2026 Event Program

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, ITC Mark Up II
ISUZU, RSM Eastern Africa, AfCAC

9:00 – 9:30 AM Opening Ceremony
(Kenya & EAC Anthem)

Welcome Remarks
• Mr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director, East African Business Council (EABC).
• Dr. Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS, Chairperson, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & EABC Vice- Chair
Opening Remarks
• Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson East African Business Council (EABC)
• 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
• H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi EGH, Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs

9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
Keynote Address

• Chief Guest: H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH President of the Republic of Kenya & Chair of EAC Heads of State Summit
10:00 AM -10:40 AM –
EAC Economic Horizons: A High-Level Fire Side Chat on Regional Prosperity

• H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH President of the Republic of Kenya & Chair of EAC Heads of State Summit
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Insight on Investing & Doing Business in EAC – Mr. Ashif Kassam, OGW, Executive Chairman at RSM Eastern Africa
• (Questions from Select Business Leaders)

Moderator: Ms. Carole Kariuki – Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM • Stage Photo – EABC Board Members, Sponsors & Partners and Government Representatives
• Cutting ribbon of Exhibition/Expo
Moderated by EABC Executive Director
11:00AM-11:20 AM Health Break
11:20AM-11:50AM High-Level Goodwill Messages from Strategic Partners and Regional Leaders
• Ms. Allen S. Asiimwe, Chief of Programme and Deputy CEO, TradeMark Africa (TMA)
• Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of Regional Integration Coordination Office, African Development Bank Group
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• H.E. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya
• Mr. Ondrej Simek, EU Delegation Kenya, Deputy Head of Delegation
• Dr. Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary, State Department for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Kenya
• Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya

11:50AM-12:00PM • Certificates to Sponsors & Appreciation to EABC Founding Chairperson by EAC Deputy Secretary General and Chair of EAC Council of Ministers

12:00 PM – 1:00PM Insight Exchange: Enhancing Intermodal Transport and Infrastructure Connectivity
Panelist:
• Ms. Antoinette Tesha, Investments Director, Trade Catalyst Africa
• Mr. Clement Tulezi, CEO, Kenya Flower Council

Q&A
Moderator – Ms. Anataria Uwamariya, Director, Business Competitiveness, TradeMark Africa

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. 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)
• Mr. Kieran Godden, Group Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Kenya Holdings Plc
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

Presentation: Value Chain Diagnostic Study – ITC

Panellists: –

• Hon. Amb. Waziri Rajab Salum, Permanent, Ministry of Industry and Trade, United Republic of Tanzania
• 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. Andrew Asira, Head of Operations, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Mr. Sylvester Kazi, Export Manager, AtoZ Group Limited

Moderator: Mr. Tobias Alando, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)

Open discussion for all participants (Q&A)
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM • Group Photo
5:15 PM – 7:00 PM Networking Reception + Exhibition Ruffle
Cultural Performance

Remarks

• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Sagoh Djete – Programme Manager for Regional Cooperation, EU Delegation to Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC)
• ISUZU East Africa
• Business 2 Business Networking
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

AI Trends and Regional Collaboration.

• Mr. Shiraz Khota – Director Emerging Africa, SAP
• Johnny Ray Falla Equity Group

Moderator – Mr. Essa Mohamedali, GIZ – Regional AI Advisor for the EAC

Q&A
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. Jackline Kwagala, Aviation Expert, EAC-CASSOA
• Mr. Deo Nyanzi, Government Relations, Uganda Airlines
• Eng. Liz Aluvanze – CEO Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO)
• 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 AM Topic: Leveraging Regional and Continental Integration

Presentation: AfCFTA Investment Protocol and the WTO’s Investment Facilitation Agreement – Ms. Ravini Gunasekera, Trade & Investment Law and Policy Advisor
International Trade Centre (ITC)

Panelists: –

• Ms. Linda Kaneza, EABC Board Director & Head of Corporate Legal Affairs SAVONOR GROUP
• Mr. Charles Omusana, Principal Economist (Investment & Private Sector Promotion), East African Community (EAC)
• 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 – Enhancing Trade

Presentation:

Ms. Miriam Bomett, Head of Policy and Regulatory Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)

Panelists: –
• Mr. Erick Sirali, Digital Trade Systems Director, TradeMark Africa
• Okoya Alfred, Manager Nairobi & Western Kenya, Customs External Operations, 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
• Mr. Eugene Ngumi, Director, Public Affairs, Sustainability Coca-Cola Africa/ Mr Simon Kaheru, Head of Public Policy and Partnerships, Coca-Cola & EABC Vice Chairperson

Moderator: Mr. Adrian R Njau -Trade & Policy Advisor, 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
• Mr. Robert Masinde, CEO, Solv
• 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) & Chairperson East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP)
Moderator: Cecilia Wangui, General Manager SME Banking, Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Non-Tariff Measures (NTM) Self-Assessment Tool Launch Event & MSME Financing Gateway
Theme: From Barrier to Enabler: Turn Trade Intelligence into Business Opportunities
Presentation: NTM Self-Assessment Tool by Abdellatif Benzakri, International Trade Centre ITC

Panel Composition:
• Mr. Sagoh Djete, Programme Manager for Regional Cooperation-Infrastructure at the European Union (EU) Delegation to Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC)
• Mr. Alex Nakajjo, Advisor on AfCFTA implementation, Ministry of Trade Uganda
• Ms. Milicent Awada, Assistant Director, Regional Economic Integration, Ministry of EAC- Kenya.
• Ms. Maria Limo, Kenyan Manufacturer Association
• Ms. Gloria Gummerus, Sakami Coffee

Presentation: MSME Financing Gateway by June Mwangi, Programme Manager at KEPSA


Moderator: Mercyline Adhiambo
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”
Remarks:
• EABC
• Ministry of Trade
• EU Delegation
Panelists:
• Mr. John Kiria, Director ICT, E-commerce & Entrepreneurship division, State Department for ICT & Digital Economy, Ministry of Information, Communications & the Digital Economy – Kenya
• Mr. Sammy Mulanga – E-Commerce Expert, East African Community
• Ms. Janice Celine Nantumbwe – Centre for Law, Policy & Innovative Initiative Uganda
• Mr. Steven Lamony – Managing Director, Uganda
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 Board Director

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

2:30PM -3:15PM Fireside Chat
From Ambition to Action: Unlocking Private Capital for Green Logistics in East Africa
Panelists:
• Dr. Eng. John Deng Diar Diing, Executive Secretary, Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NTTCA)
• Ms. Antoinette Tesha, Investments Director, Trade Catalyst Africa
• Mr. Marteen Fonteijn (eBee Africa)
• Mr. Darshan Dhakan, Senior Portfolio Manager, Grassroots Business Fund
Moderator: Ms. Lilian Mwai, TradeMark Africa
3:15 PM -4:00 PM Official Closing Ceremony
Plenary
• Presentation of the Business Summit Resolutions by Mr. Ahmed Farah, 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. Dennis Karera, EABC Vice Chairperson
● EAC Secretariat

An optional visit to an industrial park will take place on 26 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 Opening Session & EAC Economic Horizons: A High-Level Fire Side Chat 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.

Chief Guest: H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH

President of the Republic of Kenya & Chair of EAC Heads of State Summit

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

Hon. John Lual Akol Akol

Chairperson, East African Business Council (EABC)

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

Mr. Benard Paul Mono

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

Panel Session High-Level Goodwill Messages from Strategic Partners and Regional Leaders

Dr. Caroline Karugu

Principal Secretary, State Department for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Kenya

H.E. Sebastian Groth

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya

Ms. Allen S. Asiimwe

Chief of Programme and Deputy CEO, TradeMark Africa (TMA)

Dr. Joy Kategekwa

Director of Regional Integration Coordination Office, African Development Bank Group

Hon. Lee Kinyanjui

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya

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 Fred Odek, Chairperson

East African Tourism Platform (EATP)

Mr. Boaz Nimpe

Executive Secretary Burundi Bankers Association (ABEF) & EABC Governing Council Member

Mr. Jean Nicaise BIGIRIMANA

Finance and Administrative Manager, Groupe EIS-EKA

Mr. Agayo Ogambi

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

Mr. Kieran Godden

Group Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Kenya Holdings Plc

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)

Ms. Rita Kavashe, MBS

Managing Director, ISUZU East Africa

Mr. Andrew Asira

Head of Operations, East African Development Bank (EADB)

Mr. Sylvester Kazi

Export Manager, AtoZ Group Limited

Mr. Tobias Alando

Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)

Insight Session Insight Exchange

Enhancing Intermodal Transport and Infrastructure Connectivity

AI Trends and Regional Collaboration.

Unlocking Private Capital for Green Logistics in East Africa

Mr. Gabriel Negatu

Board Chair, Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA)

Mr. Clement Tulezi

CEO, Kenya Flower Council

Ms. Anataria Uwamariya

Director, Business Competitiveness, TradeMark Africa

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

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EABC October 10, 2025

Promoting Private Sector-Driven Regional

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International Trade Centre collaborates

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Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe

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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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Hon. Olivier Suguru

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

Hon. Olivier Suguru

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

Hon. Olivier Suguru

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

Hon. Olivier Suguru

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

Hon. Olivier Suguru

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

Hon. Olivier Suguru

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