Strengthening Ties Across Continents: GIZ Brussels Hosts East African Community for High-Level EU–EAC–Private Sector Reception

Held in the presence of EAC Secretary General Hon. Veronica M. Nduva and her cabinet, the event brought together the European Commission, European Parliament, civil society representatives and the Brussels-based private sector to foster deeper economic cooperation and build stronger partnerships for sustainable development.

This reception marked the highlight of the EAC’s high-level visit to the European Union - a strategic mission aimed at strengthening dialogue with key EU institutions on trade, integration, and governance.

Setting the Stage for Strategic Collaboration

The evening opened with welcome remarks by Reinhold Elges, Director of the GIZ Brussels Office, who emphasized the importance of cooperation between the EU and East Africa in achieving common development goals and supporting economic transformation across both regions.

This was followed by a keynote address from Hon. Veronica M. Nduva, Secretary General of the EAC, who highlighted the regional bloc’s progress in economic integration, including the implementation of the Common Market and Customs Union serving over 320 million citizens across eight Partner States.

Ms. Virginie De Ruyt, Deputy Head of Unit for East and Central Africa at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), addressed the audience next, reflecting on the evolving strategic relationship between the EU and EAC. She drew particular attention to cross-border healthcare initiatives, an often-overlooked but essential element of regional integration, especially under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

An Informal Setting for Meaningful Exchange

The event featured a relaxed networking environment, allowing guests to engage directly with the EAC delegation, including the Deputy Secretary General for Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, Hon. Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba, the Director of Customs, Flavia Busingye, Caroline Mudambo, and Denis Kibirige.

These interactions allowed European stakeholders, including representatives from the European Commission, EuropeanParliament, the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ambassadors and various private sector associations, to explore collaborative opportunities in trade, investment, customs policy, sustainable development, and digitalisation.

A Week of Strategic Engagements in Brussels

The EAC’s Brussels mission included a series of high-level meetings with key EU bodies, including DG INTPA (International Partnerships), DG TRADE (Trade and Economic Security), DG TAXUD (Taxation and Customs Union), DG GROW (Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs), DG COMP (Competition policy), DG CNECT (Communications Networks, Content and Technology), and DG JUST (Justice and Consumers). These engagements aimed to enhance the EAC’s understanding of EU institutional frameworks in areas such as monetary affairs, legal harmonisation, dispute resolution, and human resource development—invaluable insights as the EAC deepens its own regional integration agenda.

GIZ Brussels remains committed to facilitating platforms for inclusive dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships between Africa and Europe. The momentum built during this week of engagements, and the evening reception signals a shared ambition: to unlock new avenues for transcontinental cooperation, support private sector growth, and deliver tangible impact for citizens on both continents.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, and participants who made this event a success.