The board of the East African Business Council (EABC) has appointed John Bosco Kalisa as the new Executive Director.  EABC is the appex body of private sector associations and corporates in the East African Community.

Kalisa replaces Peter Mathuki who was earlier this year appointed as the Secretary General of the East African Community.

Kalisa is an economist by profession with extensive experience in research and analysis.

A communique issued by EABC notes that he has an in-depth understanding of the international, continental and regional trade agreements and has participated fully in negotiations and championing private sector interests and needs in the EAC regional integration agenda.

He is an expert in international trade policy and law, taxation, commerce and economics having studied at leading universities in Pretoria, South Africa and Kigali, Rwanda.

Prior to his appoinment, Kalisa worked with TradeMark East Africa as the Country Director of South Sudan where he strongly promoted private sector development and competitiveness.

He has also a good rapport and networks with the Government and industry captains in East Africa having previously worked with the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF-Rwanda) and Rwanda Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

"Kalisa brings on board a rich body of knowledge and experience required to steer the East Africa private sector agenda to greater heights. He will lead the EABC Secretariat team to implement the organisation’s strategic plan in closecollaboration with EABC National Focal Points, members and the business community at large, and very specially with the East African Community Secretariat, its Organs and Institutions," reads part of the statement.