Business
EALA, SEATINI sign MoU to boost inclusive trade in East Africa
Speaking at the signing ceremony, EALA Speaker Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana said the MoU marks an important step in strengthening the Assembly’s legislative and oversight role.
Jane Nalunga, the executive director at SEATINI (centre) during the signing of the MoU with EALA. (Courtesy photo)
By: Ali Twaha, Journalist @New Vision
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The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on trade, fiscal and investment policy in the region.
The agreement is aimed at supporting East African regional integration and inclusive economic development.
Under the MoU, the two institutions will work together on research, policy dialogue, legislative support, institutional capacity building and oversight. It also covers publication and dissemination of research, resource mobilisation, policy monitoring, and collaboration with the EALA Women’s Caucus to promote gender responsive trade and investment policies.
The partnership builds on years of joint work between SEATINI and the EALA Women's Caucus, including oversight missions to border posts that documented the experiences of women cross-border traders.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, EALA Speaker Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana said the MoU marks an important step in strengthening the Assembly’s legislative and oversight role.
“This partnership strengthens our efforts to advance the East African Community's regional integration agenda through sound trade, investment and evidence-based policymaking. SEATINI's expertise will complement EALA's legislative, oversight and representative mandate as we pursue policies that improve the lives of East Africans,” Ntakirutimana said.
He added that the partnership will deepen collaboration with the Women's Caucus on research, policy advocacy, capacity building and oversight, particularly on matters affecting women in cross-border trade.
EALA Women's Caucus Chairperson Fatuma Ndangiza said the MoU formalises a relationship that has existed for years.
“This is not the beginning of a relationship but the formalisation of one. Together, we have supported oversight work, advanced trade policy advocacy and amplified the concerns of women traders across the region. This agreement gives us a stronger platform to continue that work,” Ndangiza said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, EALA Speaker Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana said the MoU marks an important step in strengthening the Assembly’s legislative and oversight role.
“This partnership strengthens our efforts to advance the East African Community's regional integration agenda through sound trade, investment and evidence-based policymaking. SEATINI's expertise will complement EALA's legislative, oversight and representative mandate as we pursue policies that improve the lives of East Africans,” Ntakirutimana said.
He added that the partnership will deepen collaboration with the Women's Caucus on research, policy advocacy, capacity building and oversight, particularly on matters affecting women in cross-border trade.
EALA Women's Caucus Chairperson Fatuma Ndangiza said the MoU formalises a relationship that has existed for years.
“This is not the beginning of a relationship but the formalisation of one. Together, we have supported oversight work, advanced trade policy advocacy and amplified the concerns of women traders across the region. This agreement gives us a stronger platform to continue that work,” Ndangiza said.
Jane Nalunga, the executive director at SEATINI, said the signing will strengthen the next phase of a long-standing partnership built on a shared commitment to equitable regional integration.
“This Memorandum provides the framework to deepen our collaboration and turn evidence into action. Regional integration should be measured by the opportunities it creates for women traders, young entrepreneurs, MSMEs and other citizens who depend on fair and inclusive markets,” Nalunga said.
Both institutions said they expect the partnership to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking, promote inclusive trade and investment, and contribute to a more equitable and responsive East African Community.
“This Memorandum provides the framework to deepen our collaboration and turn evidence into action. Regional integration should be measured by the opportunities it creates for women traders, young entrepreneurs, MSMEs and other citizens who depend on fair and inclusive markets,” Nalunga said.
Both institutions said they expect the partnership to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking, promote inclusive trade and investment, and contribute to a more equitable and responsive East African Community.