Last week, Rwanda hosted business leaders from across the East African Community to deliberate about the challenges they face, and to forge the way forward.The EAC business council members expressed misgivings about being sidelined by regional governments, especially when they are drafting laws and policies that concern the business community within the bloc.They said sometimes, they miss out on business opportunities, arguing that there are no clear channels of information between the business community, the EAC Secretariat and EAC ministries in their respective countries.These issues might seem minor but are indicative of the lapses that could hurt the EAC integration process if they are not addressed urgently, and an inclusive approach adapted.In fact, lack of such consultation could in the long run affect the general attitude of the people within the regional bloc towards the integration process.If EAC governments, the Secretariat and the bloc’s legislative assembly do not consult business leaders when drafting business-related policies, who are they working with to make private sector-friendly and supportive legal framework?The approach should be: if it is for them, involve them. That’s simple and, in the end, everyone is a winner. You also avoid future negative responses that arise if people are not part of the process of designing laws that affect them.However, the regional business community cannot also just sit back, simply because they were not consulted on some laws as this means losing more opportunities; they should be pro-active, and ask the hard questions at all appropriate forums to make their voice heard.This way, the EAC Secretariat and governments will have no option, but to get you involved.Being passive and only come out to complain might not be the best solution.
