Summit 2025 2025 Event Program Expo 2025 B2B Chat Room
TIME ACTIVITY
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Accreditation & Registration + Cultural Performance
Moderator – Regina Manyara
Short video from Partners & Sponsors – GIZ, EADB, TradeMark Africa, AfDB, ISUZU, RSM, GIZ-DEEP, ITC Mark Up II, KEPSA, AFCAC
9:00 – 9:30 AM Opening Ceremony
(Kenya & EAC Anthem)
Welcome Remarks
• Mr. Adrian R. Njau, Ag. Executive Director-East African Business Council (EABC).
• Dr. Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS, Chairperson, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & EABC Vice- Chair
Remarks
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Ambassador of Germany
• Mr. David Beer, Chief Executive Officer, TradeMark Africa (TMA)
• Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of Regional Integration Coordination Office, African Development Bank Group
• Dr. Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary, State Department for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Kenya
• H.E. Veronica Nduva, Secretary General, East African Community (EAC)
9:30 AM – 9:40 AM Investing & Doing Business in EAC by Mr. Ashif Kassam, OGW, Executive Chairman at RSM Eastern Africa
9:40 AM – 10:20 AM
EAC Economic Horizons: A High-Level Panel on Regional Prosperity
Though Leadership Contributions
• H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi EGH, Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
• Chair of EAC Council of Ministers- Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Republic of Kenya
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• H.E. Veronica Nduva, Secretary General, East African Community
• Mr. Ashif Kassam, OGW, Executive Chairman at RSM Eastern Africa
Moderator: Dr. Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS, Chairperson, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & EABC Vice- Chair
10:20 AM – 10:50 AM Official Opening
• Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson East African Business Council (EABC) –Reflections of 2023 Summit
• Chair of EAC Council of Ministers- Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Republic of Kenya
Keynote Address
• Chief Guest: HE Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH President of the Republic of Kenya
10:50 AM – 11:20 AM Plenary
• Questions by select business persons from EAC region. Moderated by: Ms. Carole Kariuki – CEO KEPSA
• Certificates to Sponsors & EABC Founding Chairperson Moderated by Ag. EABC Executive Director
11:20 AM – 12:00 PM • Group Photo
• Cutting ribbon of Exhibition/Expo
Health Break
• Networking Tea
• Media Interview
12:00 PM – 1:00PM Insight Exchange
• Enhancing Intermodal Transport and Infrastructure Connectivity – by Eng. Vincent Rudahunga Transport Director, TradeMark Africa
• Strengthening EAC-EU Trade Ties: Unlocking Export Potential to the EU Market – Dr. Bimal Kantaria, EBS, OGW, Elgon Kenya Limited
• Q&A
Moderator – Regina Manyara
1:00PM – 2:00 PM Networking Lunch with Afrika-Verein Delegation + Exhibition Visits
2:00 PM – 3:20 PM High Level CEOs Dialogue – Unlocking the Potential of Trade in Services:
Panellists:
• Hon. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, Republic of Rwanda (TBC)
• Mr. Kagiso Moloi, Commercial Director, Equity Bank Kenya Limited (TBC)
• Ms. Mercy Mugure, Chairperson, Business Processes Outsourcing Association of Kenya
• Mr. Frank Mugisha, Chief Executive Officer, East African Tourism Platform (EATP)
• Ms. Esther Lugoe Mengi, Chief Executive Officer, Serensic Africa
• Mr. Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Banking (Innovation), Afreximbank
• Mr. Boaz Nimpe, Executive Secretary Burundi Bankers Association (ABEF) & EABC Governing Council Member
• Mr. Agayo Ogambi, Chief Executive Officer, Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA)
