eac update issue no 83 30 june 2014...

“PEACE & STABILITY CRITICAL

IN ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS

IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION”

~ AMB. SEZIBERA

The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera has reiterated that peace and stability were critical in attracting investments in the Great Lakes Region and that the involvement of the leaders, as well as the United Nations led by the Secretary General and his Special Envoy to the Region was extremely crucial. Amb. Sezibera, who on 11 June 2014, delivered the keynote speech themed Preparing the Ground For Responsible Investment, at the Great Lakes Private Sector Investment Roundtable, held at the United Nation Economic Commission for Africa complex in Addis Ababa, said the Roundtable Dialogue on ways in which corporate activities and respon-sible investment can advance peace, stability, prosperity and inclusive growth in the Great Lakes region was critical, noting that “within International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), focus is now shifting to investment, this is a major achievement that we should all celebrate”.

(Continued on page 2)

In this Issue

“Peace & Stability Critical in Attracting Investments in the Great Lakes Region” — Amb. Sezibera

EAC Budget Speech, Adoption of Key Reports Dominate EALA Sittings

Court Rules Construction of Road Across Serengeti National Park Unlawful

Germany Contributes 24 Million Euros to EAC to Support Media Relations and Water Sector Development

Nairobi Hosts EAC Conference on Persons With Disability

Regional Electronic Bill in the Offing

IUCEA Signs Contract for Construction of its Headquarters

Netherlands, USA Accredit Envoys to EAC

EAC Partner States Urged to Adopt Animal Data & Animal Resources Information System

Operationalization of EAC Clubs in Secondary Schools in the Offing

Sensitization Workshop on EAC Video Conferencing Project Held in Arusha

EAC Regional Cross-Border Community Sensitization Programme Commences

EAC Centre for Industrial Resources and Investment in the Offing

Tanzania Becomes First Partner State to Ratify EAC Monetary Union Protocol

e-EAC EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 83 30 JUNE 2014

Newsletter

2

The Secretary General opined that responsible, targeted invest-ments, during periods of conflict, or in the immediate after-math, were crucial to ending the conflicts and promoting rapid return to normality and stability. He noted that promoting cross border investments and ensuring that the benefits of growth are efficiently harnessed and equitably shared was part of the inclusive growth. “Failure to master this imperative is largely the reason behind the endless conflict we have witnessed in the region for years” commented the Secretary General, adding that “we must think differently about investment. We need to think and act regionally and put in place policies that allow for these cross border investments”. He said the ICGLR Region offers immense opportunities for infrastructure, given the Multibillion dollar infrastructure gap and that gap was compounded by a very real skills gap. Amb. Sezibera affirmed that Governments and the Private Sector need to make sure that skills development was a key component of any major infrastructure investment decision and contracts. “Investments in skilling the region is not a social, benevolent affair on behalf of Government. It is critical for sustainable responsible investment”. The Roundtab le d ia logue featured a pane l of prominent business, development and investment leaders who shared their ideas on the ways in which corporate activities and responsible investment can advance peace, stability, prosperity and economic develop-ment in the Great Lakes region. Examples of successful business and investment practices that bring value financially and in social, environmental and ethical terms were highlighted and discussed. The panelists also shared their views as to how public-private collaboration can contrib-ute to the realization of a shared, secure and sustainable future in the Great Lakes region. H. E. Hallemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was the guest of honour at the official opening of the Roundtable Dialogue. Other speakers included; Ms. Mary Robinson, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region; Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Chairman, Hermes Equity Ownership Services and Vice-Chair, UN Global Compact Board; Mr. Elias Masilela, Ch i e f E xecu t i v e O f f i c e r , Pub l i c I nve s tmen t Corporation; Mr. Modibo I. Touré, Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser, Office of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region; and Mr. Georg Kell, Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact.

(Continued from page 1)

EAC UPDATE ISSUE NO 83 30 JUNE 2014

“We must think differently about investment”

says Amb. Sezibera

3


The Assembly adjourned sine die (indefinitely) on 5 June 2014, after two weeks of Sitting. Key highlights of the Assembly proceedings included the passing of the EAC Budget Speech for the Financial Year 2014/2015 and the adoption of key Reports. In addition, a landmark ruling by the Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa against the motion for the removal of the Speaker also took centre stage as the House wound up its business. The 2014/2015 Budget amounting to US$ 124,069,625 passed after debate on the floor of the House on 5 June 2014. The amount is allocated to the Organs and Institutions of the EAC as follows; East African Community Secretariat (US$76,074,052), East African Legislative Assembly (US$15,489,836) and the East African Court of Justice (US$4,582,190). The Inter-University Council for East Africa shall receive (US$ 9,411,320), Lake Victoria Basin Commission (US$ 13,372,466) while US$ 2,813,771 is earmarked for the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation. For the first time, three new EAC Institutions are also set to benefit. East African Science and Technology Commission shall receive (US$ 679,821), East African Kiswahili Commission (US$

