3rd August 2026 | Arusha, Tanzania: The Executive Director of the East African Business Council (EABC), Mr. Ahmed Farah, paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), H.E. Amb. Stephen Patrick Mbundi.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between EABC and the EAC Secretariat to advance regional integration and enhance private sector participation in the EAC agenda. Mr. Farah highlighted EABC’s ongoing institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the Council as a more effective voice of the private sector, with a strong emphasis on advocacy, trade facilitation, and investment promotion.
Discussions also addressed persistent challenges affecting intra-regional trade, particularly Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and capital across Partner States.
The Secretary General underscored the importance of aligning regional integration efforts with practical business realities and encouraged closer collaboration with the private sector to address trade barriers and improve the operating environment across the region.
Mr. Farah updated the Secretary General on preparations for the East Africa CEO & Investment Forum, scheduled for 17–18 September 2026 in Nairobi, and the series of CEO Roundtables across the EAC Partner States. He highlighted their role in bringing together public and private sector leaders to advance investment, partnerships, and practical policy action.
The Secretary General reaffirmed the EAC Secretariat’s role as co-convenor of the East Africa CEO & Investment Forum and confirmed the Secretariat’s participation in the CEO Roundtables, which will enable direct engagement with the private sector on priority regional trade and investment issues.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in promoting a more integrated, competitive, and private sector-driven East African economy.