Moderator: Mr. Emmanuel Butare, Partner MRB Attorneys & EABC Governing Council Member
3:20 PM- 4:20 PM – High Level CEOs Dialogue – Driving Industrialization in East Africa: Opportunities and Solutions
Panellists: –
1. Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry
2. Chairperson, Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical industries
3. Dr. Vimal Shah, Chairperson, Bidco Africa
4. Isuzu East Africa
5. Mr. Kalpesh Shah/Sylvester Kazi, CEO, A To Z Textiles Mills Ltd
6. Spinners & Spinners (TBC)
7. Hon. Olivier Suguru, President CFCIB & Vice Chair, EABC
8. Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
Moderator: Ms. Miriam Bomett, Head of Policy and Regulatory Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
Open discussion for all participants (Q&A)
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Business 2 Business Networking Reception + Exhibition Ruffle
Cultural Performance
Remarks
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• GIZ EU LIFTED Project
• ISUZU East Africa
• EABL/KWAL
Moderator – Regina Manyara
TIME ACTIVITY
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Accreditation & Registration + Cultural Performance
Moderator – Regina Manyara
Short video from partners & sponsors
8:30 AM-9:00AM • Recap
9:00 – 9:30 AM Insight Exchange
• Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence –by Mr. David Roos, Head of Project, East African Digital Skills, AI Research, and Innovation Alliance GIZ
Q&A
Moderator – Regina Manyara
9:30 AM- 10:40AM Topic: Open Skies: Advancing Air Transport Liberalization for a Borderless Africa
Keynote Presentation: Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) by Mr. Getachew ALEMAYEHU, Director of Air transport, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)
Panelists
• Dr. A. Korir Sing’Oei Ph.D., EBS Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs
• Eng. Robert Achieng, Director of Infrastructure, EAC Secretariat
• Ms. Brenda Ntihinyurwa, Head of Legal, East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA)
• Eng. Liz Aluvanze – CEO Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO)
• Mr. Allan Kilavuka, CEO KQ
• Ms. Jenifer Bamaturaki, CEO Uganda Airlines
• Mr. Emmanuel BUTERA, Consumer Protection Expert, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)
Moderator: Capt. Gilbert Kibe, Ambassador of SAATM & Former Director General of KCAA
10:40 AM -11:00 AM Tea Break
11:00 AM – 11:50 PM Topic: Leveraging Regional and Continental Integration
Keynote Presentation: AfCFTA Investment Protocol and the WTO’s Investment Facilitation Agreement – Giles Chappell, International Trade Centre (ITC)
Panelists: –
• Mr. Oscar Kamukama, Senior Business Development Manager, Steel & Tube Industries Ltd & EABC Governing Council Member
• Ms. Linda Kaneza, EABC Governing Council Member, SAVONOR
• Ms. Flavia Businge, EAC Director of Customs and Acting Director of Trade
• Hon. Abisai, Nancy K. L, Former Member of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
• Mr. Benedict Musengele, Director, Trade & Customs, TradeMark Africa.
Moderator: Mr. Mishael M. Wambua, Component Lead, AfCFTA Kenya Component, GIZ
Break Out Sessions
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Anti-Illicit Trade: Boosting Revenue & Trade Integrity
Keynote Presentation: Digital Solutions to counter illicit trade – Ms. Zipporah Kuria, Fiscal Affairs Manager, British American Tobacco (BAT)
Panelists: –
• Ms. Zipporah Kuria, Fiscal Affairs Manager
• British American Tobacco (BAT)
• Ms. Neema Temba, Legal & Corporate Affairs Director, Tanzania Breweries
• Mr. Erick Sirali, Digital Trade Systems Director, TradeMark Africa
• Dr. Juma Mukhwana, CBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry
• Ms. Stellah Onyancha, Acting Registrar, East African Community Competition Authority.
