TANZANIA- The Board of the East African Business Council (EABC), the umbrella body for the region’s private sector, has appointed Adrian Raphael as its Chief Executive Officer (Executive Director).
Mr. Njau replaces Rwanda’s Bosco Kalisa who has been at its helm since 2021.
Njau served as Trade and Policy Advisor to the EABC prior to his appointment. He specializes in international trade, investment, policy and regional integration and has been instrumental in research and policy advocacy to reduce trade barriers in the region.
The new Executive Director has over two decades of experience in international trade, negotiating and interpreting multinational agreements, including the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), the EAC Protocols and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
In his new role, Njau is expected to oversee the implementation of EABC’s strategic plan, working with other public and private stakeholders in the region.
The strategic plan will have the ultimate goal of reducing trade barriers within the region and enhance market access of goods produced in East Africa to multinational markets.
Ms. Angelina Ngalula, Chairperson of EABC’s board, said, “As Acting ED, he will lead the EABC Secretariat team to implement the strategic plan in collaboration with EABC National Focal Points, members, and the business community in the region. He will also work closely with the organs and institutions of the East African Community Secretariat.”
The board also praised his rich network of international development partners like the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), TradeMark Africa (TMA), International Trade Center (ITC), Association of German Industries (BDI), World Bank, International Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty (ILEAP) and the Commonwealth Foundation.
Through this impressive network and trade experience, Mr. Njau will lead resource mobilization and high-level advocacy with government officials to increase investments, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
The board said in a statement, “Adrian’s commitment to fostering an enabling business environment in East Africa is reflected in his work on capacity building initiatives for businesses to take advantage of trade opportunities.”
“He brings a wealth of experience in promoting public-private dialogue and formulating business-focused policies to advance the EAC region’s integration agenda.”
Liked this article? Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World. HERE
