Regional leaders and private-sector executives called for faster implementation of trade and investment reforms across East Africa at the East African Business and Investment Summit & Expo 2026, where participants emphasized that policy commitments must translate into measurable economic gains.
The two-day forum in Nairobi convened more than 450 delegates and was organized by the East African Business Council in partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the East African Community Secretariat. Discussions focused on strengthening private-sector-driven integration to increase trade within the bloc and attract external investment.
Opening the summit, Beatrice Askul Moe, chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, said the gathering reflected a shared ambition to build “a region that is economically vibrant, globally competitive, and united by enterprise.” She noted that intra-regional trade and cross-border investment have expanded over the past two decades, contributing to economic growth across partner states.
However, John Lual Akol Akol, chairperson of the council, said progress remains below expectations, with trade among member states accounting for less than 15% of total EAC trade, far from the 40% target set for 2030. “East Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation,” he said, urging governments, investors and regulators to move decisively “from reform to tangible results.”
Throughout the summit, business leaders stressed that harmonized regulations, predictable tax systems and efficient border procedures are essential to improving competitiveness. Jas Bedi, chairperson of KEPSA, said reducing non-tariff barriers and regulatory inconsistencies would lower the cost of doing business and boost investor confidence, adding that expanded investment in digital infrastructure, trade logistics and paperless customs platforms could significantly improve regional trade efficiency.
Participants also highlighted the importance of fully implementing existing commitments under regional agreements, including the Single Customs Territory framework, uniform application of external tariffs and the removal of discriminatory measures affecting goods produced within the bloc. They called for coordinated investment in rail, energy, industrial parks and cold-chain systems to reduce logistics costs and support regional value chains in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Speaking on behalf of the EAC secretary-general, Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe said the region already possesses “strong policies and frameworks,” but emphasized that accelerating execution and strengthening coordination with the private sector would be critical to unlocking integration benefits. She said closer collaboration would help remove trade barriers, improve market access and leverage technology to facilitate commerce.
Delegates also discussed liberalizing air transport, strengthening digital trade frameworks and expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. Recommendations included interoperable regional payment systems, harmonized standards and simplified documentation procedures to help businesses operate seamlessly across borders, as well as data-driven lending models and credit-guarantee schemes to expand financing for smaller firms.
The summit showcased more than 60 exhibitors and hosted business-to-business matchmaking sessions across industries including textiles, leather and edible oils, underscoring growing investor interest in regional value chains. Participants further called for stronger public-private partnerships and blended-finance mechanisms to mobilize long-term capital for infrastructure, technology upgrades and research and development.
Closing the event, Dennis Karera, vice chairperson of the business council, thanked Kenya’s government, led by William Samoei Ruto, for hosting and urged stakeholders to prioritize implementation of the summit’s resolutions to drive measurable trade and investment growth.
Organizers also acknowledged support from development partners including the European Union, African Development Bank and the International Trade Centre.
The resolutions were formally signed Feb. 25 by Askul Moe and Akol, signaling a joint commitment by public and private stakeholders to accelerate reforms aimed at deepening regional integration and strengthening East Africa’s position in global markets.
