AfDB’s President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina mentioned it during the Banks Annual meetings that are currently undergoing in Malabo, Guinea.

He specifically sought support in the areas of Agriculture and Industry but especially agri-industrialisation. Adesina noted that it was critical to link infrastructure projects with agriculture development and industrial development for the benefits to reach the common citizenry in EAC.

Dr Adesina said the bank is also supporting establishment of an AfDB coordination and capacity building unit at the EAC HQs noting that the AfDB portfolio has grown and therefore need for more coordination, strategic and analytical capacity;

He said the Bank is committed to present EAC bankable projects to the AfDB coordinated African Investment Forum in November 2019 in South Africa. A joint team of EAC and AfDB will work on preparing bankable projects for presentation to that effect.

Adesina noted that the EAC is the most active and dynamic regional economic bloc with very clear results and a very high level of political momentum.

He lauded the EAC for the great gains made in the implementation of the Customs Union and the Common Market. He specifically commended the progress in free movement of people and increased trade. He noted that EAC Countries are now issuing the East African e-Passport.

Source: IPP Media

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