Heads of Missions and supporters of the EAC Partnership Fund. The dialogue between the two parties focused on the on-going institutional review, financing of the
Community, trade and investment, the EAC Partnership Fund, negotiations with South Sudan to join the Community, signing of the EAC Monetary Union Protocol, Economic and COMESA-EAC- SADC Tripartite talks EAC Chief briefly informed the Heads of Missions about EAC’s move towards a Single Customs Territory by 2014 was high on the region’s agenda; as well as implementation of the Common Market Protocol. He added the region was also focusing on infrastructure development and the ratification of the Monetary Union Protocol, signed by the EAC Heads of State on 30 November 2013 in Kampala, Uganda. In attendance were representatives from UK/DFID, Germany, Finland, France, Sweden, Norway, European Union, USA, World Bank, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Denmark, Turkey, Netherlands, among others. The EAC Partnership Fund is a basket fund mechanism with annual contributions from Development Partners (DPs) aimed at supporting the EAC projects and programmes that are geared towards regional integration. It was established on 15 Septem- ber 2006 and is open to DPs who finance it through Contribution Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between DPs and the EAC.
(Continued from page 1)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
… Secretary General holds High Level Dialogue with
Partnership Fund Supporters
3
The Federal Republic of Germany on 11 December 2013, announced a new commitment to the East African Commu- nity (EAC) in order to support higher education and training of future journalists and media professionals. Germany makes available a financial contribution of 14 mil- lion Euros in support of the Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) of the Aga Khan University, a recently established Centre of Excellence for media educa- tion in East Africa. The education and training programmes of the GSMC will have a strong regional focus and will foster a diverse array of media leaders, enterprises and institutions that will be distinguished by high standards of competence, ethics, pro- fessionalism and social responsibility. The GSMC will closely cooperate with the Deutsche Welle Akademie (DWA), which is the media development division of Germany’s well known
international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW). Furthermore, the Federal Republic of Germany announced a new commitment to the East African Community in the water and sanitation sector. The EAC and Germany believe that coordinated trans boundary investment approaches are needed to cope with the growing demand for safe water, to fight increasing pollution of water systems and to deal with climate-related challenges. In this regard, Germany committed a first tranche of 10 Million Euros to the ‘Trans boundary Water Supply and Sani- tation Programme’ in order to contribute to improved water and sanitation infrastructure in selected EAC border towns. The programme will be implemented with the Lake Victoria
(Continued on page 4)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
Germany Contributes 24 Million Euros
to Support Media Relations & Water
Sector Development
4
Basin Organisation (LVBC) of the EAC as Project Executing Agency. The commitments were announced by a high-ranking German delegation, led by Ralf-Matthias Mohs, Head of Division East Africa, Federal Ministry for Development Cooperation, including Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German Embassy Dar es salaam, Lena Thiede, Head of Cooperation EAC at the German Embassy Dar es salaam, as well as Burkhard Hinz, Regional Manager West and East Africa, KfW Development Bank. Speaking at the ceremony Secretary General of East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera said the sign- ing demonstrates the strong partnership between the EAC and the Federal Republic of Germany. He applauded Ger- many for its commitment and consistent support towards EAC Project and Programes.
Amb Sezibera affirmed EAC’s readiness to continue close cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany. Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German Embassy in Tanzania, said: “The new commitments underline that Germany continues to be a strong partner for the EAC, con- tributing to an integration process that puts the people in the centre”. Since as early as 1998, Germany’s development cooperation, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Coop- eration and Development (BMZ), contributes to the capacity development of the Secretariat of the EAC and the regional integration in East Africa through a variety of programmes and projects. Germany’s funding for Technical and Financial Cooperation with the EAC amounts to a total of 125.9 million Euros. Germany also provides substantial support for the water and governance sectors in selected EAC member states.
(Continued from page 3)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
… new commitments underline Germany’s
strong partnership with EAC
5
The Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC) and European Union Ambassadors accredited to the United Republic of Tanzania held a Political Dialogue on 10 December 2013 in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania. The political dialogue takes place within the framework of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and the ACP states, to which the Regional Organizations are associated. The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassa- dor Dr. Richard Sezibera, Secretary General of the East African Community and Ambassador Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi, Head of the EU Delegation to Tanzania and the EAC. The Ambassadors and representatives from the Embassies of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom and senior officials from the EAC Secretariat attended the meeting. The parties reviewed the political situation in the countries of the sub-region, discussed EAC interven- tions towards the promotion of good governance, and deliberated on the elections observation in the Partner States.
