Dear Members,
2022 was a turbulent year in global markets, and businesses in our region and all over the world have been dealing with soaring inflation, disrupted supply chains and volatile foreign currency markets. And yet, we have been inspired by how our members have been resilient, rising to the challenge, forging new partnerships, adopting new technologies and new business models. We commend those of you whose CSR activities have helped many families in the communities where you operate.
In 2023, we have a full program planned with a variety of meetings, our first being on the 26th of January 2023, two trade missions to Tanzania (March) and DRC later in the year, virtual events, and peer networking.
Let me share a few highlights from 2022:
- In February 2022, we set the tone for the year with our 1st panel discussion looking ahead at factors that may impact operations in East Africa Our keynote for this was Jane Marriott – British High Commissioner to Kenya who provided an overview from a diplomatic perspective. Other speakers included: Prof Nic Cheeseman, University of Birmingham, Nathalie Mpaka – CFO Bank of Kigali and Hannah Gilkes, Risk Advisory.
- June 2022, Eastern Africa Summer Drinks were focused on Trade competitiveness within the Commonwealth, we were honoured to have Baroness Patricia Scotland give a keynote address other speakers included H.E John Busingye, High Commissioner of Rwanda to the UK and H.E Manoa Esipisu, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK.
- In October 2022, we hosted a high-level delegation from Mauritius led by Hon. Mahen Kumar Seeruttun FCCA who was accompanied by senior officials from the Economic Development Board of Mauritius. The conversations focused on the role of International Financial Services in promoting Economic Development. We were honoured to welcome our members to this event, to witness EAA and EDB sign an MOU
- December 2022:
- High level Executive briefing on Kenya with Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi
- We had the honour of hosting Kenya’s Prime CS for a roundtable investor briefing where he outlined Kenya’s investment strategy under the administration of H.E President William Ruto. The Minister was accompanied by Kenya’s Senior Business leader Dr James Mwangi – Managing Director of Equity Group and Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK, H.E Manoa Esipisu EBS
- Eastern Africa Christmas Party & Keynote on AcFTA: We were delighted to welcome our members to our end of year dinner on the 14th of December, despite travel chaos caused by extreme weather and rail strikes, we welcomed over 100 members to a lovely evening of dinner and debate, we were honoured to have a keynote presentation by Professor David Luke from the London School of Economics who provided updates on the development of the Africa Free Trade Agreement.
From the entire EAA team and the Board, we wish you all the best in this holiday season.