Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) First Vice President, Faustin Kananura Mbundu has replaced Reginald Mengi as the new chairman of the East African Business Council (EABC) Executive Committee.

Mbundu was appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Kigali Serena Hotel yesterday, putting an end to Mengi’s reign who will still serve on the EABC Executive Committee as the immediate Past Chairman.

Mbundu will be assisted by Gerald Ssendaula, Vice Chairman, Uganda, Esther Mkwizu, Vice Chairperson, Tanzania, Keli Kiilu, Vice Chairman, Kenya, and Hermenegilde Ndikumasabo, Vice Chairman, Burundi.

"Ahead of us are still many tasks that we need to accomplish. My humble request is that we work together to strengthen the private sector in this region,” Mbundu said.

Mengi bosts of several achievements such as reduction of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) in the form of weighbridges, security roadblocks along the Northern and Central Corridors.

"We hope the EABC will continue to play an effective role towards the integration process. The integration to be private sector driven,” he said.

Mengi added that EABC has continued to aggressively pursue its vision of becoming an effective change agent for fostering an enabling business environment for a diversified, competitive, export-led, integrated and sustainable economy.

The outgoing Chairman, expressed confidence in the new committee saying that they have what it takes to bring the business council at greater heights.

Mbundu who also doubles as the Managing Director of Caferwa said that the entire new committee is looking forward to improve the general business environment in the region.

"We will review the NTB (Non-Tariff Barriers) report and see how far member states have addressed the issues,” he explained after appointment.

He added that there are a lot of challenges ahead but there is confidence that much will be achieved.

The AGM, which is chaired in rotation among five Partner States of the East African Community (EAC), also chose new members of the Executive Committee.

This comes at a time when Rwanda also chairs of other EAC positions. For example, President Paul kagame is the incumbent EAC Heads of State Chairperson while Rwanda’s EAC Minister, Monique Mukaruliza is the chairperson for the Ministerial Council.

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