The great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness no one rejects dislikes avoids pleasure itself because it is pleasure but because know who do not those how to pursue pleasures rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful desires to obtain.
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Dedicated Team
The leadership team at EACCIA is made up of individuals at the top of their respective industries and practice. They bring with them a wealth of experience, commitment and a common desire to see East African trade grow.
Mr. Richard NGATIA
EACCIA President
Richard NGATIA is the President of EACCIA. Ngatia also serves as the Immediate Past President of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and he also served as the Chairman of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Private Sector Forum, an inter-governmental organization of 12 Member States of Africa. He is the immediate former Chair of the IGAD Business Council, an eight African country trade bloc.
Ngatia served as the Special Business Advisor to the Council of Governors in Kenya for 4years and he is the Patron at Health Relief International Kenya and Deputy Patron at the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations. He is the Managing Director & CEO of Megascope Healthcare (K) Limited. He is a philanthropist.
Hon. Toufiq Salim TURKY
EACCIA Patron
Hon. Toufiq Salim TURKY holds the position of EACCIA Patron. He is also the current President of Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (ZNCCIA). Possessing vast managing directorships and CEO experience, he always ensures that clear corporate and institutional goals, objectives and expectations are delivered and maintained. He is a passionate leader with first class communication skills and a long track record of successful business management.
Mr. Toufiq is a highly educated individual, with extensive knowledge of all current economic, social and regulatory issues. He is an inspiring and motivational manager with first-rate interpersonal skills and the ability and passion to develop the vision of Turky Group of Companies, to ensure that they are able to push performance improvement whilst at the same time delivering growth.
He joined the EACCIA Board of Directors upon his election as the President of Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in 2016. As the CEO of Vigor Turky Group of Companies, he oversees one of the largest business groups in Tanzania, owning 12 Companies with operations in Zanzibar, Tanzania mainland and Comoros’ islands as well and employing over 4,000 people.
Mr. Chris B. KYERERE
UACCIA Board Chairman
Mr. Chris. B. Kyerere is a Socio-Economist holding an MA, BA (Hons) degree, and Diploma in Library and information Science in addition to various post-graduate trainings in Sub-sector analysis, BDS and Management and Development of Small Business and Industries. Mr. Kyerere worked as the Team Leader and Coordinator of various programs for the: as Team leader of District Resource Endowment Profile Surveys as part of the UNDP funded Private Sector Development Program, a lead consultant on the USAID funded National MSE survey, the COMPETE project in addition to numerous projects in health, agriculture and economic planning.
Mr. Kyerere is a founder and executive director of IMPACT Associates a leading consultancy firm in Uganda since 1993. IMPACT has undertaken projects in the East African region and Europe including being finalists on for InfoDev ICT Innovation Competitions for the 2002 stories.
Mr. Kyerere is also a director with The DEPO (U) Ltd a growing business offering high quality roofing solutions. He is also a Director with Quality Procurement Services, a leader in support services to Uganda’s coffee exporters. He is also the CEO of AKIBA International, spearheading innovative value chain solutions in agriculture and agri-business in Uganda. Mr. Chris Kyerere is a member of UACCIA and its Board Chairman.
Mr. Charles N. KAHUTHU
CEO and Regional Coordinator
Mr. Kahuthu is the Chief Executive Officer and Regional Coordinator of East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (EACCIA), coordinating the activities of the various national chambers in the East African region, as well as spearheading the regional Public Private Partnerships (PPP) agenda.
Mr. Kahuthu is a Private Sector Development Specialist, as well as an Expert in public private partnerships providing a wide range of business management and socio-economic development consultancy services to Governments, private sector institutions, development agencies and non-governmental organizations, among others.
He is a policy analyst and has been a member of many task forces facilitating the review of public policy in recent years. He has carried out many consulting assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Latin America and France. He is conversant with the planning, preparation and implementation of development programmes and projects.
Mr. Kahuthu was recently elected as one of the 4 Vice Presidents and a Member of the Executive Board of the Africa Business Council (AfBC), representing Eastern Africa and the Great Lakes Region member countries (about 14 countries). AfBC is an organization that was established by the African Union Heads of State and Government in their African Union Assembly Decision (Assembly/AU/Dec. 394(XVIII)) of 2012 on Boosting Intra-African trade and Fast Tracking the Establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Patricia Veringa GIESKES
D.R. Congo Private Sector Representative
Today, Patricia Veringa GIESKES represents the D.R. Congo private sector at multiple stakeholders including the ILO, IOE, GFMD, EU, AU, ‘UN and the World Bank.
Patricia worked at the I.O.M (International Organization for Migration) in Congo as deputy head of mission. This inspired her to find The Job Factory; recruitment, placement and training agency that she has been managing since 2006. Following the I.O.M she also became an active member of the GFMD (Global Forum for Migration Development).
From 2009 to 2015, she was President of the Professional Committee of Private Employment agencies at FEC (Federation of Congolese Entreprises).
In 2009, as a result of her active involvement at FEC, she was appointed member of the Board of Directors and since 2015 she has been appointed President of the National Social Commission.
