EABC inks deal with African research institute to boost competitiveness

Nairobi, Kenya | Xinhua | The East African Business Council (EABC), a regional apex body of the private sector, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Africa Higher Education Research Institute (AHERI) to boost the region’s competitiveness.

John Bosco Kalisa, CEO of EABC told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the agreement provides a roadmap for participation in joint research projects that will improve East Africa’s innovation of new products and services that meet continental and global market requirements.

“Through the partnership, we will advocate for appropriate legislation on intellectual property rights and address skills mismatch in order to enhance academia and industry collaboration in East Africa,” Kalisa said.

He revealed that the cooperation is hinged on production of innovations that will enhance the productive capacity and competitiveness of regional businesses.

Robert Owino, Executive Director of AHERI said that the ultimate goal of the partnership is to turn ideas into action through commercialization of research projects.

He noted that under the agreement the two parties will also collaborate on joint resource mobilization and development of the education sector to increase the pool of talent required to power economies in the region.

“We will also convene platforms with relevant stakeholders which will contribute to the growth and development of east African business,” Owino added.

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Xinhua