March-April Update on EADBC Activities

[Laetitia Mulamula]

Dear Ndugu,

Happy Furahi-day!  I hope this note finds you well.

Last weekend I was thrilled to finally meet Dr. Doreen and Dr. Ndaga, and several other gracious Tanzanians in the Diaspora. As you all know, Tanzanians across the world celebrated Muungano Day; and quite a number of US Diasporans made the cross-country trip into the Nation's capital for celebrations that were hosted by Embassy of Tanzania. Quite a remarkable, jubilant occasion! Many thanks to Ben for inviting me to join in the festivities! Ezekiel got away this time ... but not for too long. August's a-coming.

On a separate, less jubilant note - I had promised to share an account of last February's trip to Kenya. The paper is attached; happy bed time reading:) Kindly share your opinions. 

The paper will also be shared with several interested parties including USAID-Kenya, USAID-East Africa, and several folks on Capitol Hill, as well as the Ambassador of Kenya, the African Union, US Department of State, US Department of Commerce, and US Chamber of Commerce. An abridged "PR" version will also be sent to the Kenyan Press. I am working with a PR firm in Kenya on the press version.

In coming weeks we shall also be drafting a proposal for funding which will be submitted to USAID-Kenya's Karen Freeman (and, perhaps, Non-Governmental Agencies such as the Ford Foundation), to implement a Capacity Building Program by which the Diaspora's technical expertise can be transferred through training particularly in Public Service. Your input will be sought in the preparation of the proposal.

Regarding the Trade and Investment Forum, with 3 months to go, we continue to make headway; having secured the African Union Conference Facility for August 7th, which will be right after the White House Summit. We would like to lock in speakers to ensure that we are on their itineraries prior to departure from East Africa; we are also would like to secure sponsors soon enough.  The revised program is attached for your consideration/comment. Kindly confirm your availability for a conference call next Wednesday - May 7th at 8:30pm EST. In the meantime, should you have any suggestions on sponsors, speakers or the program kindly email them.

I truly believe that this is the year of action in EADBC and look forward to working together in coming months to usher in a successful Trade and Investment Forum in August.

Have a wonderful weekend; hope to speak with you soon. 

Cheers!

Laetitia 

_ _

Laetitia Mulamula, MS. P.E.

Vice President, Eastern Africa Diaspora Business Council (EADBC)

Email:        laetitia...@gmail.com

Email:        laet...@umd.edu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EasternAfricaDiasporaBusinessCouncil
Website:   www.eadiaspora.org

Tel: (240) 429 2700
"Engaging the Diaspora for Eastern Africa Global Competitiveness"

[Laetitia Mulamula]

Apologies, Ndugu,

Kindly use the attached white paper instead. The program has also been reattached for your convenience.

Asante,

Laetitia