Nairobi Hosts Groundbreaking EAC Distribution Conference to Tackle Sector Hurdles and Boost Regional Trade
In a landmark event for East Africa’s business landscape, Nairobi is buzzing with activity as distribution sector stakeholders from across the region converge for the first-ever East African Community (EAC) Peer-to-Peer Learning Conference. This high-profile gathering, held under the auspices of the EU-EAC CORE program, aims to address pressing issues and forge a strategic action plan to streamline distribution across East Africa.
With a diverse array of participants—from wholesale trade services and retailers to franchising sectors, both public and private—the conference reflects a united effort to tackle systemic barriers that have long hampered the region’s distribution efficiency.
The event underscores a diagnostic study revealing that restrictive investment laws and cumbersome administrative requirements are impeding the growth of wholesale and retail firms. Compounding these issues are weak links with local suppliers, high investor exit rates, and a significant skills gap within the industry.
Nairobi Hosts Inaugural EAC Distribution Conference Amidst Sector Challenges
Addressing the assembly, Ms. Elizabeth Miguda, Deputy Director and Head of Regional Trade at Kenya’s State Department of Trade, underscored the critical role that efficient distribution plays in the market. “Liberation of this sector opens doors to new market opportunities within the EAC,” Ms. Miguda stated. She emphasized that enhanced efficiency could lower prices and improve competition, benefiting consumers with a broader range of goods at more competitive prices.
Despite the potential, Ms. Miguda acknowledged that the sector is beleaguered by fragmented regulatory frameworks and a shortage of essential business skills. “Addressing these challenges will streamline the distribution process, align supply with demand, and ultimately enhance the sector’s overall efficiency,” she added.
Echoing these sentiments, Ms. Marie Angelique Umulisa, representing the EAC Secretary General, highlighted the significance of distribution services in the global economy. “Distribution services constitute about 20 percent of global services trade and are vital for boosting efficiency and economic contributions across various sectors,” she said. In the EAC region, these services contribute between 3 percent and 10 percent to GDP, underscoring their crucial role in economic development and employment.
Marie Angelique Umulisa the Principal Trade Officer and Head of International Trade at the EAC Secretariat, representing the EAC Secretary General at a conference held in Nairobi
Ms. Umulisa lauded the conference as a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange, urging stakeholders to leverage shared experiences and best practices to drive sector reform. “By addressing distribution inefficiencies, we can ensure that consumers benefit from lower costs, enhanced product diversity, and more competitive pricing,” Umulisa stated.
As the conference unfolds, participants are expected to engage in robust discussions on inventory management, skill enhancement, and better integration with local suppliers. The event promises to be a catalyst for significant reform, setting the stage for a more dynamic and efficient distribution sector across East Africa.