722,102) and the East African Health Research Commission (US$ 924,067). The acting Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine also moved a motion for the Supplementary Appropriation Bill (No 2), 2014 of US$ 147,370. The said amount is required for the financial year ending 30th June 2014 for the expenditure of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission incurred on the USAID/EA Support to the co-ordination of the integrated Population, Health and Environment programme. The Budget Speech was presented on 4 June 2014, by the Deputy Minister of EAC in the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon Dr. Abdalla Sadallah Abdallah. Contributing to the budget debate, the EAC Secretary General, Amb Dr. Richard Sezibera maintained that the Secretariat would strive to undertake the activities in line with the objectives of the Community. He remarked that the EAC had various ambitions which would be fulfilled over time resources permitting. The Secretary General stated that EAC had realised a budget


EAC Budget Speech,

Adoption of Key Reports

Dominate EALA Sittings

4

execution of 96% against the finances remitted on time by partners. He maintained that his regime would account for travel and ensure value addition and visible returns to the Community. The Secretary General also allayed imminent fears and concerns that Organs and institutions of the Community were operating without existing Rules. ‘I wish to confirm to this House that the Summit, Council of Ministers and the Co-ordinating Committee all have rules of procedures. The same applies to all other Organs and Institutions of the Community including EALA’, Hon Dr. Sezibera noted. Hon Dr Sezibera remarked that the Secretariat was close to full automation of its systems and said that digitisation and installation of new budget software would ensure efficiency of services. He noted that for the first time, the EAC would support the Women in Business Platform Conference. ‘We are working together with the East African Development Bank (EADB) to ensure the resources can be accessed for the important sector’, Amb Sezibera said. Hon Sezibera hailed the executives, management and staff of the Community for their dedication to duty and remarked that the Council was set to review terms and conditions of service which had remained the same for the last eight years. The Secretary General urged the House to respect the Office of the Counsel and to heed advice noting that over the period of the Sitting, impugned motives had been attributed to the current holder of the Office, Hon Wilbert Kaahwa. He noted that the failure to do so resulted in consequences. ‘There are consequences which have made the respected House to debate motions which are not on the Order Paper including a ruling (by the Speaker) and ignoring those

scheduled for discussion owing to failure to listen to the advice of the Counsel’, he remarked. We must never allow a situation where the Chamber descends into a farce or “into a theatre of the absurd”, he added. On 5 June 2014, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa ruled against her censure Motion terming it to have fallen short of the requirements and thus collapsed. Rt. Hon Zziwa pegged her ruling on Rule 82(2) of Rules of Procedure that grants the Speaker of the Assembly, the final powers on the interpretation and the application of the same. She remarked that three Members from the United Republic of Tanzania, namely, Hon ShyRose Bhanji, Hon Adam Kimbisa and Hon Maryam Ussi had withdrawn their signatures, originally appended to support the Motion and said it was thus improper to hold on to the signatures against their intention to withdraw from the pursuit. Rt. Hon Zziwa further stated that under Rule 9, the removal of the Speaker needed to be followed by the strict obser-vance of the rights protected under Article 6(d) of the Treaty governing the establishment of the EAC. Other key reports adopted during the Sitting included: The Report of the Committee on General Purpose on the EAC Annual Report for 2011/2012 and that of the Committee on Accounts on the on-spot assessment of the Internal Audit Systems of the EAC institutions sailed through. In its Report of the On-spot Assessment of the Internal Audit Systems of the EAC institutions, the Committee on Accounts calls for strengthening of the internal audit sys-tems, adequate staffing and adherence to the international auditing standards. The Report of the Committee on General Purpose observes that the Annual Report of the EAC should be timely and its content made satisfactory to the Assembly given its over-sight role. In this regard, it wants future Annual Reports specifically customized and removed away from the tem-plate of a general report.



