News in brief:
– East African experts convened in Nairobi to discuss boosting the region’s agriculture, pharmaceutical, and leather sectors, emphasising unified standards, vaccine manufacturing progress, and solutions for challenges in each industry.
– Recommendations include a code of conduct for farmers, streamlined pharmaceutical waste disposal processes, and investment in modern leather processing technologies, aiming to strengthen regional growth.
In a recent workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, East African Community (EAC) regional experts gathered to strategise on advancing the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and leather sectors.
The two-day event, titled ‘Regional Focal Persons Workshop,’ brought together stakeholders from EAC Partner States, the EAC Secretariat, East African Business Council, and representatives from GIZ/GFA, a collaboration of a German development agency and consulting group.
Harmonising agricultural standards for local farmers
In the fruits and vegetables sector, experts stressed the crucial need to harmonise agricultural and food safety standards within the region, a press release from the event organisers say.
Emphasis was also placed on supporting the development of a code of conduct for farmers and exporters, aimed at strengthening self-monitoring frameworks. Recommendations included prioritising the development of quality planting seeds and seedlings and utilising digital technology for streamlined data collection.
Noteworthy progress was highlighted in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in Kenya and Rwanda. Kenya is witnessing the establishment of two Biovax vaccine manufacturing plants, while Rwanda gears up for the production of BioNTech Vaccines by the end of 2024. Experts emphasised the urgency for Partner States to expedite approval processes for pharmaceutical waste disposal to mitigate potential risks. Harmonised regulations for waste management were proposed to ensure consistent and effective practices.
Revitalising the leather sector for local economies
Addressing challenges in the leather sector, experts called for investment in modern processing technologies to combat high production costs and low-quality products. The need for minimum acceptable standards for hides and skins, integration of quality requirements into animal husbandry practices, and subsidised exchange programs were recommended.
Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships and developing user-friendly toolkits for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was underscored to enhance capacity and international compliance.
Dr. Julius Otim, representing the EAC Secretary General, highlighted the alignment of sectoral strategies with Council Directives. Ms. Purity Kamau, acting for Dr. Juma Mukhwana, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Industrialization, Ministry of Investment Promotion Trade and Industry, Kenya, emphasised regional collaboration guided by the EAC Industrialization Strategy (2012-2032).
Meanwhile, Dr. Thomas Walter, from GIZ and GFA, reiterated their commitment to supporting sectoral development initiatives.
A comprehensive report from the workshop is slated to be presented to the Sectoral Committee on Industrialization and the Sectoral Council of Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment (SCTIFI) in May 2024 for further consideration.
These developments hold the potential to significantly impact local farmers, shaping the future of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and the leather industry in the East African region.
