Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, 18th September 2026: The East Africa CEO & Investment Forum 2026 concluded with a strong call for East Africa to move from regional integration commitments to practical implementation and convert the region’s significant opportunities into investment, productive enterprises, trade and jobs.
The call was underscored by the Chief Guest H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit represented by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC Affairs of Uganda and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers.
he Chief Guest reiterated commitment to addressing practical obstacles that constrain regional trade and investment, stressing the need to ensure that businesses and citizens realise the benefits of EAC integration through predictable regulations, efficient borders and consistent implementation of regional frameworks.
“East Africa must move beyond being a consumer market and become a region that produces, processes, trades and exports competitively. We must strengthen regional value chains, add value to our natural resources, attract productive investment, transfer technology, develop skills and create sustainable employment,” she stated.
“With regional growth projected at 6.0 percent in 2026, we must ensure that growth translates into investment, exports, jobs and shared prosperity,” she added.
The Forum’s Deal Room matchmaking and networking sessions brought together businesses, investors, development finance institutions (DFIs) and strategic partners, facilitating direct business-to-business and investor engagements around 95 pre-screened investment opportunities valued at nearly US$3.95 billion across agribusiness, manufacturing, digital infrastructure, energy, logistics, tourism, health and other strategic sectors, advancing them towards partnerships, financing and potential deals.
The Forum also launched the East Africa Investment Projects Catalogue, the East Africa Trade and Investment Climate Report, the Regional AI and Productivity Study, the EAC Circular Economy Platform, and the EABC–Afreximbank Agency Agreement on the Africa Trade Gateway. It also witnessed the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)–Hessen cooperation through the EAC AI Alliance.
Mr. Jas Bedi, EABC Vice Chairperson, appreciated the EAC Heads of State and the EAC Council of Ministers for their strong commitment to partnering with the private sector as an engine of sustainable, private-sector-driven economic growth in the EAC.
Over the two-day Forum, business leaders, investors, governments, development finance institutions and strategic partners explored practical measures to accelerate intra- and extra-EAC trade and investment, with emphasis on efficient borders, streamlined procedures, competitive logistics, access to finance and effective implementation of regional commitments. Discussions highlighted opportunities to deepen regional value chains and value addition in agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, minerals and energy, while investment in technology and infrastructure, including AI, the digital economy, telecommunications and FinTech, was recognised as key to raising productivity, improving services, driving innovation and creating quality jobs.
The Reverse Investor & DFI Pitch Session explored how East African businesses can strengthen investment readiness and connect with suitable sources of capital. Discussions highlighted equity, debt, blended and development finance, with investors emphasising viable business models, strong cash flows, capable management, growth potential and ESG compliance. The panel also explored SME financing, regional expansion, value-chain development, digital transformation, AI and Digital Public Infrastructure, alongside opportunities for DFIs and development partners to de-risk investments and mobilise private capital.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Bruce Mpamizo, EABC Board Director, appreciated the Governments of the EAC Partner States and called for “Buy East African, Build East Africa” and “Buy African, Build Africa.”
He emphasised that the success of the Forum would ultimately be measured by the actions that follow the discussions.
“The success of the East Africa CEO & Investment Forum will not be measured by the conversations held here, but by what happens after we leave this room — the partnerships we sustain, the projects we finance, the deals we convert, the businesses we expand and the jobs we create,” he stated.
The East Africa CEO & Investment Forum 2026 was jointly convened by the East African Business Council (EABC), the EAC Secretariat and the East African Development Bank (EADB), with the support of GIZ, AGRA, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, CRDB Bank, Safal Group, ISUZU East Africa and other strategic partners.
The Reverse Investor & DFI Pitch Session, moderated by Ms. Eva Warigia, Founder & Managing Partner of Panterra Strategy Group, featured Angela Muga (EADB), Okke Loman (XSML Capital), Yves Battesti (Bpifrance), Asif Noorani (Phatisa), Fulton Shiundu (BluePeak Private Capital) and Jade Makory (EAC-GIZ). The session was preceded by a presentation of pre-screened investment opportunities by Ms. Jacklyne Iminza, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Igasitech.
