by Alphonse RUTAZIGWA

East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 2nd September 2022: The East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Hon (Dr.) Peter Mathuki, is set to lead a delegation comprising the Heads of EAC Organs and Institutions and eminent regional business leaders, to the bloc’s newest Partner State, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 6th September to 9th September 2022.

The EAC's maiden mission to Kinshasa aims at enhancing awareness among DRC government officials on the existing EAC instruments, creating trade synergies, exploring and build business partnerships and immediate linkages for business associations.

The 4-day mission will kick off with a two-day forum amongst DRC Government officials and the EAC Secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), and the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) as well as the eight institutions of the Community.

The forum will provide a platform for heads of EAC Organs and Institutions to enhance awareness and understanding of the various commitments in the integration pillars and the governing instruments that are in place at the EAC level, to DRC government officials.

“This forum will create a platform to enhance understanding by DRC government officials on the EAC integration instruments such as protocols, laws, policies, and strategies,” Dr. Mathuki said.

The DRC delegation will be led by DRC’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’Apala.

On 8th - 9th September, the private sector leaders accompanying the Secretary General will hold Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings with DRC entrepreneurs. The meeting supported by among others, Equity BCDC, a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc, aims at exploring opportunities for building business linkages and partnerships, on areas of common interests with an aim of developing trade and investment relations.

“Equity BCDC is honored to be supporting this inaugural mission by the East African Community Secretary General who is leading a delegation of notable business leaders across the EAC region,” said Celestin Mukeba, Equity BCDC Managing Director.

“Since the DRC joined the EAC, the entire bloc now is about 300 million people offering the region a tremendous market, with massive partnership and investment opportunities across sectors such as mining, agriculture, ICT, and health. Equity BCDC is here in the DRC to help support finance these activities as a trusted partner to both the East African Business Council (EABC) and the EAC,” he added.

The forum will also provide an opportunity for regional business leaders to deliberate on the challenges facing the private sector with the EAC Secretary General.

“This private-sector forum will provide a platform for tailored match-making between businesses, investors and government agencies and further build linkages between EAC business associations with our newest Partner State,” added Dr. Mathuki.

The Summit of EAC Heads of State at their 19th Ordinary Summit, on 29th March, 2022 admitted DRC following a recommendation by the Council of Ministers.

Following the deposit of instruments of ratification by DRC on 11th July 2022 and in line with Article 8 of the EAC Treaty, DRC is expected to plan and direct her policies and resources with a view to creating conditions favorable for the development and achievement of the objectives of the Community and enact legislation to ensure implementation of the provisions of the Treaty.