By M, KNA
The East African Business & Investment Summit + Expo which is aimed to serve as a strategic platform to catalyse private sector-led integration and position the region as a premier global investment destination has kicked off in Nairobi.
The two-day event was organised by the East African Business Council (EABC) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in partnership with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat.
The opening session was officiated by Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary (CS) for EAC, ASALs, and Regional Development emphasised the necessity of moving beyond policy alignment to practical execution.
“Over the past two decades, the EAC has made great strides in harmonising policies and regulations, and we have seen a commendable increase in intra-EAC trade,” noted the CS, adding that the summit provides an important platform for public and private sector collaboration.
She stressed that reforms must translate into tangible results to build a prosperous, resilient, and integrated East African region.
Concurrently, EABC Chairperson John Lual Akol also observed that East Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation.
“While intra-EAC trade has recorded encouraging growth, it remains below fifteen percent of our total trade—far from our shared target of forty percent by 2030. This Summit, therefore, calls us to move decisively from reform to results,” stated the Chairperson.
According to Akol, the private sector urges Partner States to implement the Single Customs Territory fully, harmonise domestic taxes, eliminate non-tariff barriers, and uphold commitments under the Customs Union and Common Market Protocols.
Notably, speakers at the event emphasised that the primary challenge for intra-EAC trade is the implementation of policy rather than its creation, advocating for a technology-driven approach to enhance market access and build regional value chains.
In addition, there was a strong consensus on the importance of the EAC Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU as a stabilising ‘regional anchor’ that provides legal certainty and positions East Africa as a unified investment destination amidst global fragmentation.
Furthermore, the representatives highlighted that easing the movement of professionals and embracing digital trade are essential for lowering market entry barriers, fostering innovation, and connecting local entrepreneurs to the global economy.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of EABC, maintained that at a time of global uncertainty and rising protectionism, regional integration remains East Africa’s most practical path to resilience, competitiveness, and shared prosperity.
Farah cited the ‘EAC Rising’ must now mean moving decisively from reform to measurable results.
The Director affirmed that EABC, as the voice of the private sector, stands ready to partner with governments to turn agreements into competitiveness and potential into jobs.
“We are rebuilding as a more member-driven, data-led, and results-focused institution to support this transformation,” he asserted.
Importantly, the East African Community represents a $410 billion economy, home to over 350 million people—60 percent under the age of 25—with 65 percent of Africa’s arable land, 30 percent of its minerals, and 10 percent of its renewable water resources.
Therefore, strengthening infrastructure, harmonising tax and regulatory frameworks, reducing trade costs, and promoting public-private dialogue will position EAC as a competitive hub for trade, manufacturing, and investment.
In his remarks Dr. Jas Bedi, KEPSA Chairperson and EABC Vice-Chair, highlighted that the private sector continues to face non-tariff barriers, regulatory inconsistencies, and unpredictable tax regimes.
“Addressing these challenges is not optional—it is essential for lowering the cost of doing business and strengthening investor confidence across East Africa,” stated Dr. Bedi
Consequently, the Chairperson insisted that investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, digital connectivity, and paperless customs systems will accelerate cross-border commerce and position East Africa as a globally competitive trade and investment hub.
By promoting trade and investment, the Summit highlighted trends positioning the EAC as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub while leveraging the digital economy as a driver of sustainable growth and inclusion
The summit also recognised Dr Manu Chandaria, EABC Founding Chairperson, for his contribution to private sector development in East Africa, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in business.
As well, the Summit was organised with support from the German Development Cooperation, TradeMark Africa, the European Union, the International Trade Centre, and the African Development Bank, and valued sponsorship from the East African Development Bank, Isuzu East Africa, RSM Eastern Africa, African Civil Aviation Commission, and Equity Bank Kenya.
It was also graced by Ms Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe, Deputy Secretary General, Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, EAC; Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO; Mr Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head EU Delegation Kenya; Deputy Head of Mission Alexander Fierley; Mr Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB); Ms Allen S. Asiimwe, Chief of Programme and Deputy CEO, TradeMark Africa (TMA), and Mr Ashif Kassam, OGW, Executive Chairman at RSM Eastern Africa.
Further, a communiqué outlining recommendations and resolutions from the Summit discussions will be presented by EABC to the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration in policy decision-making.
Meanwhile, KEPSA serves as the national focal point for the EABC in Kenya. This partnership focuses on enhancing the business environment, promoting regional trade integration, and facilitating dialogue between the private sector and governments within the EAC.