EABC appoints Adrian Raphael Njau its Acting Executive Director

By Rodney LUBOGA

The Board of the East African Business Council (EABC) has appointed Mr. Adrian Raphael Njau as the new Acting Executive Director, effective July 12, 2024.Mr. Adrian Njau takes over from Mr. John Bosco Kalisa.

Prior to this appointment, Adrian Njau served as the Trade and Policy Advisor of the East African Business Council (EABC). Adrian Njau holds a Master’s Degree in International Trade and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, both obtained from the University of Dar es Salaam.

His academic background is complemented by professional certifications and specialized training in trade, investment, policy and regional integration from Switzerland, Singapore, and Sweden, among others.

With over two decades of experience, Adrian has been instrumental in research and policy advocacy to reduce trade barriers and investment restrictions, and to enhance market access for EAC businesses.

His expertise also spans in negotiating and interpreting regional, continental, and international agreements, including the EAC Protocols and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), and EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, among others.

Adrian’s dedication to fostering a conducive business environment in East Africa is reflected in his work on capacity-building initiatives for businesses to leverage trade opportunities.

He brings a wealth of experience in championing public-private dialogue and formulating business-centric policies to drive the EAC region’s integration agenda.

Mr. Njau has a rich network of international development partners such as the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), International Trade Centre (ITC), TradeMark Africa (TMA), Association of German Industries (BDI), African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, Commonwealth Foundation and International Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty (ILEAP).

As the Acting Executive Director, he will lead the EABC Secretariat team to implement the strategic plan in collaboration with EABC National Focal Points, members, and the business community in the region. He will also work closely with East African Community Secretariat Organs and Institutions.

Njau will spearhead resource mobilization and high-level advocacy at the Heads of State and Ministerial levels to advance the EABC’s purpose and vision of a borderless East Africa for increased business and investment.