Bujumbura, Burundi, 2nd July 2026: The East African Business Council (EABC), in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat and GIZ, organized the National Capacity Building Workshop on Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs). The workshop brought together government, private sector, professional bodies, and development partners to enhance understanding of MRAs and support Burundi’s integration into regional professional mobility under the EAC Common Market.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Burundi, Mr. Bobby Ndizeye emphasized that accession to the Engineering MRA presents a key opportunity to strengthen professional regulation, improve service quality, and expand employment opportunities for Burundian engineers across the region. He called for strong collaboration among institutions and stakeholders and reaffirmed government commitment to advancing professional mobility and regional integration.
On behalf of EABC, Board Director Ms. Linda Elvira Kaneza highlighted that MRAs are essential for enhancing trade in services, competitiveness, investment, and skills mobility. She stressed the need for strong private sector ownership and collaboration with competent authorities to remove regulatory barriers and accelerate implementation.
GIZ representative Mr. Ephraim Kenyarito reaffirmed support for regional integration and noted the importance of MRAs in promoting inclusive economic growth and professional mobility in the EAC.
Discussions highlighted that MRAs enable recognition of qualifications and facilitate labour mobility, but challenges remain, particularly Burundi’s non-accession to the Engineering MRA due to the absence of a national regulatory body. Sector updates showed varying progress across accountancy, engineering, medicine, and legal professions.
Key recommendations included establishing a national engineering board, strengthening legal frameworks, accelerating accession to the Engineering MRA, improving stakeholder coordination, enhancing digital verification systems, and aligning with AfCFTA trade in services objectives.
The workshop concluded that advancing MRAs—especially the Engineering MRA—will strengthen Burundi’s professional mobility, competitiveness, and integration into the EAC Common Market.
