The East African Business Council has appointed Mr. Nicholas Nesbitt as the new EABC Chairman for the period 2018/2019. This took place during the 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM). Mr. Nesbitt suceeds Mr. Jim Kabeho from Uganda, who served for the period 2017/18. Mr. Nicholas Nesbitt is also the Chairman of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & General Manager of Eastern Africa, IBM East Africa Limited.
Dr. Manu Chandaria, EABC Founding Chairperson in his remarks during the 19th AGM said, “As the Private Sector, our interest should be one East Africa and not our country.”
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Nesbitt emphasized the need to increase competitiveness of East African companies and SMEs to compete at continental as well as international level.
“Let’s focus on competitiveness of our businesses to sell our goods at regional, continental, and international scale,” said Mr. Nicholas Nesbitt. “Adopt technology such as block chain to solve regional challenges like counterfeits and contrabands.”
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the supreme policy making organ of the East African Business Council (EABC). The AGM meets once a year to elect the Executive Committee led by the Chairperson, receive annual report on the initiatives undertaken by the Secretariat and give overall directives to the Secretariat in line with the Strategic Plan and interests of the business community in East Africa. The EABC Board of Directors consists of 22 members, headed by a Chairperson, elected from the Partner States on an annual rotational basis. Each country nominates 4 Members to the Executive Committee.
Mr. Nesbitt also appreciated the efforts of the former chair Mr. Jim Kabeho in coordinating thework done in the year 2017 together with the Executive Committee.
Mr. Nesbitt reiterated his commitment and passion to work with colleagues, Executive Committee members and requested full support from EABC Members, EABC National Focal Points, Secretariat, as well as the East African Community Secretariat, Organs & Institutions, Governments of the EAC Partner States and Development Partners.