…Speaker’s censure motion also put to rest

5

The First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) on 20 June 2014, declared that the initial proposed action by the United Republic of Tanzania to construct a high way road across Serengeti National Park was unlawful and an infringement of Articles 5(3)(c) which provides for the promotion of sustainable utilisation of the natural resources of the Partner States and the taking of measures that would effectively protect the natural environment of the Partner States; and others of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. The Articles provide on the promotion of sustainable utilization of the natural resources of the Partner States and the taking of measures that would effectively protect the natural environment of the Partner States; Action by the Community relating to the environment objectives and Management of Natural Resources. The Court also granted a permanent injunction restraining Tanzania from operationalizing the action of constructing or maintaining a road across the Serengeti National Park subject to its right to undertake such other programs in future which would not have negative impacts to the environment and ecosystem in the Serengeti National Park. The Court in its judgment said that the matter raises issues that are today the subject of wide debate across the World, including; environmental protection, sustainable development, environmental rule of Law and the role of the State in policy

formulation in matters relating to the environment and natural resources. In addition added that the role of the Court in balancing its interpretation jurisdiction against the needs of ensuring that Partner States are not unduly hindered in their developmental programs. The Court added that all these issues must however be looked at from the common thread running through the matter in the need to protect the Serengeti ecosystem for the sake of future generations and whether the road project has potential for causing irreparable damages to the environment. Furthermore the Court in its findings held that according to the orders sought by the Applicants, it is proper to ensure that Tanzania as a Partner State stays within its obligations under the Treaty. The Court therefore ordered each party to pay their own costs because the litigation was in the wider public interest. The case was filed by a Kenyan None Governmental Organization - Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) contesting the United Republic of Tanzania’s intention to build a “super highway” crossing the Serengeti National Park, with the Kenyan organization arguing, it would be detrimental to wildlife and the ecosystem as a whole.


Court Rules Construction of

Road Across Serengeti National

Park Unlawful

6


Germany Contributes 24 Million Euros

to EAC to Support Media Relations and

Water Sector Development

The Federal Republic of Germany on 24 June 2014, signed an intergovernmental agreement with EAC in order to support higher education and training for future journalists and media professionals. Germany makes available a financial contribution of 14 million Euros in support of the Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) of the Aga Khan University, a recently establ ished Centre of Excel lence for media education 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, professionalism 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 transboundary 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 Sanitation 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 Basin Organisation (LVBC) of the EAC as Project Executing Agency. Dr. Richard Sezibera, Secretary-General of the EAC and Member of the GAVI Board said “I am happy with the way things are moving in regard to EAC-Germany relations. The Agreement we have signed shows that Germany is indeed our valuable partner”. 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, contributing 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 Cooperation 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.

7

The President of the Republic of Kenya and the Chair of the EAC Heads of State Summit, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta said Persons with Disabilities have a right to social wellbeing which can be enjoyed through development and adoption of a common approach to provision of basic needs such as health care, housing, education and training. The President who was represented by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services Hon. Kazungu Kambi at the official opening of the 2nd EAC Conference on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on 19 June 2014, at the Inter-Continental Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya, called for all concerns for Persons with Disabilities to be mainstreamed in the EAC Integra-tion agenda. President Kenyatta said disability is both a cause and a conse-quence of poverty and exposes the PWDs to limited livelihood opportunities and consequently increases their vulnerability. He drew the attention of participants to the fact that, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank estimates of 2011, Persons with Disabilities constitute at least 15% of the global population. In the context of the EAC region, this percentage translates into approximately 18 million Persons with Disabilities, added the President. The Chair of the EAC Heads of State Summit informed the participants that EAC Partner States have invested in many

programmes and projects to address needs of PWDs in the region. He however called for more efforts to be put in place to create awareness to mainstream disability in all our programs both at government and private sector level. ‘’I strongly believe that all of you attending this 2nd Conference today bear witness to this and share a common vision of fostering EAC integration’’ President Kenyatta stated that empowering Persons with Disabilities in the EAC and creating an accessible and barrier free environment for them is an important issue which EAC Partner States have placed high on the integration agenda. ‘’I am confident that distinguished delegates at this conference ,will take advantage of this forum to discuss and identify challenges and make recommendations that will lay the foundation and be built on, to provide better coordination as well as collaboration on addressing issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities in the region’’ Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, Republic of Kenya, Hon Phyllis Kandie, Principal Secretary Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, Ms Mwanamaka Mabruki affirmed the



