EABC Elects New Chairperson for 2024-2026 Term

John Lual Akol Akol from the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture has been elected as the new Chairperson of the East African Business Council (EABC) for the 2024-2026 term. 

The election took place during the 23rd EABC Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday, 13th December 2024, at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.

In his acceptance speech, Akol expressed gratitude to the EABC members for their trust and acknowledged the outgoing leadership for their commitment to advancing the regional private sector agenda. 

“I will ensure that the EABC continues to represent the voice of the private sector and remains dedicated to its vision of a borderless East Africa that fosters trade, investment, and growth,” he said.

The Chief Guest, Frank Mbando, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary representing the Regional Commissioner of Arusha, commended EABC for its efforts in promoting regional economic integration. 

“Arusha has immense investment opportunities in industries such as edible oils and textiles. I encourage business leaders to capitalize on these opportunities, especially with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda,” Mbando said.

EABC Leadership for 2024-2026

Chairperson

• John Lual Akol Akol (South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture)

Vice Chairpersons

• Olivier Suguru (Burundi Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
• Jas Bedi (Kenya Private Sector Alliance)
• Dennis Karera (Private Sector Federation – Rwanda)
• Angelina Ngalula (Tanzania Private Sector Foundation)
• Simon Kaheru (Uganda Manufacturers Association)

Other Governing Council Members

Burundi

• Boaz Nimpe (Burundi Bankers Association)
• Laurent Nsenda Bukassa (BRARUDI)
• Linda Kaneza (SAVONOR)

Kenya

• Rajan Shah (Former KAM Chairperson, Capwell Industries)
• Muhoho Kenyatta (Brookside Dairy Ltd)
• Clifford Machoka (Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa)

Rwanda

• Linda Kalimba Mulenga (Trinity Lawyers)
• Emmanuel Nkusi (Bank of Kigali)
• Emmanuel Butare (MRB Attorneys)

South Sudan

• Kennedy Lodiong Kenyi (Association of South Sudan Manufacturers)
• Mou Ambrose Thiik (Trinity Group)
• Osama M. Bilal (Nile Commercial Bank PLC)

Tanzania

• Paul Makanza (Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company)
• Ashish Mistry (ALAF Group of Companies)
• Satbir Singh (Hanspaul Group of Companies)

Uganda

• Kenneth Ayebare (Private Sector Foundation Uganda)
• Bruce Mpamizo (Movit Products Limited)
• Oscar Kamukama (Steel and Tube Industries)

Secretary to the Governing Council and Executive Committee

• Adrian Njau (Acting Executive Director)

Key Achievements and Decisions

The AGM also reviewed the achievements of the 2023/2024 term and approved amendments to the EABC Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMARTs), including the formation of a governing council.

Akol reiterated EABC's commitment to advocating for private sector interests, promoting regional trade, and creating an enabling business environment across East Africa.