The umbrella body for the private sector in East Africa has appointed Tanzania’s Adrian Raphael Njau as its acting chief executive, replacing John Bosco Kalisa of Rwanda, who has been at the helm for the past three years.
In a press statement, the board of the East African Business Council (EABC) said Mr Njau takes over with effect from July 12 when the appointment was made.
“The Board of the EABC has appointed Mr Adrian Raphael Njau as the new Acting Executive Director with effect from 12 July 2024. Mr Adrian Njau takes over from Mr John Bosco Kalisa,” the statement reads.
The EABC board is chaired by Ms Angelina Ngalula of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), who has been the chairperson since June 2022.
“As Acting ED, he will lead the EABC Secretariat team to implement the strategic plan in collaboration with EABC National Focal Points, members and the business community in the region. He will also work closely with the organs and institutions of the East African Community Secretariat.”
Prior to this appointment, Mr Njau served as Trade and Policy Advisor to the EABC.
He holds a master’s degree in international trade and a bachelor’s in economics, both from the University of Dar es Salaam.
He has professional certifications and specialised training in trade, investment, policy and regional integration, including in Switzerland, Singapore and Sweden.
“Adrian’s commitment to fostering an enabling business environment in East Africa is reflected in his work on capacity building initiatives for businesses to take advantage of trade opportunities,” said the EABC Board.
“He brings a wealth of experience in promoting public-private dialogue and formulating business-focused policies to advance the EAC region’s integration agenda.”
Former CEO Kalisa took over from Peter Mathuki, who was appointed to the Arusha-based EAC Secretariat in 2021.
“I took over the EABC during the difficult times of Covid-19 when the EABC almost collapsed and turned it into one of the best performing business associations,” he said.
“I have positioned the EABC at the highest level and I want it to continue to lead the EAC integration agenda and the EAC economies. I have created the necessary business environment for the private sector to thrive and grow.”
Mr Kalisa wished his successor well and advised him to ensure that the EABC holds its annual general meetings as required by law.
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
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