ARUSHA, Tanzania (Burundi Times) — The East African Business Council (EABC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a $1 million grant agreement aimed at accelerating sustainable industrialization and strengthening manufacturing value chains across East Africa.
The funding is expected to enhance regional economic integration, spur growth, and increase the competitiveness of priority sectors, including edible oils, leather and textiles.
“We are thrilled to partner with AfDB on this vital project that paves the way for stronger regional value chains, greater market access, and inclusive growth that benefits businesses and communities across East Africa,” said Adrian Njau, acting executive director of EABC, during Tuesday’s signing ceremony in Arusha.
Under the initiative, technical assistance, research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building activities will target over 1,500 industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The project also seeks to empower women and youth and promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across the manufacturing sector.
The EAC Industrialization Policy and Strategy (2012–2032) has set an ambitious goal of raising the manufacturing sector’s share of GDP to at least 25% from the current average of 10% by 2032.
The grant will support evidence-based advocacy to remove barriers in priority value chains and enable the private sector to seize trade and investment opportunities offered by the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union, the Common Market Protocols, and the continent-wide African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
EABC leaders emphasized the project’s alignment with the council’s mission to promote a conducive business environment and sustainable, private sector–driven growth.
“This initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships in transforming our region’s industrial landscape,” Njau said.
AfDB’s support is part of its broader Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and the Bank’s “Integrate Africa” High 5 development priorities, which aim to scale up industrialization across the continent by 2033.
Founded in 1997, the EABC is the regional apex body representing private sector associations and corporations from the eight East African countries. The council envisions a borderless East Africa for business and investment.
