The East African Business Council (EABC) is the apex body of business associations of the Private Sector and Corporates from the 5 East African Countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the Private Sector in the integration process of the East African Community. Originally comprising members from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, its membership was expanded after 2007 to include p
rivate sector from Burundi and Rwanda. Amongst the associations are all the national Private Sector Apex Bodies; four manufacturers’ Associations; 5 Chambers of Commerce, 3 Employer Associations; 2 Women Associations, 2 Bankers Associations and the Confederation of Informal Sector Associations of East Africa. Given that the Secretariat is based in Arusha, EABC’s structure includes National Focal Points (NFPs) – who are all currently the national private sector apex bodies. EABC’s overarching objective is to be an effective change agent for fostering an enabling business environment and to promote private sector’s regional and global competitiveness in trade and investment. EABC therefore provides a regional platform through which the business community can present their concerns at the EAC policy level, with the overall aim of creating a more conducive business environment through targeted policy reforms. Additionally, EABC also work towards promoting private sector’s regional & global competitiveness in trade and Investment through addressing challenges experienced by Members at organizational and firm level; and through provision of tailored market intelligence. EABC’s key stakeholders are primarily the EAC Secretariat, the Business Community as represented through Members and their affiliates, National Policy Makers, EAC organs and institutions and other key national and regional organizations working towards enhancing private sector participation in the EAC and global integration. EABC has an “Observer Status” at the EAC, which enables us to attend and participate in all relevant EAC activities and deliberations, not only at the Secretariat but also in other organs and institutions.
