Arusha, Tanzania – Wednesday, 1st October 2025: The East African Business Council (EABC) Secretariat, in collaboration with the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP), hosted a high-level delegation from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the United Republic of Tanzania. The delegation was led by Mr. Maximillian Muller, Deputy Head of Mission, and Ms. Julia V. M. Kornberg, accompanied by Mr. Lameck Wesonga from GIZ.
The visit underscored the longstanding collaboration between EABC and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), with both parties reaffirming their commitment to advancing regional integration, private sector development, and stronger business-to-business (B2B) linkages.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Adrian Raphael Njau, Acting Executive Director of EABC, appreciated GIZ’s continued support to EABC. He elaborated on the importance of development partners in supporting policy advocacy initiatives to enable the private sector to capitalize on opportunities presented by EAC, continental, and global integration processes. He also underscored the importance of EAC Partner States in implementing agreed commitments to boost intra-EAC trade and investment.
Mr. Njau explained that GIZ’s partnership with EABC has enhanced the participation of the EAC private sector in regional and continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Thanks to GIZ, East African businesses are now better positioned to leverage the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.
Ms. Janice Kimaro, Chief Executive Officer of the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP), highlighted that GIZ support has significantly enhanced women’s entrepreneurship, contributing meaningfully to intra-EAC trade and investment.
Mr. Muller stated that the Federal Republic of Germany is now placing greater focus on private sector development, with the aim of fostering B2B linkages between German and East African companies. He appreciated the partnership between GIZ, EABC, and EAWiBP, and reaffirmed GIZ’s commitment to supporting engagement between the EAC and German private sectors, with a focus on key areas such as Artificial Intelligence, E-Commerce, Pharmaceuticals, Raw Materials, Agriculture, and Tourism.
Key Areas of GIZ Partnership areas with EABC Include:
- EABC CEOs – EAC Secretary General Meetings
- EAC–EABC Technical Working Groups (TWGs)
- East African Business and Investment Summit & Expo
- EAC Private Sector Participation in AfCFTA and EAC Integration Processes
- Enhancement of Trade in Services
- Promotion of the Free Movement of Business Persons within the EAC
