The East African Community (EAC) and the Federal Republic of Germany have signed agreement to support health and education in the East African Community (EAC).
The signed deal is worth 35 million Euros (about Shs150bn), which will be invested in vaccination programs as well as a scholarship programme for East African students.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Detlef Wächter, the German Ambassador to the East African Community said the support is a sign of strong relationship between Germany and EAC
“The new commitments underline that Germany continues to be a strong partner for the EAC in pushing the integration process forward. Education and health are core pillars of sustainable economic development and we are glad to be able to contribute to that in this regional context,” he said
According to the media statement from the Arusha, the Germany Envoy also disclosed that Germany will be contributing EUR 5 million to the EAC for a scholarship programme in cooperation with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
The goal of the education programme is to promote EAC’s regional integration agenda by supporting higher education students and their role in fostering awareness for the East African integration process, creating social change as well as economic growth.
In his remarks, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko noted that the EAC and the Federal Republic of Germany have been cooperating in different areas with notable achievements being realized.
“These include Health and Pharmaceutical Sectors; Trade and Customs; Promotion of Gender and Education; Monetary harmonization, Institutional Capacity Strengthening and support to the EAC Partnership Fund,” said Amb. Mfumukeko.
The Secretary General applauded the government of Germany for her generous support to the EAC, adding that the collaboration between the two parties continues to grow and become stronger.
For almost two decades, Germany has been supporting the EAC through financial as well as technical cooperation. Germany’s contribution to the EAC amounts to a total of almost EUR 285 million.
Germany has been supporting the immunization programme in the region in close collaboration with the EAC and Gavi, the vaccine alliance, since 2013.
The region has made great progress in introducing new, life-saving vaccines.
Also present at the function were the First Secretary and Head of Regional Cooperation (EAC) at the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, the DSG-Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Steven Mlote and Dr Anthony Kafumbe, the Counsel to the Community.