The parties deliberated on the interventions for the promotion of peace and security in the region, includ- ing the programs for Early Warning Mechanism; those for the Prevention, Management and Resolution of Conflicts; and the implementation of programs under the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) including options for continued EU support in these areas. They also discussed the EAC’s interventions aimed at combating the trafficking of drugs and of small arms and light weapons. The two sides exchanged views on issues relating to the ongoing cases at the Interna- tional Criminal Court. The EAC and EU also deliberated on their trade rela- tions, including the progress towards concluding an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two blocs for mutual benefit. The EAC and EU reaffirmed their strong commitment to work together to advance peace and stability and to promote equitable growth and development in the region. They reiterated their commitment to coopera- tion and dialogue to further strengthen and deepen the regional integration agenda of the EAC.
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
EAC-EU Hold Political Dialogue
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On 6 December 2013, EALA concluded oversight activities of programmes and projects of the Community with an appeal to stakeholders to re-double their efforts on citizen sensitiza- tion on the benefits of integration. The three-day programme saw EALA visit two institutions of the EAC - East African Development Bank (EADB), the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation and the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) in Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe respectively, and the East African Civil Aviation Academy (Soroti Flying School) in Soroti District. At CASSOA, the Managing Director of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Rama Makuza remarked that it was necessary for the aviation sector to harmonise the laws that regulate it. Dr Makuza who is a Board Member of CASSOA decried lack of adequate legislation governing aviation and said threats to the industry including that of terrorism were hampering progress. “I appeal to EALA and the Council of Ministers to revisit the CASSOA Act and see to it that it is assented” he said. The Executive Director of CASSOA, Barry Kashambo cited inadequate funding and shortage of staff as challenges to the organization. “We are looking at alternative financing
mechanism to bridge the gap”, he said. According to Mr. Kashambo, the annual budget of the institution is about USD 2.2 Million. The Executive Director remarked that CASSOA rooted for the full liberalization of air space to spur development in the region. “Aviation is a strategic sector in the integration ar- rangement and we look forward to safety, ease and ade- quacy of flights as well as reduction in costs of flight”, he noted. At the Soroti Flying School, the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa applauded the Management for resuscitating the institution which was on the verge of col- lapse a few years ago. She hailed as timely, the imminent transfer of the EACAA to the EAC as one of the Institu- tions. Present at the occasion was the Minister for EAC, Republic of Uganda, Hon Shem Bageine. The Chair of the Management Advisory Task Force, Mr. Zephania Baliddawa and the Acting Director, Ronald Lodiong remarked that the Government of Uganda and the EAC had put in place key intervention measures for recovery. Mr. Lodiong cited the modernization of infrastructure, enhancing
(Continued on page 7)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
EALA Undertakes Oversight of EAC
Programmes and Projects in Uganda
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of the training curricula and the commissioning of a study by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as key measures towards the sustainability and revitalization of the Academy. The institution which has a capacity of training 108 students offers wide scope training for commercial and private piloting, flight instructors and airport maintenance engineering among others. The academy was established in September 1971 under the directorate of the civil aviation of the (then) East African Community. The bulk of its graduates are employed by regional airlines, air charter companies and state opera- tors. While at the EADB, the Executive Director, Viviene Yeda remarked that her institution would continue to provide development finance and support advisory services in a bid to promote sustainable economic development. She noted that EADB had prioritized resource mobilization, food security and infrastructure development as some of the areas of concen- tration in the next few years. Currently, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda have Membership at the EADB while Burundi is in the process of joining. Companies that source for funding from the Bank must show evidence of financially viable projects that foster regional
integration and impact positively in the economic, environmental and social spectrum. The legislators later visited the Quality Chemicals Ltd in Kampala and the Kormic fish factory in Jinja. AT Quality Chemicals Ltd, a leading manufacturer of anti- malarial and antiretroviral drugs, the Executive Chairman, Emmanuel Katongole informed the legislators that it was time for the continent to take its rightful place in socio-economic development issues. He noted that Africa continued to bear the brunt of poverty yet it could take and map its own destiny. “Hon Members, Sub-Sahara Africa is home to 80% of Malaria and 63% of HIV and Aids cases yet less than 1% of the remedies are manufactured in Africa. We must change the trend. We must not produce the diseases and others – the medicine,” Mr. Katongole said. The Quality chemicals boss urged the Partner States to consider purchasing the remedies from his plant and noted that the facility was WHO pre-qualified and approved. EALA’s mandate includes legislation, oversight and representation as stipulated by Article 49 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.
(Continued from page 6)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
… Legislators visit Quality Chemicals Ltd in
Kampala & Kormic Fish Factory in Jinja
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A Meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Rules of Origin in the context of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA) negotiations is ongoing at Le Méridien Hotel, in Pointe-aux-Piments in Mauritius. The four-day meeting, hosted by the Mauritius’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, has brought together around 100 trade and custom experts from the 26 Member States of the Tripartite region i.e. COMESA, EAC and SADC countries. The second Tripartite Summit held in South Africa, in June 2011, launched the negotiations for the Tripartite FTA. Following discussions on the modalities of the nego- tiations, Member States are now engaged in negotiating the draft Tripartite FTA text as well as its Annexes on Rules of Origin, Non-Tariff Barriers, Technical Barriers to Trade and Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Measures, Dispute Settlement and Trade Remedies, amongst others. These Annexes will form the integral part of the text constituting the Tripartite FTA.