• Mr. Okoyo Alfred Customs Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
• Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge – Executive Director / CEO, Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Kenya
• Mr. Humphrey Wattanga Commissioner General, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Moderator: Ms. Miriam Bomett, Head of Policy and Regulatory Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Unlocking SME Growth: Access to Finance and Mentorship for Africa’s Emerging Enterprises
Presentation of Access to Finance for SMEs by Cecilia Wangui, General Manager SME Banking, Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd
Panelists
• Equity SME beneficiary
• Ms. Anataria Uwamariya, Director, Business Competitiveness, TradeMark Africa
• East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Ms. Mercy Mutua, Head, Access to Finance, in the Agrifoods and Entrepreneurship Development, Master Card Foundation
Contributors
• Mrs. Nancy Gitonga, CEO, One Voice Women Trade Network (OVWTN)
• Mrs. Mary Ngechu, EABC SMEs Goodwill Ambassador
Moderator: Joseph Kimotho, Equity Foundation
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Fast-Tracking Industrialisation and Financing in the EAC Footwear and Leather Sector
• Remarks: Deputy Secretary General (Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs), EAC
• Panelists
o Mr. Brent Malahay, Chief Strategy Officer, Equity Group Holdings PLC
o Mrs. Beatrice Mwasi, Chairperson, Leather Apex Society of Kenya
o Mr. Sam Muhinda, Sector Lead Analyst, Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
o Mr. John Mwendwa, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest)
o Mr. Ahmad Raza, Chief Operating Officer, ACE Leather
Panel Moderator: Mrs. Angela Becaty, Regional Coordinator, ITC EU–EAC MARKUP II Supported by: EU–EAC MARKUP II
Group Discussion and brief plenary session – Moderator – Dr. Abdel Rahim Ahmed, Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI)
Closing Remarks and next steps – EAC Secretariat
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Breakout Session: Strengthening Digital Trade / E-Commerce in the EAC
Theme: “Unlocking the Potential of Digital Trade in the EAC: Opportunities for Private Sector Growth”
Panelists:
• Representative, Ministry of Trade, Kenya
• Mr. Sammy Mulanga – E-Commerce Expert, East African Community
• Mr. Kenneth Muhangi – Alliance for Digital, E-mobility & Couriers Uganda
• Mr. Vinod Goel – CEO, Jumia East Africa
• Paul Makolosi – Managing Director, DHL Kenya
Moderator:
• Ms. Dorice Mwalle – MAMA MIA Soko Tanzania
Keynote Presentation:
“Building a Resilient E-Commerce Ecosystem in East Africa” – Martin Muli
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Breakout Session: Mutual Recognition Agreements for Engineers
Panelists:
• Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba- Chair Uganda Tech and Management University
• Dr. Richard Ssekibuule- Kola Technologies Uganda
• Dr. Dorcas Omukhulu- Ag. Director Social Sectors, EAC
• [To be confirmed] – Representative from EABC (Policy Recommendations)
Moderator: Ephraim Kenyanito, MRA Policy Advisor, GIZ-EAC
Participants expected will also include:
1. Representatives of Chair of Engineering Professional Associations in all 8 EAC countries
2. Representatives of Engineers Registrars in all 8 EAC countries
3. Ministries of MEACA, Labour, Immigration and Trade from Kenya.
1:30 PM-2:30PM Networking Lunch
2:30PM -3:00PM Fire Side Chat
• Climate Finance – Driving Sustainability & Green Trade: Embracing the Circular Economy for a Resilient Future –by Ms. Trizer Omugar, Green Trade, TradeMark Africa
• Climate Finance – Sustainable Inclusive Business –Mr. Darshan Dhakan, Senior Portfolio Manager, Grassroots Business Fund
Moderator – Regina Manyara
3:00 PM -4:00 PM Official Closing Ceremony
Plenary
• Presentation of the Business Summit Resolutions by Mr. Adrian Raphael Njau, Ag. Executive Director, EABC
• Reflections by Permanent Secretaries
• Handover of Communiqué of Business Summit Resolutions to the Chairperson of EAC Council of Ministers
Moderator – Regina Manyara
4:00 PM -4:20 PM Vote of Thanks:
● Mr. Muhoho Kenyatta, EABC Governing Council Member
● EAC Secretariat
An optional visit to an industrial park will take place on 18th October 2025, in partnership with KenInvest. Participants interested in joining the industrial visit are kindly requested to contact Email: mbithey@eabc-online.com and communications@eabc-online.com
END
The session will bring together distinguished regional and national leaders to explore strategies for unlocking East Africa’s economic potential. The discussion will focus on fostering deeper regional integration, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting sustainable prosperity across the EAC. With insights from both public and private sector leaders, the dialogue will highlight opportunities to strengthen collaboration, drive investment, and accelerate inclusive growth within the region.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
Chairperson, EAC Council of Ministers
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of East African Community & Regional Affairs Republic of Kenya
EAC Secretary General
Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB).
Chairperson, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & EABC Vice- Chair (TMA)
Executive Chairman at RSM Eastern Africa
This high-level dialogue, organized by the East African Business Council (EABC) under the LIFTED Project — co-financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), and implemented by GIZ — brings together senior policymakers and business leaders to explore opportunities, challenges, and innovative solutions for accelerating trade in services across the East African Community (EAC).
