More than 500 East African CEOs, global business leaders and a delegation of more than 50 European investors are expected in Nairobi next week for the inaugural East Africa CEO and Investment Forum, as the region seeks to strengthen its trade competitiveness and attract new investments.
The two-day forum, scheduled for September 17 and 18, will be co-hosted by the East African Development Bank (EADB) and the East African Business Council (EABC).
The organisers say the forum will provide a platform for regional and international chief executives, investors, development finance institutions, investment promotion agencies, policymakers and development partners to discuss opportunities for expanding trade and investment across East Africa.
EABC Executive Director Ahmed Farah said the forum would place the private sector at the centre of the region’s economic growth agenda.
“East Africa is Africa’s fastest-growing economic bloc, expanding at 5.6 percent annually, and remains one of the continent’s most attractive investment destinations,” Farah said.
He added that the gathering would provide an avenue for businesses and governments to identify strategic partnerships and investment opportunities capable of accelerating regional economic growth.
EADB Acting Director General, Bernard Mono, said the development finance institution would use the forum to help bridge financing gaps affecting bankable projects and investment-ready opportunities.
“As East Africa’s own development finance institution, EADB is proud to co-convene this Forum alongside EABC,” Mono said.
He said the bank would focus on structuring partnerships and mobilising capital towards sectors expected to drive the region’s growth over the next decade, while promoting sustainable socio-economic development and regional integration.
A key highlight of the forum will be the launch of the inaugural EAC Trade and Investment Climate Report 2026, which is expected to inform high-level discussions on policy and investment reforms needed to unlock East Africa’s trade potential.
The meeting comes as the region positions itself as an increasingly attractive investment destination, supported by an EAC Common Market of more than 300 million consumers, a young population, rapid urbanisation and rising purchasing power.
The region also stands to benefit from expanded market access through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides access to a continental market of about 1.3 billion people.
The organisers said reduced trade barriers, harmonized standards and the freer movement of goods, services, capital and labour under the EAC Customs Union and Common Market frameworks would further strengthen the region’s investment prospects.
The forum follows a series of chief executive roundtables held by EABC and EADB in Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda between July and August 2026.
The meetings brought together private-sector and government leaders to develop practical measures for unlocking East Africa’s trade potential.
Among the priorities identified was the need for time-bound resolution of outstanding non-tariff barriers, alongside compensation mechanisms for businesses affected by unjustified trade disruptions.
The private sector has also called for greater harmonisation of standards, licensing requirements and professional qualifications to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services across the eight EAC Partner States.
The Nairobi forum is expected to bring together senior government officials, including Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, and EAC Secretary General Amb. Stephen Mbundi.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul Moe, is also expected to attend.
Germany will be represented by the State Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs and Bureaucracy Reduction of the State of Hesse, Manfred Pentz, who will lead a delegation of 50 German investors.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
