Draft Engagement Framework and Action Road-Map Nairobi, Kenya  5 November, 2015

Contents 1.Introduction 2.EAC CDF: Gaps & Limitation 3.External Framework Examples 4.Drafting a Framework for CSO Engagement 5.Other REC Frameworks 6.Considerations for Action Road Map

Introduction There has been limited CSO engagement with the regional integration agenda There is low awareness of the both micro- and macro-economic benefits of regional integration Need a mechanism for effective CSO engagement at ESA region level with the TFTA What are challenges for Kenyan CSOs to engage at national and regional level in EAC? How these structures can be used and improved for engagement in ESA region?

EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework: Gaps & Limitations Lack of inclusion of marginalized trade-oriented groups at national and regional levels of engagement: micro, small, and medium size enterprises (MSME), women-owned businesses, small farmers and manufacturers, and informal cross-border traders. These groups need representation in decision-making. Low awareness among many CSOs of the CDF process and how to enter the process. Rural groups are less aware. Focus is on urban CSOs. Status of CSOs in the framework does not facilitate engagement. Observer status limiting to CSO listening and not engaging in discussions.

EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework: Gaps & Limitations Funding limitations: CSOs lack funding opportunities to participate and engage at national and regional level meetings. Dependent on donors. Lack in monitoring, reporting and follow-up on implementation of decisions. Inclusion of EAC Secretariat bodies in discussion: the East Africa Legislative Assembly is not part of the framework process. Need more regular and issue-specific consultations at national and regional level.

External Framework Examples European Economic and Social Committee (EESC): formal membership-based organisation in the European Union that acts as an advisory body for EU policy and legislation proposals. EESC receives policy from EU institutions and gives its public opinion. Representation: Employers, Workers, and Other Interest Groups. South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE), a network of social activists and media persons in the South Asia region. CSOs pull together resources and expertise for common goals. Cotonou Agreement gives detailed legislation for capacity building and support programmes to CSOs in ACP countries. Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)-Civil Society project provided a platform for CSOs to voice their concerns at national consultation meetings on how to improve CARICOM CSO engagement.

Drafting a Framework for Effective CSO Engagement Challenges with EACProposed way forward Lack of inclusion of marginalized groups Existing EAC bodies, such as EABC and EACSOF, could expand their mandate to include marginalized group representatives. Trade-oriented groups (MSMEs, informal cross-border traders, small farmers, women- owned business) would fit in the EABC and other CSOs (consumer welfare, human rights, labour) would fit in the EACSOF. Create thematic networks or associations of CSOs and trade-oriented groups that will represent the group’s interest at national and regional meetings. The networks can pull their resources and expertise together to give input into TFTA decisions. Low awareness Include media in framework process to help spread awareness. Create specific country or focused-area awareness campaigns. Target rural areas and marginalized groups. Supporting marginalized groups start networks and associations to participate in the CDF.

Drafting a Framework for Effective CSO Engagement Challenges with EACProposed way forward CSO status and ownership More formalised meetings at national and regional level Adopt a similar formalised structure to the European Economic and Social Committee that requires EAC bodies (EABC/EACSOF) to provide member input to the EAC Secretariat on regional integration policy and legislation. This structure can also help expand the representation to marginalized trade-oriented actors, worker groups, and other interested groups. The structure of the EESC could also be adopted by regional PSO and CSO bodies within the EAC to discuss TFTA related issues

Drafting a Framework for Effective CSO Engagement Challenges with EACProposed way forward Funding limitations Capacity building Member States could be requested to provide greater resources to assist CSOs participate in engagement meetings and fora. These resources can also provide capacity building opportunities that will strengthen CSOs to submit clear and well articulate input for regional integration. Engagement frameworks should include clear text to provide CSOs with capacity building support. Lack of monitoring and follow-up EAC Secretariat organise more regular national and regional level consultation meetings with CSO representatives to provide the opportunity to review the status of the engagement framework and propose any necessary reforms to the process. Specific EAC Secretariat body can be responsible for monitoring and implementation tasks, including organising these CSO meetings.

Drafting a Framework for Effective CSO Engagement Challenges with EACProposed way forward Including EAC Secretariat bodies Include interested bodies such as the East Africa Legislative Assembly to provide their input in the framework process More regular and issue- specific consultation meetings Networks and associations of trade-oriented groups and other CSOs can create sub-working groups and meetings at national and regional level to discuss unified input for higher level for a in EAC and TFTA. Decisions made at sub-working groups and issue specific national and regional meetings should be included in EAC Secretary General Forum

SADC & COMESA Frameworks COMESA has no formal framework for CSO engagement (Article 18 of the Treaty) Issue-specific engagements: COMESA Civil Society and Private sector engagement for the Peace and Security Programme SADC Council of NGOs (SADC-CNGO): consultative meetings between CSOs and SADC Secretariat and Member States at national level SADC Civil Society Forum: enables CSO input to resolutions during Heads of States Summit SADC National Committees: key stakeholders provide input at national level and initiate projects and papers for input into regional development plan

Action Road Map Questions for discussion: 1.How to include marginalised groups into the engagement framework? 2.How to spread awareness of the CSO engagement process? 3.How to include the media? 4.What kind of institutional status will help CSOs be more engaged in regional integration issues? 5.How can CSOs find or receive resources to participate in the engagement framework? How to build their capacity for engagement? 6.What steps are realistic to improve CSO engagement at the national and regional level? 7.How can improvements be implemented at the Kenyan level? ESA level?

GROUP WORK

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