Nairobi, Kenya – July 17, 2024: The East African Business Council (EABC), the leading voice for the private sector in the region, has named Tanzania’s Adrian Raphael Njau as its new Acting Chief Executive Officer. Njau takes the reins from John Bosco Kalisa of Rwanda, who served for three years.
The appointment, effective July 12th, 2024, was announced by the EABC board chaired by Ms. Angelina Ngalula of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF). Njau, previously the EABC’s Trade and Policy Advisor, will lead the Secretariat team in implementing the organization’s strategic plan. He will collaborate with EABC National Focal Points, members, and the broader East African business community. Additionally, he will work closely with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat’s organs and institutions.
Njau brings a strong track record to the role. He holds a Master’s degree in International Trade and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, both from the University of Dar es Salaam. He also boasts professional certifications and specialized training in trade, investment, policy, and regional integration, acquired through programs in Switzerland, Singapore, and Sweden.
The EABC Board praised Njau’s “commitment to fostering an enabling business environment in East Africa,” citing his work on capacity-building initiatives that empower businesses to capitalize on trade opportunities. They further highlighted his experience in promoting public-private dialogue and formulating business-oriented policies that drive EAC’s integration agenda.
Njau succeeds John Bosco Kalisa, who took over from Peter Mathuki upon his appointment to the EAC Secretariat in Arusha in 2021. Kalisa expressed his pride in steering the EABC “through the difficult times of Covid-19,” crediting himself with transforming it into a “high-performing business association.” He emphasized his role in positioning the EABC as a leader in EAC integration and economic growth, while ensuring a thriving business environment for the private sector. Kalisa wished Njau well in his new role and advised him to maintain the EABC’s commitment to holding annual general meetings as mandated.
