Bujumbura hosts the EU-EAC Markup II 4th Regional Steering Committee (RSC) meeting

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Leo Kizito Ocaya Ojara, Uganda's MARKUP II focal point. Mr Jose-Luis Gonzalez, Programme Officer Regional Economic Integration and Mr Sagoh Djete, MARKUP II Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community were also present.

It provided updates on the progress of the EU-EAC MARKUP II programme and served as a platform for strategic dialogue among key stakeholders.

The RSC offers an important opportunity for representatives from EAC Partner States, the EAC Secretariat, and the European Union to review programme implementation and provide strategic guidance to maximize the impact of MARKUP II.

The meeting brought together representatives from EAC Partner States-Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. It was also attended by officials from the EAC Secretariat, EU delegation to Burundi as well as representatives from the East African Business Council (EABC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

The EU-EAC MARKUP II governance structure plays a central role in guiding programme implementation. It ensures country-level ownership and effective performance monitoring through National Steering and Technical Committees at the Partner State level, as well as Regional Steering and Technical Committees at the regional level.

As part of the meeting, delegates visited programme beneficiaries in Burundi's coffee, tea, and horticulture sectors. These visits provided valuable first-hand insights into the programme's impact, while also highlighting ongoing challenges that require continued support from Partner States and development partners.