The East African Business Council (EABC) is gearing up to host a pivotal Consultative Workshop on the Regional Services Policy Advocacy Agenda & Mechanisms for Institutionalized Dialogue and Advocacy, scheduled to take place on February 24-25, 2025, at Kabira Country Club, Kampala .
This two-day workshop aims to bring together business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the East African Community (EAC) to tackle challenges and opportunities within the regional trade in services sector.
The workshop’s key objectives include identifying and addressing barriers within the EAC services trade sector, formulating a unified regional advocacy agenda to promote seamless services trade, and establishing institutionalized dialogue frameworks for continuous policy engagement.
Oscar Kamukama, a director at EABC, emphasized the importance of this consultative meeting, stating: “This workshop is a crucial step in ensuring that the private sector’s voice is heard in regional trade policymaking.
By identifying challenges and proposing practical solutions, we can foster a more competitive and integrated EAC services market,” he said.
The workshop is scheduled to take place from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EAT daily, with meals and refreshments provided.
Stakeholders from various industries, including aviation, construction, tourism, and professional services, are encouraged to attend and contribute to shaping policies that will drive economic growth and regional integration.
The EABC serves as the apex advocacy body for private sector associations and corporates within the East African Community, promoting a conducive business environment and accelerating regional integration.
In December 2024, the EABC elected new leadership for its Uganda Chapter, with Simon Kaheru as Chairman, Kenneth Ayebare, Oscar Kamukama, and Bruce Mpamizo as Directors.
Kaheru emphasized the importance of private sector leadership in driving regional economic integration, stating: “We must all work under the EABC as business leaders, with a specific focus on results that benefit the people of the EAC across the entire region, starting within our countries.”
The new board’s mandate includes advocating for Uganda’s interests in regional trade negotiations, promoting trade facilitation, and supporting policy reforms to stimulate private-sector growth.
