Officials from the four Northern Corridor Integration Project (NCIP) countries are in Kigali for their twelfth summit – to review the progress in the implementation of earmarked projects. The bi-monthly summit, that opened on Monday, brought together ministers and experts from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan, and will culminate into the Heads of State summit on Thursday. This round of meeting is also being attended by Burundi, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Tanzania and Djibouti, which are interested in working with NCIP on some projects. We have to acknowledge that the NCIP has achieved a lot over the past two years, including reduction in cross-border calling rates, and initiatives that have made it easy for the ordinary East African and businessperson to move across the region and do business.

Other key projects by the Northern Corridor countries like the standard gauge railway, oil pipeline, energy projects, and the single customs territory will improve the bloc’s business environment. However, these initiatives have been largely government-driven with minimal involvement of muturage, scholars, the private sector, and civil society.

Therefore, as the officials from partner states meet, they should bear in mind that the integration projects should bring everyone on board so that they are appreciated by the masses they are meant to serve. Though the private sector was at the 11th Northern Corridor Integration Project Heads of State summit in Kampala, Uganda in July, they should fully be brought on board to play their right full role in these initiatives.

Indeed the call for recognition of private sector by the four Northern Corridor countries from Northern Corridor Technology Alliance is spot on.