Nairobi Hosts EAC Conference on

Persons With Disability

8

support of the Ministry to ensure that the disability dimension is mainstreamed in all development-related policies in line with article 120 of the Treat for the esatblishement of the East African Community. Rt. Hon Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Dr.Margaret Nantongo Zziwa, on her remarks delivered by Hon Dr Martn Nduwimana, underscored the need to empower Persons with Disabilities(PWDs) within the East African region cannot be over-emphasized. ‘’I for one I am a firm believer in the allegory that; disability is not inability” Hon Speaker informed delegates that EALA will continue to prioritize concerns of the PWDs in all its current as well as future programs and policies. She also mentioned that EALA is in the process of considering a bill on Disability. The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sector Hon Jesca Eriyo informed the delegates that an EAC Policy on Policy on People with Disabilities (2012) is now in place. The policy is expected to among other things, facilitate greater awareness of the importance of empowering people with disabilities to enjoy a decent quality of life and all fundamental human rights including the right to employment, stated Hon Eriyo. She called for an urgent need to discuss the critical role that Partner States governments and Legislators must play in providing leadership through national level commitments, legislation and providing enabling environments to allow for persons with disabilities to contribute as effective and full participating members of societies. The two day conference aimed at ensuring that the disability concerns are mainstreamed in laws and policies at both the regional (EAC) and national levels. The conference among others; reviewed the existing national employment policies on how they cater for disability empowerment; assessed how the EAC Partner States have attained the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in relation to People with disability" and participation the post 2015 agenda as well as explored opportunities for ensuring accessibility for and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of development and giving due consideration to all persons with disabilities in the emerging post-2015 United Nations development agenda.”



…. President Kenyatta calls

for the concerns for Persons

with Disabilities to be

mainstreamed in the

EAC integration agenda

…House grants Hon Dr. James Ndahiro leave to introduce Private Members Bill

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has granted Hon Dr James Ndahiro leave to introduce a Private Members’ Bill on Electronic transactions. The Bill is known as the EAC Electronic Transactions Bill, 2014.

The object of this Bill is to make provision for the use, security, facilitation and regulation of electronic communications and transactions, to encourage the use of e-Government service and to provide for related matters.

According to the mover, Hon. Dr. Ndahiro, it has been established that the Community needs to maximally exploit the great resource of ICTs thus ensuring that businesses and institutions have access to these modern technologies.

It is on the basis of such background that the EAC Electronic Transactions Bill, 2014 has been put together in order to meet the need of exploiting electronic transactions in the modern business transactions that have become common.

The Bill further wants to promote technology neutrality in applying legislation to electronic communications and transactions; and to develop a safe, secure and effective environment for the consumer, business and the governments of the Partner States to conduct and use electronic transactions.

Hon Nancy Abisai noted that the Bill would promote investments in the region by enabling transactions of business to be realised. Hon Valerie Nyirabineza termed the Bill timely in the region’s quest to reduce bureaucracies while Hon Nusura Tiperu noted that the Bill was in line the desire to promote sharing of information and cooperation through technological advancement. Hon Mike Sebalu noted that the region had embraced the digital era and termed the Bill relevant to the transformation agenda while Hon Patricia Hajabakiga remarked that EAC stood to benefit through increased competitiveness. Article 59 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community empowers any Member of the Assembly to propose any Motion or to introduce any Bill in the Assembly. The same article is translated in the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and in particular Rules 26 and 64. Once ready, the progress of the Bill shall be carried out in the same way as that followed in respect of a Community Bill.

Regional Electronic

Bill in the Offing

9

The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) on 12 June 2014, signed a contract with Nanjing International Limited, a Chinese construction company, for the construction of IUCEA Headquarters. The contract was signed by the Executive Secretary Prof. Mayunga Nkunya on behalf of IUCEA and Mr. Gu Ning, Managing Director of China Nanjing International Ltd. The signing ceremony took place at IUCEA Offices in Kampala, Uganda. The contract allows the construction of the first phase of the three phases at a plot in Kyambogo, Kampala which the Government of Uganda kindly donated to IUCEA. The construction works will take 36 weeks. The signing of the contract was witnessed by Prof. Pontien Ndabaneze, Deputy Executive Secretary, IUCEA and Mr. Ronnie Chen, Deputy General Manager of China Nanjing International Ltd. In attendance was also a representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, Mr. Stephen Niyonzima, Ag. Commissioner, Political and Legal Affairs, among others. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the IUCEA Executive Secretary, Prof. Mayunga Nkunya reiterated that the rationale for the development of new IUCEA Headquarters was prompted by the on-going expansion of IUCEA activities which requires more working space beyond the rented premises, as this will also save on rental costs. He noted that the process to construct the IUCEA headquarters was initiated in 2007 where the EAC Partner States agreed to contribute funds for the construction of the first phase. The Ag. Commissioner, Political and Legal Affairs in the Ministry of EAC Affairs Mr. Stephen Niyonzima said that it is in the spirit of the EAC to realize the regional integration agenda under which the Government has continued to support the Inter-University Council for East Africa, including providing it with land to construct its headquarters. The first phase of the IUCEA Headquarters construction will provide offices for the current staff members and will cater for the growth in staffing for the next three years. Phase One of the IUCEA headquarters project is being funded by the Governments of the five Partners States while IUCEA is mobilizing funds from other sources including the private sector for the construction of the other two phases. The Headquarters premises will have the physical capacity adequate to accommodate various requirements for effective implementation of the IUCEA mission, as well as for generation of income resources. The facilities will include a Conference Hall to accommodate 500 conference members in plenary, a number of group sessions,

