Our Team

Director Operations & Business Management

Trade and Policy advisor on AfCFTA & Regional Integration

Trade and Policy advisor on AfCFTA & Regional Integration

John Bosco Kalisa

Director

Mr. Kalisa is an economist by profession specialized in Econometrics, Trade policy, Investment Promotion and Private Sector Development and Taxation related issues. He holds a Master’s Degree in Commerce with Economics from the University of Pretoria, South Africa and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the National University of Rwanda.

He has an in-depth understanding of the regional economic communities and has participated fully in negotiations of international, continental, and regional agreements.

Mr. John Bosco Kalisa has experience in private sector development and competitiveness having previously served as the Country Director of South Sudan for TradeMark East Africa (TMEA). He has also worked with the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF-Rwanda) and Rwanda Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

He has global connections with leading international development partners such as USAID, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) African Development Bank and the World Bank.

As the EABC CEO/ Executive Director, Mr. KALISA steers the high-level policy advocacy at the EAC Heads of State and Ministerial level to push forward the EABC’s vision and mission of a borderless East Africa for increased business and investment. 

Fridah Mutua

Director Operations & Business Management

 

Fridah is a dynamic trade economist with extensive expertise in international trade law, policy development, analysis, and implementation. With over seven years of professional experience across the East African Community (EAC), she has made significant contributions to fostering economic inclusivity and advancing regional integration. Her work spans export/import trade, MSME development, gender mainstreaming, and risk management, reflecting a multifaceted approach to economic transformation.

A passionate advocate for trade inclusivity, Fridah has worked closely with government agencies, private sector entities, and development partners to promote equitable opportunities for women and youth in the EAC. Through her efforts in research, innovation, capacity building, and awareness creation, she has empowered marginalized groups to actively participate in regional and global trade networks.

Fridah holds an Executive Master’s degree in International Trade Policy and Trade Law from Lund University, an Executive Postgraduate Diploma in International Trade Policy and Trade Law (Advanced Level), and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics. Her strong academic background underpins her ability to provide insightful analysis and practical recommendations for trade policy advancements.

Aspiring to be an influential trade expert in Kenya, Fridah is dedicated to crafting impactful policies and initiatives that address the systemic barriers faced by women and youth. Her vision is to enable women in rural areas to overcome social and cultural obstacles, thereby unlocking their potential to drive economic growth. She is deeply committed to creating sustainable, inclusive trade systems that foster leadership and development across all sectors of society.

Fridah’s professional journey embodies her dedication to economic empowerment, regional collaboration, and building a future where trade serves as a tool for equity and prosperity.

DR Dennis Ndonga

Trade and Policy advisor on AfCFTA & Regional Integration

 

Dr Ndonga is an international law expert with a special interest and extensive experience in conducting seminars and workshops on wide-ranging subjects within international trade, including the legal and economic ramifications of trade law and policies, customs procedures, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and Africa’s regional economic integration.

He is a Doctor of philosophy (PHD) and holds a master of Laws in Commercial Law (LLM), both from Monash University, Australia as well as a bachelor degree of Laws (LLB) from Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya.

Dr. Ndonga has significantly contributed to scholarly discourse through numerous journal articles and books that address crucial issues within International Trade Law and Customs.

He has provided expert counsel and fostered collaborations with various national and international institutions, such as the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Shanghai Customs College (SCC), and the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT).

Emmah Rutto

Trade and Policy advisor on AfCFTA & Regional Integration

Emmah is a seasoned agribusiness expert with a proven track record of fostering sustainable agricultural development across the East African region with an aim to maximize profitability in agriculture to the benefit of society. Her expertise spans agricultural value chain analysis, market development, and capacity building for smallholder farmers, with a special focus on enhancing food security and rural livelihoods.

With over a decade of experience, Emma has collaborated with a range of stakeholders across the East African region to promote innovative solutions for agribusiness challenges. She is deeply committed to advancing agricultural entrepreneurship and has supported numerous projects aimed at increasing productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving access to regional and international markets.

Emma’s work places a strong emphasis on empowering women and youth in agriculture, ensuring their inclusion in decision-making and value chain opportunities. Her initiatives have helped to build resilient communities by integrating modern agribusiness practices with local knowledge and resources.

Academically, Emma holds a Master’s degree in Plant breeding and Biotechnology, Bachelor’s degree in Botany and a diploma in Human Resource Management. Her technical expertise is complemented by a deep understanding of policy frameworks that support agribusiness growth and rural development.

Emma’s vision is to transform the agricultural sector into a thriving and inclusive engine for economic growth in Africa. She is dedicated to unlocking the potential of agribusiness as a catalyst for creating employment, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable food systems. Through her work, Emma continues to inspire and support communities to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape.