EAC - AUC Training of Trainers workshop on small Hydropower Development concludes in Dar es Salaam

The Training of Trainers Workshop on Small Hydropower Development organized by the East African Community (EAC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) concluded on 22^nd December 2016 at the Blue Pearl Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The 30^th November, 2016 to 21^st December, 2016 workshop commissioned to the University of Dar es Salaam, College of Engineering, and Technology to carry out a Training of Trainers, covered training of fifteen tertiary Institutions from EAC Partner States, curriculum development and development of online platform to facilitate sharing of information as well as experience among small hydropower development stakeholders in East Africa.

The overall objective of the workshop was to enhance technical capacity for Small Hydropower Development in East African in order to increase access to electricity in the region and ensure there is a pool of people able to carry out operation as well as maintenance of small hydropower project.

Addressing the participants of the workshop during the official closing session, the Head of Cooperation from the Italian Embassy, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Mr Fabio Gigantino said, “ People of East Africa need affordable and reliable energy, produced in a sustainable manner” 

Mr. Fabio Gigantino, who represented the Italian Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania disclosed to the participants that among all renewable sources, small hydropower can be duly held as one of the most promising for sustainable water and energy development.

He noted that small hydropower development can provide needed energy services in a sustainable manner in the East African Countries. The East African Community may become a pacesetter in Africa also in this filed, added the Mr. Fabio Gigantino

“Let me assure you that the Italian government will make all the necessary efforts to support Small Hydropower Development in East African” said Mr. Fabio Gigantino. 

In his part the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sector, Hon Christophe Bazivamo said development of small hydropower projects is important in the region because it is necessary for solving the problem of electricity access and also because it brings with number of benefits and opportunities for the East African Community.

He disclosed to the participants that EAC has vast potential for small hydropower according to the scoping study carried out by the EAC with the support from EU Energy Initiative Partnership Dialogue Facility (EUEI PDF), the potential for small hydropower in the EAC region is estimated at 4,097MW scattered in over 750 sites

The EAC official informed the participants that the programme for small hydropower development is one among others that the EAC is undertaking. In the electricity sector, the region is implementing a Power Master Plan, which outlines priority generation and transmission projects for meeting the region electricity demand over the next twenty-five years, added Deputy Secretary General.

“ I am please to inform you that a number of major generation and transmission projects are under implementation with the region expected to have its power system interconnected by 2020 to facilitate regional power trade’’

Speaking at the same occasion, Acting Head of Energy Division, at the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Rashid Abdallah assured the participants that the African Union Commission is supporting the African Member States and the Region Economic Communities to strengthen and accelerate effective governance and regulatory reforms promoting management practices that will increase competition and attract private investments in the development of the energy sector.

On his part, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, University of Dar es Salaam, Prof.Cuthbert Kimambo said despite the fact that the region is endowed with various energy resources most of which have not been well developed. He called for the region to take advantage of the various energy resources available to enhance access to modern energy services through renewable and sustainable solution

The Training of Trainers Workshop on Small Hydropower Development funded by Italian government saw 12 participants from EAC Partner States who participated in the workshop being awarded certificate for completing the programme.

A group of participants from EAC Partner States display their certificates after successful completion of training of trainers together with EAC DSG(in black suit and red neck tie) as well as  Mr. Fabio Gigantino, who represented the Italian Ambassador

Bunge FC however makes up for deficit in football winning 1-0 over their southern neighbors, Tanzania 

Parliament of Tanzania’s Netball team commenced their search for the trophy with an emphatic 55-1 points over Parliament of Kenya in a one-sided encounter at the Makande Sports gymnasium.

Parliament of Tanzania legislators ran over the Kenyan legislators in the entire game.  Kenya’s lone point was scored by West Pokot legislator, Hon Regina Ng’eris.  Parliament of Tanzania’s Hon Grace Khiwelo stood out tall, notching in 46 points for the team. Hon AminaMabrouk scored 7 points and Hon Esther Matiko 2 points.  Tomorrow, Parliament of Tanzania will face off with Parliament of Uganda in a match billed to be a tough one.

In football, Parliament of Kenya beat Parliament of Tanzania Parliament 1-0 in an entertaining match. Stephen Njata scored towards the end of full-time to give his side the slim victory. But it was a case of several missed chances with the victors failing to net two penalties that came their way to extend their lead. With that, Parliament of Kenya’s football team also bid goodbye to the tournament in the group A, billed as the Group of death.  All teams finished with three points apiece with the rules on goals applying to break a tie.

In Group B, EALA were awarded their match 2-0 versus Rwanda in Group B. The semi-finals clash today is thus expected to feature Tanzania and Burundi before EALA takes on Uganda in the next encounter.

In the men’s volleyball match, Parliament of Kenya beat Parliament of Tanzania by 2 sets to 0. The sets were 25-16 and 25-23 in favour of the victors.

In the second match of the day, defending champions, Parliament of Rwanda whipped EALA 2 sets to 0 of 25-23 and 25-10.    In women’s volleyball, Tanzania upset Uganda 2 sets to 1 scooping 25-19, 21-25 and 15-10.

In golf, the golf tournament teed off by the Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega at the Nyali Golf Club. Parliament of Kenya scooped gold with 55 points while Parliament of Uganda was second netting the silver medal. EALA finished on bronze, but produced the overall best Man golfer in Hon Peter Mathuki.

 Kenya vs Tanzania in the volleyball match

Action during the match between Parliament of Kenya and Parliament of Tanzania.  Parliame​nt of Kenya were eliminated despite the 1-0 win over their opponents, Parliament of Tanzania

Regional Consultation on draft EAC sanitary and phytosanitary bill ongoing in Nairobi, Kenya

A regional consultative meeting to finalize draft EAC Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Bill is ongoing in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting, which was convened by the EAC Secretariat and the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, is being attended by Partner States’ experts in trade, agriculture, health, livestock, food security, standards, legal, regional integration, and other stake holders.

Presiding over the opening session, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in-charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, highlighted the growing importance of sanitary and phytosanitary measures and noted that SPS had become an important topic of debate in international trade as well as regional integration.

Hon. Bazivamo informed the participants that the fundamental importance of SPS matters is linked mainly to Agriculture and trade in agricultural products, which is the mainstay of the economies of EAC Partner States.

The EAC official acknowledged that agricultural trade continues to represent a notable portion of intra-EAC total trade flows and that there was enormous potential to increase and urged the EAC Partner States to adequately address and enforce issues around SPS measures and standards.

Taking stock of the progress, Hon. Bazivamo commended the EAC Secretariat, Partner States and non-state actors for the progress made and milestones reached in 2016.   He noted that following adoption of the SPS Protocol in 2013; a strong foundation for supporting implementation of the Protocol had been laid. 

This includes finalization of SPS measures and setting in motion the process of developing SPS Bill. The SPS Bill is expected to facilitate effective implementation and enforcement of the SPS Protocol in the entire Community.

Hon. Bazivamo commended USAID East Africa Office for their sustained efforts in supporting Regional Integration and USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub for supporting the EAC SPS agenda. 

The EAC Deputy Secretary General in-charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo (Front row in Dark Blue Suit/White Shirt) in a group photo opportunity with the participants.

 EAC and UNECA hold seminar on implementing au declaration on land

A Seminar themed Implementing the African Union (AU) Declaration on Land: The Role of Regional Economic Communities, organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was held on 7^th December 2016 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

The seminar was held back to back to Sessions of the Ordinary Meeting of the African Union (AU)/UNECA Land Policy Initiative (LPI) Steering Committee that met on 6^th December 2016. Prior to the LPI Steering Committee meeting, an experts planning and review meeting was held in the same venue from 4^th - 5^th December 2016. 

All the meetings were hosted by the EAC and marked the first meetings of LPI Implementing Partners and Steering Committee in the EAC as a Regional Economic Community (REC).

The seminar, which was attended by officials from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, African Union Commission, Land Policy Initiative Secretariat, and the EAC Secretariat, aimed at raising awareness on the AU agenda on land and the mandate of the RECs/EAC in this regard; and draw lessons from existing LPI/REC partnerships for possible consideration to enhance technical and financial support to implement AU Declaration on Land, by the Community.

Addressing participants at the official opening of the meeting, the EAC Director of Productive Sectors, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, commended the ongoing continental efforts to ensure successful implementation of the LPI and informed the delegates that under the regional integration process, the EAC Partner States had taken initiatives to develop land Policies and Acts with the view to address land challenges in the region. He said land problems including access and ownership were presenting challenging situations in the region.

At regional level, the Director noted that land issues were being addressed as part of natural resources in general under Chapter 19 of the EAC Treaty where Partner States agreed to take concerted measures to foster cooperation in the joint and efficient management and sustainable utilization of natural resources within the Community, and to harmonize their laws and policies on Natural Resources Management.