The Tripartite FTA will cover some 6,000 products. While most of the products will be aligned to the existing rules of COMESA, SADC and EAC, some products will be subject to “specific rule to each product” depending on the outcome of the negotiations. The present Technical Working Group on Rules of Origin in Mauritius is pursuing discussions on criteria that would qualify a product to be considered as originating from the Tripartite region. The discussions are focusing on the level of processing in various products, type of ownership and operation of vessels and factory ships. The Tripartite initiative aims at harmonising the trade regimes of the COMESA, EAC and SADC through the establishment of an enlarged FTA. The objective of the Tripartite FTA is to achieve a larger market with a single economic space which will make it more attractive to investment and large scale production.
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
EAC-COMESA-SADC Tripartite
in Mauritius
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
The Cabinet Secretary, East African Community Affairs, Commerce and Tourism of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Phyllis J. Kandie on 11 December 2013, officially opened the 14th EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition that took place 8 - 15 December 2013 at the Railways Club Sports Ground, Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Kenya. The 14th EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition took place at a historic moment when the Republic of Kenya (the host) was celebrating the Golden Jubilee and Nairobi City dwellers and show-goers were in the festive moods. Hon. Phyllis J. Kandie, who was representing H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta at the function, said the Exhibition was taking place within the context of the EAC Industrial Policy and Strategy which aims at enhancing industrial production and productivity to accelerate transformation of economies of the region for sustainable wealth creation, improved income and higher standards of living. She noted that Micro, Small and Media Enterprises (MSMEs) constitute up to 90% of firms in the EAC with about 60% of employment generation making the enterprises a significant economic player in the region. In this context, the Cabinet Secretary called upon EAC Partner States to deliberately put effort to support the development of the sector. Hon. Phyllis Kandie also urged the Partner States to develop comprehensive plan to scale up the use of applied sciences and formulate regional technology transfer. “We should set up centers of excellence in major towns across the region which can help upscale the technology within our small scale enterprises as this will promote in them technology adaptation, innovation and creativity” asserted the Hon. Minister. The Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge informed the guests, exhibitors and show-goers that EAC had been implementing the Customs Union since January 2005 and in January 2010, it (the Customs Union) became fully fledged and Trade statistics from EAC Trade report show significant increase of trade amongst the Partner States. For example in 2012, the total intra-EAC trade increased by 21.9 percent reaching the highest value of US$ 5470.7 Million on account of increased Intra-EAC imports and exports compared to the previous year.
(Continued on page 10)
Nairobi Hosts 14th EAC
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EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
The Deputy Secretary General was affirmative in that the Jua Kali/ Nguvu Kazi exhibitions were proving to be of great value in enabling the Jua Kali artisans and entrepreneurs to recognize and deepen their role within the broader perspective of the region’s development challenge. “The lively interaction among the Exhibitors is a reflection of the new vibrant spirit for regional integration and development that is emerging in East Africa”, said the EAC official, adding “the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibitions have become both a showcase and a measure of the progress being made in the sector. To this extent, the exhibitions have attracted a constantly growing number of exhibitors and visitors. The first exhibition attracted 150 exhibitors, and today we note the participation of over 800 exhibitors. Indeed, the Exhibition is fast assuming an international character. Our aim is to establish a world-class exhibition that would attract exhibitors and investors from outside the region as well”. The CEO of Confederation of Informal Sector Organization (CISO) East Africa Mr. James Njoroge said over the past 14 years, the five East African Partner States through EAC platform had recognized the role played by the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) sector in employment and wealth creation; economic growth; poverty reduction; development of industrial base; and offering excellent opportunities for the develop- ment of entrepreneurship and managerial talents. The CEO disclosed that in Kenya, the sector was estimated to employ 10.5 million people in 2012 accounting for 82.5% of the total number of persons engaged in employment (Economic Survey 2013). In Tanzania, it accounts for 60% of the rural and 40% of the urban employment respectively and contributes 22% of the total labour force. In Uganda, the informal economy employs 90% of total non-farm economically active population and finally in Rwanda, the sector comprises 98% of the businesses and 41% of all private sector employment. Mr. Njoroge noted that despite the recognition, the sector was still ex- periencing many constraints that inhibit the realization of its full poten- tial. Some of these constraints include, poor MSE organizations capac- ity; poor access to credit and financial services; inadequate access to suitable appropriate technology; and lack of markets and market infor- mation. The theme of the Exhibition was Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi (MSEs) for value addition and product quality for EAC industrialization.
