The West renew interest in East African partnerships
East Africa’s foray into the East for development partnerships is being countered by Americans companies that now seek partnerships in the region. During a business-to-business networking forum held in Nairobi on February 26, representatives of 20 American firms met some 70 private sector executives from the five east African partner states to discuss potential partnerships. The American trade delegation, which was on a visit to Kenya and Ethiopia, showed interest in forging partnerships in the areas of communications, transport, road and rail, banking, agri-business, energy, construction, and maritime construction.
East African Business Council (EABC) Chair Vimal Shah, said that the meeting was the result of collaboration agreements between EABC and Corporate Council of Africa (CCA) as part a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two organisations last year. “Both EABC and CCA recognise the importance of facilitating and promoting private sector development in EAC partner states and the US, advocating for a predictable business climate between the above two regions, advancing private sector priorities and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Shah.
