Arusha, Tanzania | 20 October 2026: The East African Business Council (EABC) has joined regional stakeholders in advancing the implementation of the East African Community (EAC) Action Plan on Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (CPMR), highlighting the importance of peace and stability to regional trade, investment and economic integration.
The EAC Secretariat convened a stakeholder consultation on 20 October 2026 to discuss practical approaches to implementing the Action Plan and strengthening collaboration among governments, civil society, faith-based organisations and the private sector.
A key outcome was support for establishing a Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG), with EABC among its four initial members, alongside the EAC Secretariat, the East Africa Civil Society Organisations’ Forum (EACSOF) and the Interreligious Council of Eastern Africa (IRC-EA).
The proposed Working Group will coordinate stakeholder contributions to the Action Plan, with participants emphasising the importance of building on existing regional and national mechanisms rather than creating parallel structures.
During the consultation, EABC highlighted the impact of conflict and insecurity on cross-border trade, transport, investment and business operations. The Council underscored the role of private-sector networks in supporting early-warning efforts, engaging decision-makers and contributing to peacebuilding and post-conflict economic recovery.
Participants also called for stronger links between community-level early-warning systems and national and regional decision-makers to support timely responses to emerging conflicts. Other priorities included stakeholder coordination, resource mobilisation, conflict-sensitive media reporting and measurable implementation targets.
EABC will contribute to the next phase by reviewing the proposed Working Group’s Terms of Reference, identifying priority interventions for private-sector engagement and mobilising its business networks to support implementation.
A follow-up coordination meeting is planned for 17 November 2026, subject to formal confirmation.
The initiative provides an opportunity to strengthen public-private cooperation in promoting peace and stability as foundations for sustainable economic growth and deeper regional integration.