(Continued from page 9)
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EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
The President of the Republic of Kenya H.E Uhuru Kenyatta met with the top leadership of the East African Confederation of Informal Sector Organisations (EA-CISO) on 13 December 2013, at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on the sidelines of the 14th EAC Jua Kali /Nguvu Kazi Exhibitions. The EA-CISO Team was led by their Vice Patron Mr. Keli Kiilu accompanied by EAC Partner States CISO Chapter Chairmen and the Regional Project Manager of the EAC, MSE Market Access Program ((Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibitions). The team briefed the President on the ongoing Regional Exhibition upon which the President sent the Head of Public Service Mr. Kinyua to the Exhibition Grounds at the Railway Sports Ground to show solidarity and support to the EAC Regional MSE Exhibitors drawn from the five Partner States. On behalf of the President, Mr. Kinyua, who is the Head of Public Service in Kenya, extended the Exhibition by adding three more days. The President as the Chairman of the Summit of the Heads of States of the EAC Partner States will be meeting the EA-CISO leadership in January 2014.
President Kenyatta Meets
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013
It was the same script, Uganda vs EALA in the final but just a different setting and venue. At the end of it, defending champions, Parliament of Uganda once again showed their supremacy in class and pace outclassing EAC/EALA 3-0 in a pulsating final at Mandela Stadium Namboole on 15 December 2013. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was in attendance as Kampala City legislator, Hon Muhammad Nsereko turned destroyer in chief netting all three goals. He opened the floodgates in the first half with two well executed goals before notching the third to bury EALA. Whereas the Parliament of Uganda’s midfield was alive, the EALA team failed to click in all depart- ments. “My boys did not play according to instructions today but the opposition (Parliament of Uganda) was. the better side and we congratulate them, EALA coach” Rishad Rajab said. Parliament of Uganda becomes the first team to win the tournament three times in a row.
Earlier on, Bunge FC of Kenya finished third after beat- ing Vision 2020 FC 2-1.In netball, defending champion, Parliament of Tanzania defeated Parliament of Uganda 35-33 in a hotly contested final match. Points by Hon Grace Kiwelu and Hon Halima Mdee carried the day for Parliament of Tanzania. EALA finished third after si- lencing Kenya 50-10 in the losers play-off. For all his efforts, Hon Muhammad Nsereko carried the golden boot. Parliament of Tanzania’s Hon Iddi Azzan and Hon Straton of EALA won the best goalkeeper and the Most Valuable Player awards respectively. In Netball, Uganda’s Hon Sarah Netasiire who scored 52 goals in the entire tournament was awarded for the best shooter while her compatriot, Hon Winnie Kiiza won the best centre category. Parliament of Tanzania’s Hon Grace Kiwelu was declared the Most Valuable Player.
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
Uganda and Tanzania retain Soccer
and Netball Trophies
EAC Update e-newsletter is published by the Department of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
East African Community (EAC) | P.O. Box 1096 | Arusha - Tanzania.
www.eac.int For further information please contact:
Richard Owora Othieno, Head of Department | Email: [email protected] | Tel: +255 784 835021
Visit the EAC Web Portal at http://www.eac.int to read these and more stories online. You can also download the EAC Newsletter by logging onto http://www.news.eac.int
Editorial Team: Owora Richard Othieno; Aileen Mallya; Bobi Odiko; Florian Mutabazi;
Belinda Wera; Damaris Wambui; J.R.Luwali (Photographer ) & Mukhtar Abdul Bolyao (Photographer)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
14
EAC Update e-newsletter is published by the Department of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
East African Community (EAC) | P.O. Box 1096 | Arusha - Tanzania.