The session, themed “Unlocking the Potential of Trade in Services: Addressing Restrictions and Advancing Liberalisation in the East African Community,” will focus on key sectors including transport and logistics, shipping, finance, ICT, tourism, business process outsourcing, and professional services — all vital engines for regional economic growth, job creation, and integration. It will examine practical pathways to remove barriers, harmonize regulations, and advance the liberalisation of trade in services, fostering a more dynamic, competitive, and integrated regional economy.
Chairperson, Business Processes Outsourcing Association of Kenya
Chief Executive Officer, East African Tourism Platform (EATP)
Chief Executive Officer, Serensic Africa
Chief Executive Officer, Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA)
Partner MRB Attorneys & EABC Governing Council Member
This High-Level CEOs Dialogue on Driving Industrialization in East Africa: Opportunities and Solutions will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and development financiers to explore practical strategies for accelerating industrial growth and competitiveness in the region. The session will focus on addressing key constraints such as high production costs, limited access to finance, and fragmented policies while identifying opportunities in priority sectors like agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive, and green energy. Through public–private dialogue, the discussion aims to unlock innovative solutions that position East Africa as a leading manufacturing hub under the EAC Industrialization Policy and the AfCFTA framework.
Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)
Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB).
Head of Policy and Regulatory Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
Enhancing Intermodal Transport and Infrastructure Connectivity
Strengthening EAC-EU Trade Ties: Unlocking Export Potential to the EU Market
Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
Climate Finance - Driving Sustainability & Green Trade
Transport Director, TradeMark Africa
Head of Project, East African Digital Skills, AI Research, and Innovation Alliance GIZ
The session “Open Skies: Advancing Air Transport Liberalization for a Borderless Africa” will delve into the progress, opportunities, and challenges surrounding the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—a flagship initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063. SAATM aims to liberalize Africa’s air transport market by removing restrictions on traffic rights, harmonizing regulations, and creating a single unified airspace across the continent. For Africa—and particularly for the East African Community (EAC)—this initiative promises lower airfares, increased intra-African trade and tourism, enhanced airline competitiveness, and expanded investment and employment opportunities in aviation and related industries. The session will explore practical pathways for overcoming barriers such as protectionist policies, uneven state participation, infrastructure gaps, and limited airline capacity, positioning the EAC as a driving force in Africa’s aviation liberalization. Organized by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)
Director of Air transport, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)
CEO Kenya Association of Air Operators
Consumer Protection Expert, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)
Head of Legal, East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency
Ambassador of SAATM & Former Director General of KCAA
This session explores how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) can work together to attract sustainable investment, enhance transparency, and strengthen value chains across Africa.
Discussions will focus on aligning regional and continental integration efforts to create a more predictable and competitive business environment that supports private sector–led growth and industrialization in the East African Community (EAC).
Senior Business Development Manager, Steel & Tube Industries Ltd & EABC Governing Council Member
EABC Governing Council Member, SAVONOR
Director, Trade & Customs, TradeMark Africa
EAC Director of Customs and Acting Director of Trade
Former Member of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
The East African Business Council (EABC) is the apex advocacy body of the Private Sector and Corporates from the 8 East African Countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the Private Sector in the integration process of the East African Community. EABC envisions a ‘A borderless East Africa for business and investment that delivers social and economic prosperity.’ with a mission of advocating for a conducive business environment and promoting sustainable, private sector–driven growth in the EAC region.
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight (8) Partner States, comprising the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The Federal Republic of Somalia was admitted into the EAC bloc by the Summit of EAC Heads of State on 24th November, 2023 and became a full member on 4th March, 2024.
Nairobi
Kenya
Name: Patrick Moshi
Phone: +255 758489761
Email: info@eabc-online.com
Name: Adrian Njau
Phone: +255 754 287 782
Email: director@eabc-online.com
Nairobi
Kenya
Name: Patrick Moshi
Phone: +255 758489761
Email: info@eabc-online.com
Name: Adrian Njau
Phone: +255 754 287 782
Email: director@eabc-online.com
Nairobi
Kenya
Name: Patrick Moshi
Phone: +255 758489761
Email: info@eabc-online.com
Name: Adrian Njau
Phone: +255 754 287 782
Email: director@eabc-online.com
Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)
Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)
Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)
Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)
Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)
Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)