Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT)’s Post

✨Thank you to all partners, stakeholders and participants for making the recent "𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐀𝐂" peer-to-peer conference in Nairobi, Kenya, a resounding success! The conference brought together public and private sector delegations, business associations, distribution firms, e-commerce platforms, and academic institutions, to identify and tackle obstacles in the EAC's distribution sector and devise growth strategies for the regional private sector. Focus areas included discussing regulatory challenges, growth measures, and creating an action plan for the sector's dynamic evolution. The conference inaugurated the Common Market Protocol work stream of the EU-EAC CORE Programme, aligning with broader regional integration goals. EUD representative Myra Bernardi highlighted that by coming together as the EAC, we can share best practices, learn from each other’s experiences and formulate strategies that will significantly contribute to the region’s overall economic development. During the closing remarks given by the Director Customs and Trade East African Community, Busingye Flavia, on behalf of the Deputy Secretary General Customs, Trade and Monetary Union Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, remarked that the fruitful discussions will propel the East African Community region forward stronger, more integrated, and prosperous. #EUEACCORE #EastAfricaIntegration #TradeAndCooperation #EconomicGrowth #RegionalDevelopment #Innovation #Inclusivity #EconomicIntegration #TradeDevelopment #GOPAgroup Staicy Napio Wagala, Philadelphia ZAWIERUCHA, East African Community Secretariat, East African Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture, GOPA Worldwide Consultants, GOPA Consulting Group

the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) is happy to announce the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya's Regional Economic Blocs and the launch of the inaugural KEPSA - County Regional Economic Blocs Roundtable on 27th November 2024. The signing will happen during the 6th Jumuiya Agribusiness & Blue Economy Investment Conference (JABEIC) in Voi, Taita Taveta County. This Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) platform will convene quarterly, rotating among the various County Economic Blocs, to foster targeted discussions on regional priorities, challenges, and opportunities. Issues raised during these roundtables will be closely monitored by a joint committee comprising KEPSA and representatives of the six County Economic Blocs to ensure progress, accountability, and measurable impact. This initiative will align local development goals with national priorities by leveraging real-time data and actionable insights, driving inclusive economic growth, investment, and sustainability across Kenya’s counties. To confirm your participation in the inaugural KEPSA - County Regional Economic Blocs Roundtable on 27th November 2024 during #JABEIC2024, please contact ppd@kepsa.or.ke. Jumuiya Ya Kaunti Za Pwani

It’s official! Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has today officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya's six Regional Economic Blocs. This adds to other KEPSA public-private dialogue mechanisms with the different arms of the public sector, including the Presidential Economic Dialogue, the Speakers Roundtable with the National Assembly and the Senate, and the Chief Justice Roundtable, among others. The partnership agreement was made in Voi, Taita Taveta, on the sidelines of the 6th Jumuiya Agribusiness and Blue Economy Investment Conference (JABEIC), and witnessed by H.E. Gideon Mung’aro, OGW, Governor of Kilifi County and Chairperson of the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani. It formed the engagement mechanism of devolving KEPSA to the counties through the six regional economic blocs. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ez8eA4Tj

Did you know The Malabo Montpellier Panel reports seek to inform and guide policy choices to accelerate progress toward the ambitious goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Malabo Declaration and relevant global development frameworks? Read the Panel’s YOUTH AHEAD report for more on innovative policies and institutional interventations to empower youth, support continued economic growth, and drive productivity in Africa’s Agrifood Systems. Download the full report: https://shorturl.at/gLrr4

In East Africa, approximately 25% of all trade takes place with neighboring countries, as indicated by a Policy LINK Regional Agriculture Trade Competitiveness Analysis. East Africa has a real potential to increase trade within the region beyond current levels and with existing production patterns. Explore our knowledge hub for insights and analysis for sustainable trade and growth. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dmnU_DwD DAI | USAID | Feed the Future

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) (KEPSA)'s Japan-Africa Business and Investment Conference (JA-BEIC) 2024 underscores the significance of Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) platforms in advancing development objectives. PPD platforms, like JA-BEIC, serve as vital forums for fostering collaboration, understanding, and joint problem-solving between governments and the private sector. The LAPSSET Corridor project, for example, is a massive infrastructure undertaking that aims to connect Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia through a network of roads, railways, ports, and pipelines. The successful implementation of such ambitious projects requires significant private sector investment. PPD platforms offer an opportunity for governments and the private sector to share their perspectives, identify common priorities, and build consensus on development strategies. This alignment of interests is essential for creating a conducive environment for investment and ensuring that development efforts are responsive to the needs of both the public and private sectors. The JA-BEIC 2024, along with other similar initiatives, demonstrates the commitment of African governments and the private sector to working together to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in Agenda 2063. Carole Kariuki Muthoni Koinange Martin Ngunga Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) #TheAfricaWeWant #Agenda2063 #PIDAWeek2024 #Afrifundcapital

AKADEMIYA2063 Policy Papers! This Paper summarizes the findings from a study that assessed agricultural trade policy and program opportunities in Eastern Africa that can help #Rwanda improve its agricultural value chain competitiveness and regional trade. The synthesis focuses on the experiences of five high-performing African countries – Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, and South Africa – under eight areas of good practices aimed at improving agricultural value chain competitiveness and regional trade expansion. More👉https://bit.ly/3wBGJe5

The National Symposium on "Catalyzing Change: Making Local Governance Future Fit" jointly organized by the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka and the European Union Delegation in Sri Lanka, convened successfully on June 10-11, 2024, at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo. The productive exchanges of insights, ideas, and best practices among stakeholders on local governance, particularly regarding the digitalization of public services by Local Government Authorities to minimize corruption risks and ensure transparency and accountability, are highly innovative and commendable. It is incumbent upon political leaders and policymakers to take the necessary steps to upscale these lessons learned and best practices to a national level through impactful policy changes and strategies. This is particularly crucial as Sri Lanka progresses along its Reform Agenda.

Regional Cooperation: Key to Uzbekistan's Agricultural Development At the recent forum in Tashkent, EU Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski emphasized that despite being landlocked, Uzbekistan's development can be significantly bolstered through strong regional cooperation. Collaborating with neighboring countries and promoting barrier-free trade are crucial steps toward enhancing agricultural growth and food security. More: https://daryo.uz/tmDJBBIc

AKADEMIYA2063 2023 Annual Report! This report provides a detailed overview of our key achievements, ongoing projects, and strategic initiatives driving Africa's agricultural and economic transformation. Throughout 2023, AKADEMIYA2063 has made significant strides in supporting evidence-based policy development, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and fostering sustainable growth across the continent. Download the report to learn more about our efforts to achieve the key goals of the @African Union's Agenda 2063: https://shorturl.at/yNMYF