mini-conference rooms, training rooms, an Information Resource Center (combined Library and ICT facilities), and offices. Others will include recreational and sports center, commercial building to accommodate various businesses, internal roads and parking areas. Throughout the procurement process IUCEA has been working closely with the Ministry of Works and Transport in Uganda and in consultation with the Ministry of EAC Affairs, Uganda. The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is an EAC institution whose mission is to promote strategic and sustainable development of higher education systems and research for supporting East Africa’s socio-economic development and regional integration. Its vision is to become an EAC strategic institution responsible for promoting, developing and coordinating human resources development and research in the region. The objectives of IUCEA are to facilitate networking among universities in East Africa, and with universities outside the region; provide a forum for discussion on a wide range of academic and other matters relating to higher education in East Africa; and facilitate the maintenance of internationally comparable higher education standards in East Africa so as to promote the region's competitiveness. The functions of IUCEA include advising the EAC Partner States on higher education matters so as to contribute to meeting national and regional developmental needs, coordinating inter-university cooperation in East Africa, and promoting internationally comparable higher education standards and systems for sustainable regional development.


IUCEA Signs Contract for

Construction of its Headquarters

10

The Ambassadors of Netherlands and United States of America to the United Republic of Tanzania, their Excellences Ambassadors Jaap Frederiks and Mark Bradley Childress on 10 June 2014, presented their accreditation letters to the Secretary General, Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera appointing them as their country’s Representatives to the EAC bloc. The Netherlands Ambassador Jaap Frederiks was the first to present his letter of accredita-tion. The Netherlands envoy lauded the progress registered by the Community and said it was important for his country to continue to build a stronger relationship with the regional bloc. He said Netherlands was already enjoying strong relationships with individual EAC Partner States. Amb. Sezibera warmly wel-comed the Netherlands Ambassador and briefed him on the progress being registered by the Community so far that include the coming into force of Protocols on the Customs Union, Common Market and the signing of the Protocol on the establishment of the East African Monetary. He also informed the Ambassador about the achievement of the Single Customs Territory as the one of the key regional integration priority policy interventions to consolidate the EAC Customs Union.

USA ENVOY

The United States of America Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania H. E Mr. Mark Bradley Childress was the second to present his accreditation letter to the EAC Secretary General. He hailed the existing cordial relations between the US and the EAC. Ambassador Mark Bradley Childress assured the EAC of the continued support to the EAC regional initiatives and cooperation. “l believe that regional integration is important for the growth of African economies’’, affirmed the Ambassador. The Secretary General Amb. Sezibera informed the US envoy that EAC was interested in the increasing more investment in Air transport

sector as well as the Fisheries industry in the region and would like to see increased US support in those areas. Amb Sezibera embraced President Obama’s initiative towards Power Africa and stated that he would like to see EAC join the initiative as a regional bloc.


Netherlands, USA

Accredit Envoys to EAC

Ambassador of Netherlands to the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Jaap Frederiks shares a moment with EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera.

Ambassador of the United States of America the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Mark Bradley Childress receives a gift from EAC Secretary General,

Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera.

11


The EAC Partner States’ Ministries responsible for Animal Resources and National Statistics have been called upon to strengthen their collaboration in order to enhance animal resources data management within the region. The call was made during the meeting of Experts on Animal Data and Animal Resources Information System (ARIS 2) that concluded 7 June 2014, in Kampala, Uganda. Experts from the EAC Partner States line Ministries responsible for Animal Health and Production, Fisheries Development, Trade and EAC Affairs attended the meeting. The five-day meeting recommended to the EAC Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security to urge all the five Partner States to immediately initiate the use of ARIS 2. A Technical Working Group on animal resources data should also be established at National and Regional levels and the draft Terms of Reference adopted. The meeting urged the Fisheries sector to review and update its ARIS 2 modules; and urged the Livestock Data Innovation Project in Africa to expand its coverage to all the remaining EAC Partner States of Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda to support improvement of livestock data collection in its 2nd phase of the Project. At the meeting, the Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo emphasized the importance of data in investment decisions and noted that investing in data collection, collation and analysis of the Livestock sector was a good idea that would improve management and planning of the sector. She noted that Animals (livestock and fisheries) play a critical role in contributing to food security, income generation amongst other key economic and cultural roles. Currently, the demand for livestock and livestock products has increased and it is projected