On her part, the Director of Agriculture from African Union Commission, Dr. Janet Edeme, informed the delegates that the Land Policy Initiative was established in 2006 as a joint initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

She said the AU Heads of State and Government, through a Declaration on Land Issues and Challenges in Africa, during the Thirteenth Assembly of the African Union, in Sirte, Libya, in July 2009, launched the Framework and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa.

“The AU Declaration on Land Issues and Challenges calls on RECs to appropriately capture and address issues of land policies within their respective common frameworks. Two broad expected outputs from RECs are Land mainstreamed in REC programs and plans; and Land mainstreamed in National Governments Plans and Strategies”, affirmed the AUC Director of Agriculture.

The Chief of LPI Secretariat, Dr. Joan Kagwanja, highlighted progress made in implementing the Land Policy Initiative in support of efforts to mainstream land governance in key African institutions. Dr. Joan Kagwanja disclosed that the LPI Secretariat was ready to support EAC in implementing the LPI, particularly through capacity building in mainstreaming of Land in EAC projects and programmes.

LPI Secretariat further pledged to support the EAC Secretariat in different aspects including undertaking more assessments to understand the land issues in the EAC Partner States and to develop areas that need harmonization, operationalization and establishment of a monitoring framework for mutual recognition agreement for Land Surveyors and Land Valuers, and support to Partner States in completing the land registration and establishment of efficient land administration systems which is very key in the management of conflicts over land and its associated natural resources.

Group photo opportunity of the participants of the EAC-UNECA Seminar themed Implementing the African Union (AU) Declaration on Land: The Role of Regional Economic Communities held at the EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania

EALA off to a good start in Football

 Parliament of Burundi pull a fast one on EALA in netball as Uganda beat Tanzania in men’s volleyball

East African Legislative Assembly, Nairobi, Kenya: 5^th December 2016:Football Defending champions, EALA have sent the strongest signals yet of retaining the Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament.  This afternoon, EALA beat Parliament of Burundi 2-1 in an entertaining Group B match played at the Mbaraki Sports Ground in Mombasa as the tournament entered Day 2.

Dependable striker, Ibrahim Jamal scored the first goal in the second minute following good inter-change of passes in the midfield.  Jamal was on the mark again fifteen minutes later to open the gap.

Wyclif Ketto picked up a loose ball in the midfield dribbled past two defenders to set Jamal to score for EALA to lead 1-0.

Hon, Julius Maganda, Minister for EAC Affairs, Parliament of Uganda, missed a golden chance to double the lead on 25 minutes when he failed to connect a pass from Hon Bernard Mulengani.

In the second half, Parliament of Burundi made serious raids often catching EALA off guard.   EALA defender handled the ball in the box but Burundi’s Hon Jean Marie Niyonkuru, failed to convert the resultant penalty kick.

Hon Dennis Karera then latched on to a loose ball and fired past the EALA goalkeeper to reduce the deficit.

In the first match of the Day, Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Kenya 1-0 in a fast paced Group A match.  The match was a balanced affair in both halves.   Parliament of Kenya strikers missed numerous scoring chances with Hon Augustine Neto and Hon David Ochieng as the main culprits.

On resumption, Parliament of Uganda came back a more rejuvenated side. Kenya’s keeper, Hon Kanini Kega was twice called upon to make saves from the marauding striking force of Hon Odonga Otto, Hon Nsereko Mohammed and midfield dynamo, Hon Mugema “Panadol”.

A perfect combination saw the Uganda midfielders race down to the flank to set up an unmarked Arinaitwe Brian.   Brian, controlled the ball, then beat the Kenyan Parliament Goalkeeper, Hon Kanini Kega on a first time shot to give his side a slim victory.

In netball, Parliament of Burundi put up a sterling performance to upset EALA 37-21 in a Group B match at the Makande Indoor Sports Gymnasium, Mombasa.

Parliament of Burundi who were featuring a netball side for the first time since the Tournament commenced a couple of years ago, were clearly the better side, showing intent from the very beginning of the game.

Goal Attacker, Hon Sintozuma Jacqueline opened the flood gates as Burundi took a 15-13 lead at end of the second quarter.  On resumption, it was one-way traffic for the victors.  Hon Mboneko Sauda and Hon Ndayizeye Gloriose were a constant thorn in the flesh of the EALA Netball team.