www.eac.int For further information please contact:
Richard Owora Othieno, Head of Department | Email: [email protected] | Tel: +255 784 835021
Visit the EAC Web Portal at http://www.eac.int to read these and more stories online. You can also download the EAC Newsletter by logging onto http://www.news.eac.int
Editorial Team: Owora Richard Othieno; Aileen Mallya; Bobi Odiko; Florian Mutabazi;
Belinda Wera; Damaris Wambui; J.R.Luwali (Photographer ) & Mukhtar Abdul Bolyao (Photographer)
The Finnish Government has granted 3 Million Euros to support various regional integration activities through the EAC Partnership Fund. The Grant Agreement was signed on 10 December 2013 by EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera and Finnish Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania who is also accredited to the EAC bloc, Her Excellency Amb. Sinikka Antila during a ceremony held at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania. “It is a great pleasure for me to make the commitment for 3 additional years, it is worth noticing that after DFID, Finland is the second biggest supporter to the Fund since 2008,” remarked Finnish Ambassador According to the signed agreement between the Government of Finland and the East African Community, the Government of Finland shall make available on a grant basis and subject to annual parliamentary approval in Finland, a contribution amounting up to a
(Continued on page 2)
Germany Contributes 24
EAC-EU Hold Political
Oversight of EAC Programmes and Projects in Uganda
EAC-COMESA-SADC
Nairobi Hosts 14th EAC
President Kenyatta
e-EAC EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013
Newsletter
2
maximum of 3 Million Euros to support the EAC Partnership Fund during the period of 2013-2016. The first payment of 1 Million Euros shall be made against a written request upon the entry into force of the agreement. Subsequent payments shall be made in accordance with the actual progress of the activities and on the basis of the financial needs for the coming period, against a written request. EAC Secretary General Amb. Richard Sezibera thanked the Government of Finland for their continued support in the Partnership Fund. He commended Finnish Government for see- ing the need to intensify development co-operation within the EAC. Amb Sezibera said that the signing of multi-year agreements with development partners made it possible to predict the con- tribution to the Partnership Fund and therefore facilitated the development of EAC multi-year plans. EAC Secretary General also on 10 December 2013, held a High Level Dialogue with the Heads of Missions and supporters of the EAC Partnership Fund. The dialogue between the two parties focused on the on-going institutional review, financing of the
Community, trade and investment, the EAC Partnership Fund, negotiations with South Sudan to join the Community, signing of the EAC Monetary Union Protocol, Economic and COMESA-EAC- SADC Tripartite talks EAC Chief briefly informed the Heads of Missions about EAC’s move towards a Single Customs Territory by 2014 was high on the region’s agenda; as well as implementation of the Common Market Protocol. He added the region was also focusing on infrastructure development and the ratification of the Monetary Union Protocol, signed by the EAC Heads of State on 30 November 2013 in Kampala, Uganda. In attendance were representatives from UK/DFID, Germany, Finland, France, Sweden, Norway, European Union, USA, World Bank, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Denmark, Turkey, Netherlands, among others. The EAC Partnership Fund is a basket fund mechanism with annual contributions from Development Partners (DPs) aimed at supporting the EAC projects and programmes that are geared towards regional integration. It was established on 15 Septem- ber 2006 and is open to DPs who finance it through Contribution Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between DPs and the EAC.
(Continued from page 1)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
… Secretary General holds High Level Dialogue with
Partnership Fund Supporters
3
The Federal Republic of Germany on 11 December 2013, announced a new commitment to the East African Commu- nity (EAC) in order to support higher education and training of future journalists and media professionals. Germany makes available a financial contribution of 14 mil- lion Euros in support of the Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) of the Aga Khan University, a recently established Centre of Excellence for media educa- tion in East Africa. The education and training programmes of the GSMC will have a strong regional focus and will foster a diverse array of media leaders, enterprises and institutions that will be distinguished by high standards of competence, ethics, pro- fessionalism and social responsibility. The GSMC will closely cooperate with the Deutsche Welle Akademie (DWA), which is the media development division of Germany’s well known
international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW). Furthermore, the Federal Republic of Germany announced a new commitment to the East African Community in the water and sanitation sector. The EAC and Germany believe that coordinated trans boundary investment approaches are needed to cope with the growing demand for safe water, to fight increasing pollution of water systems and to deal with climate-related challenges. In this regard, Germany committed a first tranche of 10 Million Euros to the ‘Trans boundary Water Supply and Sani- tation Programme’ in order to contribute to improved water and sanitation infrastructure in selected EAC border towns. The programme will be implemented with the Lake Victoria
(Continued on page 4)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
Germany Contributes 24 Million Euros
to Support Media Relations & Water
Sector Development
4
Basin Organisation (LVBC) of the EAC as Project Executing Agency. The commitments were announced by a high-ranking German delegation, led by Ralf-Matthias Mohs, Head of Division East Africa, Federal Ministry for Development Cooperation, including Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German Embassy Dar es salaam, Lena Thiede, Head of Cooperation EAC at the German Embassy Dar es salaam, as well as Burkhard Hinz, Regional Manager West and East Africa, KfW Development Bank. Speaking at the ceremony Secretary General of East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera said the sign- ing demonstrates the strong partnership between the EAC and the Federal Republic of Germany. He applauded Ger- many for its commitment and consistent support towards EAC Project and Programes.
Amb Sezibera affirmed EAC’s readiness to continue close cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany. Hans Koeppel, Chargé d´Affaires at the German Embassy in Tanzania, said: “The new commitments underline that Germany continues to be a strong partner for the EAC, con- tributing to an integration process that puts the people in the centre”. Since as early as 1998, Germany’s development cooperation, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Coop- eration and Development (BMZ), contributes to the capacity development of the Secretariat of the EAC and the regional integration in East Africa through a variety of programmes and projects. Germany’s funding for Technical and Financial Cooperation with the EAC amounts to a total of 125.9 million Euros. Germany also provides substantial support for the water and governance sectors in selected EAC member states.
