2026 Event Program

Day 1 - Tuesday 24th February 2026

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 – 9:50 AM Opening Ceremony (Kenya & EAC Anthem) A Word from Host: • Dr. Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary, State Department for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Kenya 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 • H.E. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya • European Union (EU) Delegation Kenya • Mr. David Beer, Chief Executive Officer, TradeMark Africa (TMA) • Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB) • Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of Regional Integration Coordination Office, African Development Bank Group • Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson East African Business Council (EABC) –Reflections of 2023 Summit • Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) • H.E. Veronica Nduva, Secretary General, East African Community (EAC) • Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of EAC Council of Ministers & Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Republic of Kenya • Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya • H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi EGH, Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Keynote Address • Chief Guest: H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH President of the Republic of Kenya & Chair of EAC Heads of State Summit 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM EAC Economic Horizons: A High-Level Panel on Regional Prosperity Thought 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 • Insight on Investing & Doing Business in EAC – 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 10:50 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 • Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) by Afreximbank Q&A Moderator – Regina Manyara 1:00PM – 2:00 PM Networking Lunch + Exhibition Visits 2:00 PM – 3:20 PM High Level CEOs Dialogue – Unlocking the Potential of Trade in Services: Panellists: • Ms. Mercy Mugure, Chairperson, Business Processes Outsourcing Association of Kenya • Mr Fred Odek, Chairperson, East African Tourism Platform (EATP) • Mr. Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Banking (Innovation), Afreximbank • Mr. Boaz Nimpe, Executive Secretary Burundi Bankers Association (ABEF) & EABC Board Director • Mr. Jean Nicaise BIGIRIMANA, Finance and Administrative Manager, Groupe EIS-EKA • Mr. Agayo Ogambi, Chief Executive Officer, Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA) Moderator: Mr. Emmanuel Butare, EABC Board Director & Partner MRB Attorneys 3:20 PM- 4:20 PM – High Level CEOs Dialogue – Driving Industrialization in East Africa: Opportunities and Solutions Panellists: – • Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya • Dr. James Mokoro, Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (KAPI) • Dr. Vimal Shah, Chairperson, Bidco Africa • Ms. Rita Kavashe, MBS, Managing Director, ISUZU East Africa • Hon. Olivier Suguru, President CFCIB & Vice Chair, EABC • Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB) • Mr. Sylvester Kazi, Export Manager, AtoZ Group Limited • Dr. Hashil Twaibu Abdallah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade, United Republic of Tanzania Moderator: Mr. Tobias Alando, Chief Executive Officer, 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

Day 2 - Wednesday 25th February 2026

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

• Mr. Essa Mohamedali, GIZ – Regional AI Advisor for the EAC
• Ms. Jade Makory, GIZ – Regional AI Advisor for the EAC

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 Ms. Adefunke ADEYEMI, Secretary General African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)/ 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
• Ms. Brenda Ntihinyurwa, Head of Legal, East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA)
• Mr. Deo Nyanzi, Manager, Government Relations, Uganda Airlines
• Eng. Liz Aluvanze – CEO Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO)
• Mr. Allan Kilavuka, CEO KQ
• 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.
• Mr. Mishael M. Wambua, Component Lead, AfCFTA Kenya Component, GIZ

Moderator: Ms. Susan Maingi, Chair Trade & Investment Sector Board of KEPSA

Break Out Sessions
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Broaden Digital Tax Stamps Beyond Revenue Collection -Fighting Illicit Trade
Keynote Presentations:
• Digital Solutions to counter illicit trade -Ms. Miriam Bomett, Head of Policy and Regulatory Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
• Harmonisation of Digital Tax Stamp in EAC: Coca-Cola Africa

Panelists: –
• Ms. Zipporah Kuria, Fiscal Affairs Manager, British American Tobacco (BAT)
• 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
• 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)
• Mr. Francis Muhire, Public Affairs Manager, BRARUDI
• Tanzania Breweries
• TCC

Moderator: Mr. Adrian R Njau -Ag Executive Director , EABC
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 Kagiso Moloi, Commercial Director, Equity Bank Kenya Limited.
Panelists
• Equity SME beneficiary
• Ms Veyrl, Inclusive Trade Director at TradeMark Africa.
• East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Ms. Mercy Mutua, Head, Access to Finance, in the Agrifoods and Entrepreneurship Development, Master Card Foundation
• Mrs. Nancy Gitonga, CEO, One Voice Women Trade Network (OVWTN)
• Mrs. Mary Ngechu, Director Plast-Packaging Industries Ltd & EABC SMEs Goodwill Ambassador
Moderator: Cecilia Wangui, General Manager SME Banking, Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Global Trade Information Hub – Launch of NTM Self-Assessment Tool

