Nairobi, Kenya | Tuesday, 24th February 2026 – Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers and Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Republic of Kenya, officiated the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026) taking place on 24th–25th February 2026 in Nairobi.
In her remarks, the Chief Guest, Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, said: “Over the past two decades, the EAC has made great strides in harmonizing policies and regulations, and we have seen a commendable increase in intra-EAC trade. This summit provides an important platform for public and private sector collaboration. Reforms must translate into tangible results to build a prosperous, resilient, and integrated East African region.”
Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson of the East African Business Council (EABC), stated: “East Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation. While intra-EAC trade has recorded encouraging growth, it remains below fifteen percent of our total trade—far from our shared target of forty percent by 2030. This Summit therefore calls us to move decisively from reform to results. The private sector urges Partner States to fully implement the Single Customs Territory, harmonize domestic taxes, eliminate non-tariff barriers, and uphold commitments under the Customs Union and Common Market Protocols.”
Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe, Deputy Secretary General, Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, EAC, stated: “The main challenge for intra-EAC trade is not policy, but implementation. The EAC Secretariat is committed to working with the private sector to remove barriers, enhance competitiveness, and build regional value chains. Technology will be a key catalyst to facilitate trade, improve market access, and accelerate regional integration.”
Mr. Alexander Fierley, Deputy German Ambassador to Kenya, said: “In a time of increasing global fragmentation, regional trade agreements create stability. A strong, integrated, rules-based East African market is in our shared interest. The EAC Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union is more than a trade arrangement—it is a regional anchor that will strengthen East Africa as a single investment destination, provide long-term legal certainty, and ensure predictable market access to the EU. Germany remains your committed partner on this journey.”
Mr. Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, stated:
“ Over the past years, the European Union has worked closely with the East African Community (EAC) to promote regional integration and boost intra-African trade. The EU places great importance on easing the movement of professionals as a key driver of economic integration. Digital trade has become a powerful tool for competitiveness, innovation, and inclusion. It lowers barriers to market entry, expands opportunities for entrepreneurs, and connects firms to regional and global markets.”
Over 300 participants—including Ministers, business leaders, investors, development partners, and SMEs from across the region and beyond—discussed under the theme: “Promoting Private Sector-Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment” and the motto: “EAC Rising: From Reform to Results in a Thriving Pan-African Market.” Key discussions included enhancing intermodal transport and infrastructure connectivity, unlocking trade in services, and driving industrialization in East Africa.
Mr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of EABC, emphasized: “At a time of global uncertainty and rising protectionism, regional integration remains East Africa’s most practical path to resilience, competitiveness, and shared prosperity. ‘EAC Rising’ must now mean moving decisively from reform to measurable results. EABC, as the voice of the private sector, stands ready to partner with governments to turn agreements into competitiveness, and potential into jobs. We are rebuilding as a more member-driven, data-led, and results-focused institution to support this transformation.”
Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Acting Director General of the East African Development Bank (EADB), highlighted: “As EADB we play a critical role in shaping East Africa’s financial landscape & unlocking its full economic potential. In the past year alone, EADB has disbursed over USD 90 million to projects across different sectors in the region creating more than 12,000 jobs.”
As we look ahead, EADB commits to advancing the region’s shared development agenda. We shall continue to be a dependable partner fostering cross-border investment.”Dr. Manu Chandaria, EABC Founding Chairperson, was recognized for his contribution to private sector development in East Africa, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in business.
Ms. Allen S. A
siimwe, Chief of Programme and Deputy CEO of TradeMark Africa (TMA), noted: “East Africa has the market size, reform momentum, and entrepreneurial depth to compete globally. What will determine our trajectory is consistency—in implementing commitments, reducing trade friction, and aligning public policy with private enterprise. TradeMark Africa’s NTB Economic Impact Index shows that 2–3% of the region’s GDP is held back by non-tariff barriers.”
Sharing insights on trade and investment, Mr. Ashif Kassam, OGW, Executive Chairman of RSM Eastern Africa, said: “The East African Community represents a $410 billion economy, home to over 350 million people—60% under the age of 25—with 65% of Africa’s arable land, 30% of its minerals, and 10% of renewable water resources. Strengthening infrastructure, harmonizing tax and regulatory frameworks, reducing trade costs, and promoting public-private dialogue will position EAC as a competitive hub for trade, manufacturing, and investment.”
In his remarks Dr. Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS, Chairperson of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and EABC Vice-Chair, noted: “The private sector continues to face non-tariff barriers, regulatory inconsistencies, and unpredictable tax regimes. Addressing these challenges is not optional—it is essential for lowering the cost of doing business and strengthening investor confidence across East Africa. Investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, digital connectivity, and paperless customs systems will accelerate cross-border commerce and position East Africa as a globally competitive trade and investment hub.”
The Summit was organized by the East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with KEPSA and the EAC Secretariat, with support from the German Development Cooperation, TradeMark Africa, the European Union, the International Trade Centre, and the African Development Bank, and valued sponsorship from the East African Development Bank, Isuzu East Africa, RSM Eastern Africa and African Civil Aviation Commission.
Over 300 participants—including Ministers, business leaders, investors, development partners, and SMEs from across the region and beyond—discussed under the theme: “Promoting Private Sector-Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment” and the motto: “EAC Rising: From Reform to Results in a Thriving Pan-African Market.” Key discussions included enhancing intermodal transport and infrastructure connectivity, unlocking trade in services, and driving industrialization in East Africa.
Over 100 Exhibitors including East African textile, leather, and edible oil value chains showcased their products and will engage in B2B matchmaking sessions with counterparts from across the continent and beyond.
The Summit aims to position the EAC as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub while leveraging the digital economy as a driver of sustainable growth and inclusion. A communiqué outlining recommendations and resolutions from the Summit discussions will be presented by EABC to the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration in policy decision-making.