(Continued from page 3)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
… new commitments underline Germany’s
strong partnership with EAC
5
The Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC) and European Union Ambassadors accredited to the United Republic of Tanzania held a Political Dialogue on 10 December 2013 in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania. The political dialogue takes place within the framework of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and the ACP states, to which the Regional Organizations are associated. The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassa- dor Dr. Richard Sezibera, Secretary General of the East African Community and Ambassador Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi, Head of the EU Delegation to Tanzania and the EAC. The Ambassadors and representatives from the Embassies of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom and senior officials from the EAC Secretariat attended the meeting. The parties reviewed the political situation in the countries of the sub-region, discussed EAC interven- tions towards the promotion of good governance, and deliberated on the elections observation in the Partner States.
The parties deliberated on the interventions for the promotion of peace and security in the region, includ- ing the programs for Early Warning Mechanism; those for the Prevention, Management and Resolution of Conflicts; and the implementation of programs under the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) including options for continued EU support in these areas. They also discussed the EAC’s interventions aimed at combating the trafficking of drugs and of small arms and light weapons. The two sides exchanged views on issues relating to the ongoing cases at the Interna- tional Criminal Court. The EAC and EU also deliberated on their trade rela- tions, including the progress towards concluding an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two blocs for mutual benefit. The EAC and EU reaffirmed their strong commitment to work together to advance peace and stability and to promote equitable growth and development in the region. They reiterated their commitment to coopera- tion and dialogue to further strengthen and deepen the regional integration agenda of the EAC.
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EAC-EU Hold Political Dialogue
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On 6 December 2013, EALA concluded oversight activities of programmes and projects of the Community with an appeal to stakeholders to re-double their efforts on citizen sensitiza- tion on the benefits of integration. The three-day programme saw EALA visit two institutions of the EAC - East African Development Bank (EADB), the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation and the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) in Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe respectively, and the East African Civil Aviation Academy (Soroti Flying School) in Soroti District. At CASSOA, the Managing Director of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Rama Makuza remarked that it was necessary for the aviation sector to harmonise the laws that regulate it. Dr Makuza who is a Board Member of CASSOA decried lack of adequate legislation governing aviation and said threats to the industry including that of terrorism were hampering progress. “I appeal to EALA and the Council of Ministers to revisit the CASSOA Act and see to it that it is assented” he said. The Executive Director of CASSOA, Barry Kashambo cited inadequate funding and shortage of staff as challenges to the organization. “We are looking at alternative financing
mechanism to bridge the gap”, he said. According to Mr. Kashambo, the annual budget of the institution is about USD 2.2 Million. The Executive Director remarked that CASSOA rooted for the full liberalization of air space to spur development in the region. “Aviation is a strategic sector in the integration ar- rangement and we look forward to safety, ease and ade- quacy of flights as well as reduction in costs of flight”, he noted. At the Soroti Flying School, the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa applauded the Management for resuscitating the institution which was on the verge of col- lapse a few years ago. She hailed as timely, the imminent transfer of the EACAA to the EAC as one of the Institu- tions. Present at the occasion was the Minister for EAC, Republic of Uganda, Hon Shem Bageine. The Chair of the Management Advisory Task Force, Mr. Zephania Baliddawa and the Acting Director, Ronald Lodiong remarked that the Government of Uganda and the EAC had put in place key intervention measures for recovery. Mr. Lodiong cited the modernization of infrastructure, enhancing
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EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
EALA Undertakes Oversight of EAC
Programmes and Projects in Uganda
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of the training curricula and the commissioning of a study by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as key measures towards the sustainability and revitalization of the Academy. The institution which has a capacity of training 108 students offers wide scope training for commercial and private piloting, flight instructors and airport maintenance engineering among others. The academy was established in September 1971 under the directorate of the civil aviation of the (then) East African Community. The bulk of its graduates are employed by regional airlines, air charter companies and state opera- tors. While at the EADB, the Executive Director, Viviene Yeda remarked that her institution would continue to provide development finance and support advisory services in a bid to promote sustainable economic development. She noted that EADB had prioritized resource mobilization, food security and infrastructure development as some of the areas of concen- tration in the next few years. Currently, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda have Membership at the EADB while Burundi is in the process of joining. Companies that source for funding from the Bank must show evidence of financially viable projects that foster regional
integration and impact positively in the economic, environmental and social spectrum. The legislators later visited the Quality Chemicals Ltd in Kampala and the Kormic fish factory in Jinja. AT Quality Chemicals Ltd, a leading manufacturer of anti- malarial and antiretroviral drugs, the Executive Chairman, Emmanuel Katongole informed the legislators that it was time for the continent to take its rightful place in socio-economic development issues. He noted that Africa continued to bear the brunt of poverty yet it could take and map its own destiny. “Hon Members, Sub-Sahara Africa is home to 80% of Malaria and 63% of HIV and Aids cases yet less than 1% of the remedies are manufactured in Africa. We must change the trend. We must not produce the diseases and others – the medicine,” Mr. Katongole said. The Quality chemicals boss urged the Partner States to consider purchasing the remedies from his plant and noted that the facility was WHO pre-qualified and approved. EALA’s mandate includes legislation, oversight and representation as stipulated by Article 49 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.