that it will increase in future with increasing population and improved income. Hon Eriyo reiterated that one of the challenges facing the region is the inadequate Animal Resources (Livestock and Fisheries) statistical data on which to base marketing, investment, or policy decisions, to assess the efficacy of the current commitments or policies in the EAC. In this context, the Deputy Secretary General said there was inadequate data to demonstrate quantitatively the role of animal resources in the region’s economies, and to use such data to create broad awareness among policy-makers and investors. The Chairperson of the meeting, Kenya’s Senior Assistant Director of Agriculture Mrs. Irene Musebe observed that data is an important tool in management of resources that can be used in any sector and emphasized the need of data collection, collation and analysis to inform policy formulation and implementation. The representative of the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Dr. Ibrahim Gashash Ahmed observed that data is of critical Importance in development planning and making of policy decisions, and noted that it is in tandem with the continental CAADP framework. Data will enable the Animal Resources sector demonstrate its contribution to the National GDP and because of inadequate data in the Animal Resources in Africa it is not easy to demonstrate the contribution of the sector to the National GDP, in many cases such contributions are underestimated. The AU official said ARIS-2 was a versatile information management platform that will be availed to all Regional Economic Communities and AU member countries for Animal data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination. He observed that AU-IBAR had trained a sizeable number of Experts in EAC.

EAC Partner States Urged to Adopt

Animal Data & Animal Resources

Information System

12

A Regional Workshop on establishment and operationalization of EAC Clubs in Secondary Schools in the region kicked off 10 June 2014, at Hotel le Chandelier in Bujumbura, Burundi. The regional workshop facilitated by EAC Secretariat in collaboration with GIZ, brought together students and teachers from various Secondary Schools in Burundi as well as representatives from the Education Ministries within the EAC Partner States and stakeholders in the education sector. In her opening remarks, Minister to the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs from the Republic of Burundi, Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana emphasized "the need to ensure that the Youth within the EAC are well equipped with the necessary tools and skills to actively participate in the regional integration process and therefore contribute to the overall development of the region." She highlighted that Article 120 (c) of the Treaty for establish-ment of the East African Community provides for adoption of a common approach for involvement of the youth in the integration process through education, training and mainstreaming youth issues into the EAC policies, projects and programs for strategic interventions. The three-day workshop's overall objective was to sensitize and raise awareness among East African Youth especially at

the Secondary School level, to understand and own the stakes and opportunities of the EAC integration. Speaking on behalf of the EAC Secretariat, the Principal Education Officer, Mr. Aloysius Chebet underscored the importance of youth involvement and active participation of the youth towards building a stronger and solid foundation for the current people-centred EAC integration process, since they are the majority and most crucial part of the EAC citizenry. Various presentations were incorporated in the workshop such as the Status of EAC Regional Integration specifically within the Education sector, the Role of the Youth in the EAC integration and the opportunities, how the EAC Clubs are structured and functioning and challenges experienced so far within the Secondary Schools where EAC Clubs have already been established. Some of the expected outcomes of this project include; familiarizing the youth with the benefits and opportunities of the EAC integration process; sensitizing them about different projects and programmes in different sectors that generate economic growth; and establishment of EAC Clubs in Secondary Schools in the other four Partner States.


Operationalization of EAC Clubs in

Secondary Schools in the Offing … As pilot set to embark in Burundi

13

..As official launching of project set for 30 November

An East African Community Sensitization Workshop on Video Conferencing (V.C) Project was held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania . The 19th -20th June workshop aimed at facilitating the establishment and operation of a scalable and extensible Video Conferencing system for interactive Audio Visual communications and virtual meetings among EAC Organs and Institutions, Partner States and other organizations. The Video Conferencing (V.C) Project originated from the decisions of the Council of Ministers with regard to strengthening the institutional capacity of EAC to discharge its functions in pursuit to the provisions in the Treaty Establishing the East African Community. To create awareness of the Project, the Project Implementation team proposed the development of a comprehensive communication strategy to support the project. Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Secretary General, EAC Acting Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Juvenal Ndimurirwo, called upon members at the workshop to identify communication priority components of the project as well as implementation timetables. Mr. Juvenal Ndimurirwo stated that while there is a highly technical component to the Project, the underlying motive is to support the management process. It is for this reason that the meeting was tasked with formulating a workplan that will ensure the project is widely known amongst stakeholders at the EAC and Partner States.

The EAC Principal Information and Technology Officer, Mr. Aggrey Nkondola echoed the Director’s statements by adding that sustainability of the project can be achieved if the project is institutionalized to effectively support EAC meet-ings. He noted that in addition to the development of appropriate policies and procedures, adequate human and financial resources must be made available to better guarantee sustainability. . The workshop was attended by Information Technology and Communication experts from the Partner States as well as I.T experts from TMEA who provided insight into implementing Video Conferencing projects. The EAC Video Conferencing project has three main components namely: equipment supply, room preparation and bandwidth provision. Equipment for this project is expected to be delivered to all six sites (Arusha and the five Part-ner States), by end of July, while installation will commence in August 2014. The official launch of the project is set for 30 November 2014, on the sidelines of the EAC Heads of State Summit. A Project Steering Committee and a Project Implementation team responsible for decision making and operational implementation respectively have been established. During the end of the workshop, the group developed a communication activity work plan that will address among others awareness creation about the project before, during and after its launch within EAC Organs and Institutions, EAC Ministries, and other stakeholders at large as well as a draft human resource requirements for implementation of the project.


Sensitization Workshop on

EAC Video Conferencing Project

Held in Arusha

14

The EAC Regional Programme for Sensitization of Border Communities commenced 24 June 2014, at Rusumo town which sits at the border of Rwanda and Tanzania. The programme’s overall objective is to raise awareness among cross-border communities within the EAC region, with particular focus on small scale traders to enhance their understanding of the EAC integration agenda, as well as identify the stakes and opportunities of the EAC integration. Speaking during the official opening on behalf of the EAC Principal Public Relations Officer, the EAC/GIZ Media Expert; Mr. Sukdev Chhatbar emphasized the importance of empowering the common ‘mwananchi’ at the grass-root level to enhance their involvement and active participation towards building a stronger and solid foundation for a people-centred EAC integration process. This is said noting that the people of East Africa are the key beneficiaries of the integration course. “There is need to ensure that the citizens of EAC Partner States are well equipped with the necessary tools and skills to actively participate in the regional integration process and therefore contribute to the overall development of the region", he added. Simplified and audience-tailored presentations were delivered by Microjustice Rwanda (MJR) on the Customs Union and Common Market opportunities, benefits, requirements, processes and

procedures for acquiring legal documents for free movement of goods, services, labour and capital at the border posts. Participants of the programmes raised concerns on various issues assumed to affect the smooth undertaking of business across the border points, including non-adherence to the rules and regulations stipulated in the EAC Treaty as well as corruption within the customs and immigration departments. The queries and concerns were subsequently addressed by representatives from the Ministries of East African Community Affairs from Rwanda and Tanzania, also present at the workshop. The programme is expected to adequately familiarize stakeholders with the benefits and opportunities of the EAC integration process, particularly the Customs Union, the Common Market and the rights and freedoms established under these protocols to achieve the EAC mission which is to widen and deepen economic, political, social and cultural integration. The EAC integration agenda aims at improving the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investments. To achieve the objective of the sensitization programme, a training session was also conducted by EAC Youth Ambassadors to inspire the youth into spearheading the EAC integration agenda in their communities.


EAC Regional Cross-Border Community

Sensitization Programme Commences

… Rusumo hosts pilot workshop

15

The East African Community Partner States are in the process of establishing a Regional Centre for Industrial Resources and Investment aimed at providing insight into the general investment situation in the region, with particular focus on the industrial and manufacturing sector. The centre, a dedicated one- stop-shop centre, will provide a wide range of information for investors targeting to invest in industry and manufacturing, as well as facilitate the development and dissemination of market intelligence and trade and investment information on the opportunities available within the region. Speaking at a one-day workshop to validate the study report on the potential of the establishment of a centre, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon Jesca Eriyo, said the centre will enhance the capacity of national and regional institutions/organizations to conduct feasibility studies and other promotional programmes for the identified strategic regional industries. Hon. Eriyo informed the workshop that the EAC Industrialization Policy and Strategy

