Adrian Raphael appointed new CEO of East African Business Council

TANZANIA – Adrian Raphael has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the East African Business Council (EABC), the leading body for the region’s private sector.

He succeeds Rwanda’s Bosco Kalisa, who has led the council since 2021.

Raphael brings over 20 years of experience in international trade and policy. He has been involved in negotiating and interpreting major multinational agreements, including the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

His previous role as Trade and Policy Advisor to the EABC has equipped him with deep insights into the region’s trade dynamics.

In his new role, Raphael will oversee the implementation of the EABC’s strategic plan, aiming to reduce trade barriers within East Africa and enhance market access for locally produced goods.

“As Acting ED, 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,” said Ms. Angelina Ngalula, Chairperson of the EABC’s board.

Raphael’s appointment is seen as a significant step towards fostering an enabling business environment in East Africa. The board highlighted his extensive network with international development partners, including the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), TradeMark Africa (TMA), and the World Bank.

These connections are expected to aid in resource mobilization and high-level advocacy to boost investments, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Supporting fresh produce sector

The EABC plays a crucial role in promoting the fresh produce sector in East Africa. One of the council’s key initiatives is advocating for the establishment of fresh produce consolidation centers across the region.

These centers aim to streamline the aggregation, quality control, and distribution of fresh produce, thereby boosting export volumes and competitiveness.

Improving transport connectivity within East Africa is another priority for the EABC. High transport costs and existing barriers hinder intra-regional trade.

Enhancing transport infrastructure and connectivity can address these challenges, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

The council also emphasizes benchmarking ports like Dar es Salaam and Mombasa against more efficient ports such as Durban. This practice can help improve ship turnaround times and manage congestion, enhancing the competitiveness of East African ports in the AfCFTA and international markets.

The EABC encourages fresh produce exporters to explore sea freight options, which can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to airfreight. The transit time from Mombasa to Europe via sea freight is 24-30 days, offering a sustainable alternative for exporters.

Furthermore, the council is collaborating with stakeholders to transform the Central Corridor into an economic hub. This involves linking manufacturing centers, boosting exports, and creating jobs, thus driving economic growth in the region.

“Adrian’s commitment to fostering an enabling business environment in East Africa is reflected in his work on capacity building initiatives for businesses to take advantage of trade opportunities,” the board said in a statement.

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