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EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
… Legislators visit Quality Chemicals Ltd in
Kampala & Kormic Fish Factory in Jinja
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A Meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Rules of Origin in the context of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA) negotiations is ongoing at Le Méridien Hotel, in Pointe-aux-Piments in Mauritius. The four-day meeting, hosted by the Mauritius’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, has brought together around 100 trade and custom experts from the 26 Member States of the Tripartite region i.e. COMESA, EAC and SADC countries. The second Tripartite Summit held in South Africa, in June 2011, launched the negotiations for the Tripartite FTA. Following discussions on the modalities of the nego- tiations, Member States are now engaged in negotiating the draft Tripartite FTA text as well as its Annexes on Rules of Origin, Non-Tariff Barriers, Technical Barriers to Trade and Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Measures, Dispute Settlement and Trade Remedies, amongst others. These Annexes will form the integral part of the text constituting the Tripartite FTA.
The Tripartite FTA will cover some 6,000 products. While most of the products will be aligned to the existing rules of COMESA, SADC and EAC, some products will be subject to “specific rule to each product” depending on the outcome of the negotiations. The present Technical Working Group on Rules of Origin in Mauritius is pursuing discussions on criteria that would qualify a product to be considered as originating from the Tripartite region. The discussions are focusing on the level of processing in various products, type of ownership and operation of vessels and factory ships. The Tripartite initiative aims at harmonising the trade regimes of the COMESA, EAC and SADC through the establishment of an enlarged FTA. The objective of the Tripartite FTA is to achieve a larger market with a single economic space which will make it more attractive to investment and large scale production.
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013 EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
EAC-COMESA-SADC Tripartite
in Mauritius
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
The Cabinet Secretary, East African Community Affairs, Commerce and Tourism of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Phyllis J. Kandie on 11 December 2013, officially opened the 14th EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition that took place 8 - 15 December 2013 at the Railways Club Sports Ground, Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Kenya. The 14th EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition took place at a historic moment when the Republic of Kenya (the host) was celebrating the Golden Jubilee and Nairobi City dwellers and show-goers were in the festive moods. Hon. Phyllis J. Kandie, who was representing H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta at the function, said the Exhibition was taking place within the context of the EAC Industrial Policy and Strategy which aims at enhancing industrial production and productivity to accelerate transformation of economies of the region for sustainable wealth creation, improved income and higher standards of living. She noted that Micro, Small and Media Enterprises (MSMEs) constitute up to 90% of firms in the EAC with about 60% of employment generation making the enterprises a significant economic player in the region. In this context, the Cabinet Secretary called upon EAC Partner States to deliberately put effort to support the development of the sector. Hon. Phyllis Kandie also urged the Partner States to develop comprehensive plan to scale up the use of applied sciences and formulate regional technology transfer. “We should set up centers of excellence in major towns across the region which can help upscale the technology within our small scale enterprises as this will promote in them technology adaptation, innovation and creativity” asserted the Hon. Minister. The Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge informed the guests, exhibitors and show-goers that EAC had been implementing the Customs Union since January 2005 and in January 2010, it (the Customs Union) became fully fledged and Trade statistics from EAC Trade report show significant increase of trade amongst the Partner States. For example in 2012, the total intra-EAC trade increased by 21.9 percent reaching the highest value of US$ 5470.7 Million on account of increased Intra-EAC imports and exports compared to the previous year.
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Nairobi Hosts 14th EAC
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EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
The Deputy Secretary General was affirmative in that the Jua Kali/ Nguvu Kazi exhibitions were proving to be of great value in enabling the Jua Kali artisans and entrepreneurs to recognize and deepen their role within the broader perspective of the region’s development challenge. “The lively interaction among the Exhibitors is a reflection of the new vibrant spirit for regional integration and development that is emerging in East Africa”, said the EAC official, adding “the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibitions have become both a showcase and a measure of the progress being made in the sector. To this extent, the exhibitions have attracted a constantly growing number of exhibitors and visitors. The first exhibition attracted 150 exhibitors, and today we note the participation of over 800 exhibitors. Indeed, the Exhibition is fast assuming an international character. Our aim is to establish a world-class exhibition that would attract exhibitors and investors from outside the region as well”. The CEO of Confederation of Informal Sector Organization (CISO) East Africa Mr. James Njoroge said over the past 14 years, the five East African Partner States through EAC platform had recognized the role played by the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) sector in employment and wealth creation; economic growth; poverty reduction; development of industrial base; and offering excellent opportunities for the develop- ment of entrepreneurship and managerial talents. The CEO disclosed that in Kenya, the sector was estimated to employ 10.5 million people in 2012 accounting for 82.5% of the total number of persons engaged in employment (Economic Survey 2013). In Tanzania, it accounts for 60% of the rural and 40% of the urban employment respectively and contributes 22% of the total labour force. In Uganda, the informal economy employs 90% of total non-farm economically active population and finally in Rwanda, the sector comprises 98% of the businesses and 41% of all private sector employment. Mr. Njoroge noted that despite the recognition, the sector was still ex- periencing many constraints that inhibit the realization of its full poten- tial. Some of these constraints include, poor MSE organizations capac- ity; poor access to credit and financial services; inadequate access to suitable appropriate technology; and lack of markets and market infor- mation. The theme of the Exhibition was Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi (MSEs) for value addition and product quality for EAC industrialization.
