Dear Colleague,

East Africa continues to be a gem for serious investors and entrepreneurs. The relationship between the USA and East Africa is robust as there is a continuous development of mutually beneficially partnership. In July 2007, Burundi and Rwanda joined the East Africa Community boosting the organization’s membership to five countries. The opportunities created by this integration remain immense with an immediate hindrance-free access to a market of 140 million, and a beachhead to a market of more than 460 million. The East Africa America Business Council (EAABC) is proud to be at the confluence of this emerging market and the American interest.

Looking at just a few of the highlights, we do realize the year 2007 was yet another milestone for the EAABC.

• Partnered with East African Cooperation Forum to conduct a consultative process regarding the East Africa Political Federation. Through this effort, we distributed information to over 7,000 East Africans and over 600 participated in town hall or completed the online survey.
• Completed a US market penetration study for Kenya exporters. This study identified major opportunities for the Kenya exporters.
• The Wow! familiarization EAABC coordinated tour of Tanzania and Uganda by the American Travel Bureau (ATB); travel agents highlighted the fact that East Africa remains a tourist gem.

We would also want to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chairman, Patrick Ayota who has championed and guided EAABC since its inception in 1999. Please join men in acknowledging Patrick for his landmark efforts in enhancing EAABC‘s mission. Patrick continues to serve on the Board of Directors and recently relocated to Kampala, Uganda to takeover as the Chief Financial Officer, Barclays, Uganda.

Additionally we want to thank Denise Mideyette, who has been our Executive Director for the last two years. Through her leadership, we completed various initiatives mandated by the board.
We are excited about 2008 and beyond. To the EAABC, the future is full of opportunities. We are implementing a 5-year strategic plan that will see EAABC become the premier organization in opportunity discovery, value service, and resource management.

In 2008, we will again host events that will offer an opportunity for high-level East Africa business executives to interact with their American counterparts. We have developed a number of collaborative initiatives that will help support the humanitarian efforts of our partners. We have put in place a slate of benefits that will showcase our appreciation to many of our volunteers and partners.

A number of our partners have expressed a desire to be part of our future. The EAABC is a dynamic organization. We continually seek new ideas, energies, and resources to remain vibrant and effective. We are inviting you to join the board of directors, become part of the volunteer force, or become the foundation for resource support. Just sign in at the website.

I want to extend my appreciation to all the volunteers, sponsors and board of directors. We could not have done it without you.

I wish you all a prosperous year.
Romeo Rwambaisire,
Chairman.