Bujumbura, 18th February 2025 – The Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CFCIB), the Sectoral Chamber of Service Providers in Burundi, in collaboration with the East African Business Council (EABC) and the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, convened service sector business leaders in the high-level consultative meeting on the development of the Regional Services Policy Advocacy Agenda and mechanisms to institutionalize dialogue and advocacy.
In his official remarks, Mr. Bobby Ndizeye, Director of Customs, Trade, Industry, and Investment in the EAC Ministry – Burundi, acknowledged the crucial role that services play in economies, emphasizing that sectors such as tourism, telecommunications, education, and finance drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards within communities.
He stressed that fully harnessing the potential of the services sector requires collaborative efforts to develop a strong advocacy agenda that aligns with shared priorities and aspirations. He highlighted the need to institutionalize dialogue among all relevant stakeholders.
Mr. Boaz Nimpe, EABC Board Director, stated that having an institutionalized dialogue mechanism for service actors will strengthen advocacy and engagement with governments to unlock the full potential of the services sector as a driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and regional integration.
He noted that services contribute between 40-55% to the GDP of the EAC. Despite this potential, challenges such as regulatory barriers and market fragmentation hinder full realization, even with commitments made under the EAC Common Market Protocol (CMP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In his opening remarks, Mr. Yves Desire Bagabo, representing the Burundi Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CFCIB), underscored the importance of liberalization in the services sector. He pointed out that Burundi has already liberalized seven (7) sectors under the EAC Common Market Protocol (CMP) and five (5) sectors under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He urged alignment of national policies with regional frameworks to ensure the progressive liberalization of trade in services.
Mr. Elliot Njejimana, Chairman of the Chamber of Service Providers in Burundi, expressed optimism that through collaborative efforts, the services sector would unlock new opportunities for economic growth, regional integration, and job creation.
Representing the EAC Secretariat, Ms. Annette Kenganzi, Senior Export Promotion Officer, reaffirmed the EAC’s commitment to advancing trade in services. She highlighted that despite commitments made under the CMP to eliminate restrictions in seven subsectors—business, communication, transport, distribution, education, tourism & travel, and financial services—several barriers remain.
She emphasized that the private sector should urge governments to address these obstacles as they prepare to commit additional sectors, including health and social services, recreational and cultural services, energy, and construction.
Mr. Lamech Wesonga, Economic Policy Advisor on AfCFTA for EAC-GIZ emphasized the significance of institutionalizing dialogue and strengthening private sector participation in shaping policies that enhance the ease of doing business in the region. Mr. Wesonga reaffirmed GIZ’s commitment to supporting private sector engagement with governments to increase trade in services within the EAC and globally.
The dialogue convened key service sector stakeholders, including representatives from business services (professional services), communication and ICT services, tourism, transport, distribution, and environmental services.
(EABC 2nd Edition Barometer on Trade in Services). Read the full report here