Presentation on NTM Self-Assessment Tool by Abdellatif Benzakri, International Trade Centre ITC

• Senior representative from a public agency – Trade Policy / Regulatory Authority
• TSI representative
• End user (Business / Industry Representative)
• ITC staff
• EU representative
Moderator: ITC
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:
• Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investments Promotion, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, 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
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
• Ms. Estella Aryada – Component Lead Trade in Services, GIZ – EAC
• Mr. Emmanuel Butare, Partner MRB Attorneys & EABC Governing Council Member

Moderator: Mr. Ephraim Percy Kenyanito, MRA Policy Advisor, GIZ-EAC
1:30 PM-2:30PM Networking Lunch

2:30PM -3:00PM Fireside Chat
From Ambition to Action: Unlocking Private Capital for Green Logistics in East Africa
Panelists:
• Ms. Antoinette Tesha
• Mr. Marteen Fonteijn (eBee Africa)
• Ms. Trizer Omugar, Green Trade, TradeMark Africa
• Mr. Darshan Dhakan, Senior Portfolio Manager, Grassroots Business Fund
Moderator: Ms. Lilian Mwai, TradeMark Africa
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

Day 3 - Optional Visit to Industrial Parks by KenInvest

An optional visit to an industrial park will take place on 24th -25th February 2026, 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

Panel Session EAC Economic Horizons: A High-Level Panel on Regional Prosperity

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.

H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH

Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs

Hon. Beatrice Asukul Moe

Chairperson, EAC Council of Ministers

Hon. Veronica Mueni Nduva, CBS

EAC Secretary General

Mr. Benard Paul Mono

Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB).

Dr. Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS

Chairperson, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & EABC Vice- Chair (TMA)

Mr. Ashif Kassam, OGW

Executive Chairman at RSM Eastern Africa

Panel Session High Level CEOs Dialogue - Trade in Services:

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.

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. Agayo Ogambi

Chief Executive Officer, Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA)

Mr. Emmanuel Butare

Partner MRB Attorneys & EABC Governing Council Member

Panel Session High-Level CEOs Dialogue: Driving Industrialization in East Africa

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.

Dr. Vimal Shah

Chairperson, Bidco Africa

Hon. Olivier Suguru

Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)

Mr. Benard Paul Mono

Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB).

Ms. Miriam Bomett

Head of Policy and Regulatory Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)

Insight Session Insight Exchange

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

Eng. Vincent Rudahunga

Transport Director, TradeMark Africa

Dr. Bimal Kantaria, EBS, OGW

Elgon Kenya Limited

Mr. David Roos

Head of Project, East African Digital Skills, AI Research, and Innovation Alliance GIZ

Panel Session Open Skies: Advancing Air Transport Liberalization for a Borderless Africa

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)

Mr. Getachew ALEMAYEHU

Director of Air transport, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)

Eng. Liz Aluvanze

CEO Kenya Association of Air Operators

Mr. Emmanuel BUTERA

Consumer Protection Expert, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)

Ms. Brenda Ntihinyurwa

Head of Legal, East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency

Capt. Gilbert Kibe

Ambassador of SAATM & Former Director General of KCAA

Panel Session Leveraging Regional and Continental Integration

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).

Mr. Oscar Kamukama

Senior Business Development Manager, Steel & Tube Industries Ltd & EABC Governing Council Member

Ms. Linda Kaneza

EABC Governing Council Member, SAVONOR

Mr. Benedict Musengele

Director, Trade & Customs, TradeMark Africa

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)

INFO UPDATE Latest News

https://eabc-online.com/businesssummit2026/author/admin/

EABC October 10, 2025

Promoting Private Sector-Driven Regional

Summit 2025 2025 Event Program Expo 2025 B2B Chat Room

EABC October 9, 2025

International Trade Centre collaborates

Summit 2025 2025 Event Program Expo 2025 B2B Chat Room

EABC August 14, 2025

Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe

Summit 2025 2025 Event Program Expo 2025 B2B Chat Room

East African Business Council (EABC)

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.

East African Community (EAC)

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.

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