Thursday, 23rd July 2020, Arusha, Tanzania: – The East African Business Council endorses the nomination of Ambassador Amina Mohammed, for the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Director-General position.

“The WTO’s role in the liberalization of global trade is central towards the growth trade, investments and competitiveness of the EAC bloc in the international arena. In 2017, EAC bloc earned USD. 25.1 billion from the export of goods and services to the world and imported USD. 39 billion,” said Dr. Peter Mathuki, CEO East African Business Council.
Ambassador Amina Mohamed joining the WTO will be timely as Africa is keenly focusing on the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She is a strong advocate for the actualization of the AfCFTA and has also chaired the WTO’s 10th Ministerial Conference held in Nairobi in 2015, the Dispute Settlement Body and the WTO’s General Council in 2005, her passion for international trade, exemplary strategic leadership, diplomatic and negotiation skills maker her the right candidate for the job.

Her success to the position will be a great opportunity for the EAC bloc and Africa towards championing global economic policy to increase the continent’s share in global trade.
“The business community in East Africa is assured that Amb. Mohamed will steer the WTO to greater heights. As a former Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Kenya she is bold and proficient, it will be an honour for the continent to have the first African and first woman as the Director-General of the WTO,” said Dr. Mathuki. Amb. Mohamed will ably push for the full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement which will reduce trade transaction costs for businesses, by cutting red tape, simplifying and streamlining customs procedures for exports and imports. The WTO is mandated to administer trade agreements, trade negotiations, settling trade disputes, reviewing national trade policies, building the trade capacity of developing economies and cooperating with other international organizations. Africa’s active and strategic participation in the negotiations at WTO is vital to unlock the economic potential of the continent and increase access to international markets.

Signed by:

Dr. Peter Mathuki, Executive Director /Chief Executive Officer
East African Business Council (EABC)
9th Floor Mafao House | Old Moshi Road | Arusha | Tanzania
P. O. Box 2617 | Tel: +255 27 2520162
Email: admin@eabc-online.com  I Website: eabc.info 

National and Sectoral Private Sector Associations in the EAC.

1. Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industries Burundi (CFCIB)
2. Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA),
3. Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF)
4. South Sudan Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (SSCCIA).
5. Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF)
6. Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)
7. Zanzibar National Chambers of Commerce and Industries (ZNCCI)
8. Burundi Association of Manufacturers (AIB)
9. Kenya Manufacturers Associations (KAM)
10. Rwanda Manufacturers Associations (RAM)
11. Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI)
12. Uganda Manufacturers Associations (UMA)
13. East Africa Chambers of Commerce and Industries (EACCI)
14. Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC)
15. Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA)
16. Federation of East African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (FEAPM)
17. East Africa Insurers Association (EAIA)

18. East Africa Renewable Energy Federation (EAREF)

19. East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP) 20. East African Health Platform (EAHP)

21. East African Employers Organisation (EAEO)

Notes to Editors: –

About East African Business Council

The East African Business Council (EABC) is the regional apex body of private sector associations and Corporates from the 6 East African countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the private sector in the integration process of the East African Community. EABC vision is a borderless East Africa for business and investment. The primary mission is to promote sustainable private sector driven in the EAC.