In 2014, she was appointed by the Head of State to the position of Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute for Professional Preparation (INPP), a state-owned institution.
Dr Erick RUTO
KNCCI President
Erick Rutto is the President of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). Dr Rutto is a distinguished entrepreneur and serves as the 1st Vice President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, he actively promotes and safeguards the commercial and industrial interests of the Chamber’s members and the country as a whole.
Dr Rutto plays a crucial role in facilitating domestic and international trade by organizing finance trade and industrial exhibitions, which contribute to fostering economic growth.
Ms Olive KIGONGO
Member of EACCIA
Olive Zaitun Kigongo, a Ugandan businesswoman, entrepreneur, and corporate executive, serves as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI). In 2002, Kigongo was elected as the first woman president of the UNCCI. As of January 2018, she remains the organization’s leader, formed in 1933, though her leadership has faced criticism and challenges.
Kigongo is the longest-serving member of the East African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (EACCIA) Board, having joined as a founding member in September 2005 alongside the leaders of the Kenyan and Tanzanian chambers. She is the founder and chairperson of the board of directors of Amagara Skincare Limited, a cosmetics manufacturer based in Kampala, Uganda.
Ms Jeanne Francoise MUBILIGI
Acting Chairperson of Rwanda PSF
Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi, 1st Vice Chairperson of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation, is a highly accomplished entrepreneur with a master’s degree in international business development. Starting her career at the Rwanda Investment Group, she played a pivotal role in scoping business requirements and implementing technical solutions. With over five years of experience, she now leads “Entreprise Mubiligi Paul,” a construction company, managing projects for optimal growth.
Beyond her business endeavors, Jeanne actively supports women entrepreneurs as the Chairperson of the “Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs” and serves on the board of the “Agaciro Development Fund.” Recently appointed as the acting Chairperson of PSF, she continues to demonstrate her dedication to fostering business growth in Rwanda.
Olivier SUGURU
CFCIB President
Olivier SUGURU is the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB). He holds a degree in engineering from ISCG University in Bujumbura. In 2001, he published a thesis on the optimization of the production of essential oils.
He has held several positions in the private sector, including the role of CEO at SAVONOR, a company that employs 2000 people. He heads the department responsible for collecting taxes and customs duties in Burundi (OBR). Additionally, he serves as the President of the Association of Industrialists of Burundi (AIB).
Mr John LUAL AKOL
Deputy Chairperson of SSNCCIA
Mr John LUAL AKOL is the first Deputy Chairperson of South Sudan National Chamber Of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SSNCCIA). Juba- South Sudan from April, 2023 to date
As a member he revitalizes joint Monitoring & Evaluation Committee (RJEMEC) representing the business Community in South Sudan
He is a Member & Board of Directors of ICGLR/PSF beginning 2023-2025 and member of The Annual General Assembly of the ICGLR (International Conference on the Great Lakes Region) Regional Private Sector Forum
He is also a MEMBER of the GPEDC global monitoring partnership.
Mr John Lual has been the CEO of Etihad Group of Companies from December 2011 Up to date of Which includes; Etihad Auto Ltd for Automobile Sales and Supplies, Etihad Insurance & Reinsurance Company Ltd; Proving Motor Vehicle both Comprehensive & Third Party Motor Insurances, Excom Security Service Co. Ltd ; Proving Door to door Security Protection Services.
Mr. Robert MALUMBA
Congolese Business Federation (FEC) President
Robert Malumba, the newly elected president of the Congolese Business Federation (FEC), assumed office during the recent elective general assembly in Kinshasa, DRC, marking a significant shift in leadership after 18 years under Albert Yuma. In his inaugural speech, Malumba expressed a strong commitment to prioritizing dialogue between the private and public sectors as a crucial step towards the economic development of the country.
Positioned as a leader poised to guide the FEC to a prosperous future, Malumba emphasizes collaboration and economic development, aligning his vision with unlocking the considerable economic potential of the DRC through committed and dialogue-driven leadership.
Mr. Ali AMOUR
ZNCC Chairman
Mr. Ali Amour is the Chairman of the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC)
Mr. Vicent Bruno MINJA
TCCIA President
Born on August 18, 1972, in Mwanga Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Vicent Bruno Minja is a seasoned business leader with a rich history of academic excellence and professional accomplishment. Vicent’s educational journey laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
In 2021, Vicent took on the role of CEO at Izungo Apartments and Tours Ltd, also overseeing the operations of Izungo Concrete Poles, a factory producing concrete poles in Kidomole, Bagamoyo, Coastal Region.
His diverse business portfolio extends to the hospitality industry, where he served as a Board Member for Giraffe Ocean View Hotel from 2008 to 2018. Vicent’s leadership extends to the mining sector, where he holds a Small Miner license in Chunya District, Mbeya Regional.
As of 2023, Vicent Bruno Minja holds the prestigious position of President of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA). His influence has expanded beyond national borders, as he serves as a Board Member for the East Africa Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture and a Co- chairperson of the Business Environment Working Group of the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC)