(2012-2032) which was adopted in November 2011, identifies six priority sectors namely; Ag ro -p roces s i ng , Fe r t i l i z e r s and Agro-chemicals, Extractive Industries and Mineral processing, Pharmaceuticals and Gas processing as well as Energy and Bio-fuels to be targeted for promotion. She noted that the region, through the Industrialization Policy, has also set the target of diversifying the manufacturing base and raise local value additional to 40% from the currently estimated value of 8.62%. “I wish to remind ourselves that it will not be easy to achieve this regional development targets, as it will require doing business unusually’’, she added. The EAC official called upon the Partner States to create a world-class business environment and make the region “the Singa-pore of Africa’’ in terms of competitiveness. The Director General of Industry and Small Medium Enterprises from the Republic of Rwanda Mr. Alex Ruzibukira, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, noted that by implementing both the EAC Industrialization the Policy and Strategy, the EAC aspires to

raise the contribution of manufacturing to GDP in East Africa from an estimated 9% to an average target of about 25% by 2032. He underscored the need to diversify the manufacturing base and raise local value added content of the manufacturing export to at least 40% from the current estimated values of 8% in the region. GIZ-EAC head of programs Mr. Berud Multhaup, urged participants on the workshop to critically consider the findings of the study, including the potential roles and functions of the centre, possible pathways towards its establishment and how the centre can fill gaps in existing institutional arrangements among the Partner States for the promotion of investment in manufacturing. The 27 June 2014 workshop organized by EAC and GIZ in Kigali, Rwanda, was by attended Permanent Secretaries responsible for industrialization; Representative from Ministries responsible for EAC Affairs; Chief Executives Officers of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAS); Technical Experts from Partner States; Private Sector ,Representative of Development Partners as well as EAC


EAC Centre for Industrial Resources

and Investment in the Offing

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The government of Tanzania has said that Tanzania's ratification of the East African Community (EAC) Monetary Union Protocol on June 25th 2014 demonstrates that the country is not a stumbling block to regional integration. The Deputy Minister for East African Cooperation Hon. Dr Abdulla Saadalla said in Dodoma that Tanzania became the first country to endorse the instrument, making a big step ahead of its EAC peers. "We have made a huge step and demonstrated our commitment to EAC regional integration. We are not by any means a stum-bling block to the regional integration," Dr Abdulla Saadalla said. The next step is to dispatch the instrument of ratification to the EAC Secretary General by the Clerk of Tanzanian National Assem-bly as required by the Treaty for establishment of East African Community. During debate on the Protocol, majority of Members of the Tan-zania National Parliament said it was the right time to enter into the third stage of EAC integration process as Tanzania is closer and thriving to lead in macro-economic convergence criteria. Dr. Saadalla said some Members of the Tanzania National Parlia-ment had reservations on the ratification of the Protocol espe-cially due to geo-politics dynamism and creation of the so called Coalition of the Willing (CoW), but economic indicators convinced them that the country was on right track to economic supremacy. "We are consistent in our commitments to meet and maintain all macro-economic convergence criteria stipulated in the Protocol. We are reaping the benefits of sound economic policies no won-der we are among the top ten countries in Africa with an average of 7% GDP growth per annum," Deputy Minister added.

Dr. Saadalla noted the members of Parliament were also con-vinced by the output generated by the government's newly cre-ated strategy-Big Results Now (BRN). The East African Monetary Union is the third stage of EAC inte-gration and will ultimately lead the five-member bloc to adopt a single currency regime by 2024. The Protocol establishing the East African Monetary Union was signed by the EAC Heads of State on 30 November 2013, in Kam-pala Uganda during their 15th Ordinary Summit. The Protocol provides for a wide scope of co-operation in the monetary and financial sectors among the Partner States. Under the Protocol, the EAC partner States are expected to sur-render monetary and exchange rates policies to the East African Central Bank leading to a single currency regime within the re-gion, whereas National Central Banks will remain with the man-date of managing Fiscal policy, Fiscal discipline and harmonize them with the other Partner States' National Central Banks. The Protocol will be implemented over a ten year period, subse-quently leading to creation of regional financial institutions whose mandate will be to stabilize financial prices as well as monitoring, surveillance, statistics and enforcing compliance of all other macro finance matters, including buffering of any emerging eco-nomic shocks. Dr. Saadalla said the Union will eliminate the costs attendant to juggling different currencies thereby reducing transaction costs and minimizing inflation in the region, thus creating an economi-cally stabilized region with a conducive environment for Direct Foreign Investment and therefore uplifting the economic standard of its people.


Tanzania Becomes First

Partner State to Ratify

EAC Monetary Union Protocol

17


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 83 30 june 2014...

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