Who We Are

The East African Business Council (EABC) proudly celebrated its 27th anniversary in 2024 as the apex multi-sectoral regional business membership organization for the East African Community (EAC). EABC holds the unique distinction of being the only business membership organization officially granted ‘Observer Status’ in EAC policy formulation & decision-making processes. It’s also recognized as a champion of regional private sector interests within the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework (Public-Private Dialogue). Additionally, we co-chair the EAC-EABC Technical Working Group (TWG), which champions regional policy priorities impacting the private sector in the EAC.

Our Mandate

The East African Business Council has Observer Status at the East African Community level this offers an authentic avenue to present and articulate the private sector agenda and Concerns to the EAC Council of Minister and the Summit of the Heads of State in a bid to inform policy decisions to facilitate trade and investments. The EABC is also accredited as the champion and Voice of the Private Sector in the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework approved by the EAC Council of Ministers in 2012 and organizes CEOs Forum with the EAC Secretary-General for the speedy resolution of trade to barriers

Our Mission

Promote sustainable private sector- driven growth in EAC.

Our Vision

A borderless East Africa for business and investment that delivers social and economic prosperity.

Our positioning

Growing East Africa Together.

Our Promise

As the voice of the private sector in the East African Community, we create and deliver value to our members through inclusive public-private dialogues, evidence-based advocacy, business insights, and strategic connections—enhancing regional, continental, and global competitiveness in trade and investment.

Our Values

  • Transparency 

  • Integrity 

  • Good governance

  • Respect for the rule of law

  • Equal opportunities 

  • Diverse workforce

  • Financial probity 

Our Strategic Edge

  • Expertise in EAC cross border trade & investment matters

  • EABC is a regional multi-sectoral private sector association with Observer Status in EAC Policy Formulation & Negotiations from Technical, Ministerial to Presidential Summit levels 

  • Over 100K business networks in East Africa 

Our Strategic Pillars

Business Environment

Engage all levels of government to support and enable future growth of an inclusive private sector by advocating for policy and legislation, fostering public-private partnerships 

Engage key stakeholders including government, business, academia and civil society in developing a holistic approach to growth synergy model for sustainable private sector development. 

Create value for each member and build broader and deeper understanding of members’ objectives to better serve their needs  

Build support from the community on the social and economic role played by the EAC private sector and improve visibility of EABC’s advocacy drives 

Strengthening the roles and responsibilities of the EABC organs and institutions in the realization of the Council’s mandate  

  • Trade in Services 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Agriculture 
  • Infrastructure & Energy   
  • Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Youth  
  • Women in Businesses Platform  
Download the EABC Commemorative Journal

What We Do

Join EABC Membership and enjoy the following benefits

Advocacy

  • Research for evidence-based advocacy on policy development and implementation 
  • High-level public-private dialogues with Ministers and Heads of State 
  • Inclusion of Private Sector positions in the EAC Policy formulations 
  • Joint Formulation of Annual EABC Policy Advocacy Agenda 
  • Direct Support & Intervention by EABC Officers on trade concerns i.e. NTBs, trade & business restrictions inconsistent with EAC commitments/agreement  

Capacity Building

  • Capacity building for EABC members on trade opportunities in EAC, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreements and other global developments  

Business & Market Information

  • Advisory services, analysis and market intelligence on regulatory developments in the EAC  
  • Newsletter on trade & investment updates in EAC and beyond 

Business 2 Business Networking

  • Business to Business linkages and networking  
  • Trade missions and exhibitions 
  • Study tours & Industrial visits 
  • East Africa Business Directory 
  • Discounted rate for EABC flagship events and publications