In the first match of the day, Parliament of Uganda were awarded the match versus Parliament of Kenya on a 60-0 walk-over in Group A match at the Makande Indoors Sports Gym, following the Parliament of Kenya’s unavailability to raise a team in accordance with the rules governing the tournament.

At the moment, the rules stipulate that only Members of Parliament can feature in the tournament. A number of players are expected to join the team later on today.

In group A of men’s Volleyball, Parliament of Uganda won Parliament of Tanzania 2 sets to 0 in an interesting encounter. Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Tanzania 25-12 in the first set.  They won the same amount of points in the second set.

In Group B, Rwanda was awarded 2 sets to 0 (25-0 and 25-0) over Parliament of Burundi who did not field a team.

In women’s volleyball, EALA were awarded 2 sets to 0 victory following the failure of Burundi to field a team.

The Games continue on Tuesday with a Netball match featuring Defending Champions, Parliament of Uganda and Parliament of Tanzania.  Later on in the afternoon, the football teams of both Parliaments shall face off.

Speaker of Kenya National Assembly, Rt Hon Justin Muturi shakes hands with Hon Khatibu Mwashetani, player of Bunge FC, Kenya.  Kenya lost 0-1 to Parliament of Uganda

The French Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Ms. Malika Berak, has called on all parties in the Inter-Burundi Dialogue to engage constructively and consensually in the forthcoming consultations to be held in Bujumbura, Burundi.

In a press statement issued today and copied to the EAC Secretariat, Amb. Berak said that only a political solution would enable Burundi to achieve a peaceful exit from the crisis.

“We reiterate our full support for the continuation of sessions on Inter-Burundi Dialogue, within the framework of the mandate given to it by the East African Community,” said the envoy.

Amb. Berak further hailed the determination and commitment H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa, the former Tanzania President who is also the Facilitator of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue.

In a press statement issue by his office on December 1^st, 2016 H.E. Mkapa disclosed that a roadmap for the Burundi Dialogue process was developed and presented to the Mediator, H.E. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda on November 2^nd, 2016. The roadmap provides for a series of engagements between December 2016 and June 2017 that will culminate in an agreement.

H.E. Mkapa said that in implementing the roadmap, will in due course be visiting the Republic of Burundi to confer with H.E. President Pierre Nkurunziza and also consult with other political players, adding that this would lay the ground for a series of both formal and informal engagements with and among various stakeholders, in and outside Burundi and also with international actors.

The Facilitator observed that since his appeal in May 2016 to Parties to the Conflict to desist from violent acts and give dialogue a chance, there has been a noticeable improvement on the security situation in Burundi.

H.E. Mkapa said he would continue to urge all Parties to adhere to a non-violent approach to solving the political crisis, adding that the improved security situation in the country had been acknowledged by the international community.

“It is important that as this process proceeds, and for which the Barundi and the EAC citizens will continue to be briefed on the progress, all parties should strive to avoid actions and utterances that are not helpful to the healing process and remain seized of the commitment to a political process,” said the Facilitator.

The Italian Government has appointed Counsellor Roberto Mengoni as Italy’s Permanent Representative to the East African Community.

The Envoy (Roberto Mengoni), who is also the Italian Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, presented his letter of accreditation signed by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Paolo Gentiloni, to the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, today at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

Welcoming Amb. Mengoni to the EAC Headquarters, the Secretary General commended the Italian Government and people for showing interest in furthering the existing cooperation between Italy and the Community.

Amb. Mfumukeko briefed the Envoy on the key millstones recorded in integration process and pledged to link up the envoy with the East African Business Council through which Italian investors could explore available opportunities. 

On his part, Amb. Mengoni commended the EAC Secretariat for spearheading the integration agenda and highlighted a few areas that the Italian Government was interested in supporting the EAC, especially the Renewable Energy sector. He disclosed that his government was pushing for a policy change on Africa that will see a more robust engagement with the continent and the EAC.

Amb. Mfumukeko and his guest also discussed also the status of negotiations of the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and the Inter-Burundi dialogue. With regard to the Inter-Burundi Dialogue, Amb. Mengoni hailed the efforts of the Facilitator, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, and the EAC Secretariat in spearheading the process and called upon all the parties and stakeholders to give peace a chance in Burundi. 

Also present at the ceremony was the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo.

 Italian Counsellor, Roberto Mengoni(R), presents his letter of accreditation to EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko