KAMPALA, Uganda | 27 August 2026 – The East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and German Development Cooperation (GIZ), convened the EABC CEOs’ Roundtable on East African Trade and Investment in Kampala, Uganda, bringing together over 40 business leaders, policymakers, development partners and sector representatives to address barriers limiting intra- and extra-EAC trade and investment.
The Roundtable, held under the theme “Enhancing Competitiveness in the EAC to Boost Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment,” identified opportunities for Ugandan businesses in the EAC and AfCFTA markets, key challenges limiting their ability to fully realise their potential, and practical actions that, if effectively implemented, will enhance business competitiveness in EAC and African markets.
In his opening remarks, EABC Vice Chairperson, Mr. Simon Kaheru, urged the EAC Secretariat to continue monitoring the effective implementation of decisions and directives of the EAC Heads of State Summit by Partner States to boost intra-EAC trade and investment.
“The last EAC Heads of State Summit directed EAC Partner States and the Council of Ministers to resolve 27 outstanding NTBs inhibiting intra-EAC trade by the end of June 2026. However, some of these NTBs are still persisting, while new NTBs of a similar nature have been reintroduced by some EAC Partner States,” he said.
Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Trade, Customs and Monetary Affairs at the EAC Secretariat, who delivered opening remarks on behalf of the EAC Secretary General, reaffirmed the Secretariat’s support and commitment to enabling EAC businesses to realise their full potential and take advantage of opportunities presented by the EAC integration process.
“A lot of progress has been made in terms of resolving NTBs and barriers frustrating trade. Our duty is to bring together policymakers and decision-makers to discuss these issues and, where they cannot be resolved, escalate them to the Summit of the EAC Heads of State.” She urged the private sector to continue engaging and advocating for the elimination of NTBs and resolution of barriers inhibiting the growth of intra-EAC trade and investment.
Mr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of the EABC, highlighted the significant opportunity to accelerate the operationalisation of approved investment projects across the EAC region, noting that stronger support and facilitation could unlock substantial investment and employment opportunities.
“For example, data show that during 2024/25, investment projects licensed by the Uganda Investment Authority totalled 1,481, representing more than US$3 billion in planned investment and over 53,000 expected jobs. While 191 projects were fully operational, representing 12 percent of licensed projects, this demonstrates the significant pipeline of investments that can be unlocked through enhanced facilitation, coordination and investor support,” Mr. Farah said.
Mr. Farah emphasised the need for the private and public sectors to move beyond repeatedly identifying challenges and instead focus on specific, prioritised and accountable solutions.
Mr. Francis Ogwang, Uganda Country Manager for the East African Development Bank (EADB), underscored the role played by the regional bank in addressing the long-term financing gap in the region. He reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting private-sector investment and advancing EAC Partner States’ priorities aimed at enhancing the welfare of East Africans.
In preparation for the inaugural EABC East Africa CEO & Investment Forum 2026, scheduled for 17–18 September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, EABC, with support from German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and EADB, and in collaboration with its National Focal Points, is organising a series of National CEO–Trade & Investment Roundtables across all EAC Partner States. The outcomes of the national consultations will inform the Annual EAC Trade and Investment Climate Report, which will be launched on the first day of the CEO Forum.
In Uganda, the Roundtable was organised by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). The Roundtable brought together business leaders and policymakers and was graced by Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Trade, Customs and Monetary Affairs at the EAC Secretariat.