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EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
The President of the Republic of Kenya H.E Uhuru Kenyatta met with the top leadership of the East African Confederation of Informal Sector Organisations (EA-CISO) on 13 December 2013, at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on the sidelines of the 14th EAC Jua Kali /Nguvu Kazi Exhibitions. The EA-CISO Team was led by their Vice Patron Mr. Keli Kiilu accompanied by EAC Partner States CISO Chapter Chairmen and the Regional Project Manager of the EAC, MSE Market Access Program ((Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibitions). The team briefed the President on the ongoing Regional Exhibition upon which the President sent the Head of Public Service Mr. Kinyua to the Exhibition Grounds at the Railway Sports Ground to show solidarity and support to the EAC Regional MSE Exhibitors drawn from the five Partner States. On behalf of the President, Mr. Kinyua, who is the Head of Public Service in Kenya, extended the Exhibition by adding three more days. The President as the Chairman of the Summit of the Heads of States of the EAC Partner States will be meeting the EA-CISO leadership in January 2014.
President Kenyatta Meets
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 76 30 NOVEMBER 2013
It was the same script, Uganda vs EALA in the final but just a different setting and venue. At the end of it, defending champions, Parliament of Uganda once again showed their supremacy in class and pace outclassing EAC/EALA 3-0 in a pulsating final at Mandela Stadium Namboole on 15 December 2013. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was in attendance as Kampala City legislator, Hon Muhammad Nsereko turned destroyer in chief netting all three goals. He opened the floodgates in the first half with two well executed goals before notching the third to bury EALA. Whereas the Parliament of Uganda’s midfield was alive, the EALA team failed to click in all depart- ments. “My boys did not play according to instructions today but the opposition (Parliament of Uganda) was. the better side and we congratulate them, EALA coach” Rishad Rajab said. Parliament of Uganda becomes the first team to win the tournament three times in a row.
Earlier on, Bunge FC of Kenya finished third after beat- ing Vision 2020 FC 2-1.In netball, defending champion, Parliament of Tanzania defeated Parliament of Uganda 35-33 in a hotly contested final match. Points by Hon Grace Kiwelu and Hon Halima Mdee carried the day for Parliament of Tanzania. EALA finished third after si- lencing Kenya 50-10 in the losers play-off. For all his efforts, Hon Muhammad Nsereko carried the golden boot. Parliament of Tanzania’s Hon Iddi Azzan and Hon Straton of EALA won the best goalkeeper and the Most Valuable Player awards respectively. In Netball, Uganda’s Hon Sarah Netasiire who scored 52 goals in the entire tournament was awarded for the best shooter while her compatriot, Hon Winnie Kiiza won the best centre category. Parliament of Tanzania’s Hon Grace Kiwelu was declared the Most Valuable Player.
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
Uganda and Tanzania retain Soccer
and Netball Trophies
EAC Update e-newsletter is published by the Department of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
East African Community (EAC) | P.O. Box 1096 | Arusha - Tanzania.
www.eac.int For further information please contact:
Richard Owora Othieno, Head of Department | Email: [email protected] | Tel: +255 784 835021
Visit the EAC Web Portal at http://www.eac.int to read these and more stories online. You can also download the EAC Newsletter by logging onto http://www.news.eac.int
Editorial Team: Owora Richard Othieno; Aileen Mallya; Bobi Odiko; Florian Mutabazi;
Belinda Wera; Damaris Wambui; J.R.Luwali (Photographer ) & Mukhtar Abdul Bolyao (Photographer)
EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 77 18 DECEMBER 2013
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EAC Update e-newsletter is published by the Department of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
East African Community (EAC) | P.O. Box 1096 | Arusha - Tanzania.
www.eac.int For further information please contact:
Richard Owora Othieno, Head of Department | Email: [email protected] | Tel: +255 784 835021
Visit the EAC Web Portal at http://www.eac.int to read these and more stories online. You can also download the EAC Newsletter by logging onto http://www.news.eac.int
Editorial Team: Owora Richard Othieno; Aileen Mallya; Bobi Odiko; Florian Mutabazi;
Belinda Wera; Damaris Wambui; J.R.Luwali (Photographer ) & Mukhtar Abdul Bolyao (Photographer)
