New EAC boss will bring fresh energy– EABC

THE East African Business Council (EABC) has extended its warmest congratulations to Ms Veronica Nduva on her appointment and assumption of office, as the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), saying she will bring new energy to the region.

In a historic move, EAC has appointed Ms Veronica Nduva as its new Secretary General, making her the first female to hold such prestigious position.

Ms Nduva’s appointment was announced at the 23rd Extraordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State, marking a significant mile- stone in the regional bloc’s leadership.

In an official statement released yesterday by the EABC’s Executive Director John Kalisa, the council expressed heartfelt compliments to Ms Nduva, wishing her every success.

“The EABC congratulates Ms Nduva on her well- deserved appointment and wishes her every success in her new role as Secretary General of the EAC,” said Mr Kalisa in a statement.

Mr Kalisa expressed the EABC confidence that Ms Nduva’s extensive ex- perience, dedication, and commitment to serving the people of East Africa, will provide dynamic leadership to address pressing business and investment issues within the region.

“Nduva’s proven track record in championing public-private dialogue, sus- tainable development, and gender equality brings new energy to the EAC,” said Mr Kalisa in a statement.

“This fosters inclusivity, collaboration and partner- ships, driving sustainable, private sector-driven growth and increasing intra and extra-EAC trade and investment,” he added.

The EABC which is the voice of the private sector in the region, has pledged to fully support Ms Nduva and looks forward to working closely with her to realise the shared vision of a prosperous and united EAC.

The council has also out- lined a set of policy reforms needed by the private sec- tor to fully benefit from the EAC Common Market and double intra-EAC trade.

These reforms include ensuring uniform applica- tion of the EAC Common External Tariff, minimising stays of applications and country-specific duty remissions, eliminating non-tariff barriers, and harmonising EAC standards and technical regulations, among other measures.

Ms Nduva’s appoint- ment comes at a critical time for the EAC, as the regional bloc continues to navigate different challenges in the bloc seeking to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and integration.

As the first female Secretary-General, Ms Nduva succeeded Mr Peter Mathuki who served for three-year from March 2, 2021, to June 7, 2024. South Sudan President, Mr Salva Kiir presided over the appointment and oath- taking ceremony of EAC new Secretary General last Friday.

Mr Kiir, who is the Chairperson of the EAC, said that the bloc seized the moment to enumerate the gains made by the mem- ber states.

He said the EAC is on the right track on the implementation of the treaty, which he said stands at a commendable 15 per cent.

“On the implementation of the treaty, I would like to inform you that the EAC is on the right track for exam- ple, we are now at 15 per cent of trading among ourselves. We look forward to increasing the percentage with the admission of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” Kiir said.

Kiir said that the com- munity is also progressing in terms of monetary and politi- cal federation as he appealed to the monetary institution to offer guidance and consultations.

“We are progressing well. I urge the fast-tracking of the East African com- munity monetary institutes to provide guidance and monetary units to complete consultation,” he said, adding that South Sudan shall conduct its consultation in July 2024.

President Kiir further called on the members of the East African community to join hands in pursuing a just and equitable political settlement of disputes.