East African Business and Investment Summit & Expo 2026
24th-25th February 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya
Theme: Promoting Private Sector Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra and Extra EAC Trade and Investment
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EAST AFRICAN BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT SUMMIT & EXPO 2026
The East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with East African Community (EAC) is organizing the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 under the theme “Promoting Private Sector Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra and Extra EAC Trade and Investment”
The East African Business and Investment Summit convenes high-level policy decision-makers and business leaders from the region, continent, and beyond to foster trade and investment ties and chart out the East Africa Economic Agenda.
The 2026 Summit will take place at an important confluence of several important developments, including the continued advance of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the commencement of the Tripartite Agreement implementation, and other global dynamics such as climate change and de-globalization. The summit will explore continental and global trends, aiming to reposition the EAC as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub.
The East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 will reflect progress on the resolutions of the previous Summit held in Kampala in 2023, discuss solutions to intra and extra EAC trade and investment barriers, and explore opportunities in the business landscape. This summit is not just about dialogue but tangible action. A CEOs Industry Round Table with Ministers on Trade in Services and Manufacturing will take place, fostering direct engagement on pressing issues. The resolutions from the Summit discussions will be presented by the EABC Chairperson to the EAC Council of Ministers for endorsement, to inform policy decisions.
WHY ATTEND Why you should Join Event
Foster Public-Private Dialogue: Unite government leaders and businesses to unlock trade and investment opportunities, address barriers within the EAC, continental and international agreements, and shape the East Africa Economic Agenda.
The CEOs’ High-Level Dialogue with Ministers on Trade in Services and Manufacturing will devise a comprehensive plan to remove barriers in the services sector and outline a roadmap and commitment to accelerating industrialization and boosting made in East Africa exports.
Expo
The Expo of the East African Business and Investment Summit will showcase products, services and latest technologies from East African , Continent and Europe
1Great Speakers
Hear from an exceptional line up of 100+ business and government thought leaders on solutions to today’s trade and investment challenges in agribusiness, mining & energy, infrastructure – transport and logistics, SMEs, women and youth entrepreneurs, Access to Finance, creative economy and health and more.
3B2B & B2G Networking & Facilitate Business Deals
Connect, network, and discover new business opportunities with over 600 delegates from East African the Continent and Europe. The online B2B platform profiles attendees, enabling seamless networking through chat and video conversations.
2Showcase Trade & Investment Opportunities
Provide a platform to highlight East Africa’s trade and investment opportunities/projects, facilitating direct engagements between the private sector and Investment Promotion Authorities.
4Gain Insights Event Speakers
H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH
Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
Hon. Beatrice Asukul Moe
Chairperson, EAC Council of Ministers
Hon. Beatrice Asukul Moe
Chairperson, EAC Council of MinistersCabinet Secretary Ministry of East African Community & Regional Affairs Republic of Kenya
Hon. Veronica Mueni Nduva, CBS
EAC Secretary General
H.E Alexander Fierley
Deputy German Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya
Hon. John Lual Akol Akol
Chairperson, East African Business Council (EABC)
Dr. Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS
Chairperson, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & EABC Vice- Chair (TMA)
Hon. Olivier Suguru
Chairperson, Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi (CFCIB)
Dr. Caroline Karugu
Principal Secretary, State Department for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Kenya
Dr. Caroline Karugu
Principal Secretary, State Department for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Kenya
Dr. Joy Kategekwa
Director of Regional Integration Coordination Office, African Development Bank Group
Dr. Joy Kategekwa
Director of Regional Integration Coordination Office, African Development Bank Group
Mr. Ashif Kassam, OGW
Executive Chairman at RSM Eastern Africa
Mr. David Beer
Chief Executive Officer, TradeMark Africa (TMA)
Mr. Ahmed Farah
Executive Director East African Business Council (EABC)
Mr. Ahmed Farah
Executive Director East African Business Council (EABC)
Ahmed Farah is an accomplished trade and investment policy expert with over 20 years of leadership experience across East Africa and other African markets. He holds a Master’s in International Development from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Kenyatta University. He is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA K) and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), with additional qualifications in corporate governance and strategic leadership. He has played a pivotal role in translating regional and continental trade commitments—including the East African Community (EAC) integration agenda and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—into practical reforms that reduce trade costs and expand market access for businesses.
Invest in East Africa
INVESTING & DOING BUSINESS IN EAC
Interact with high-level government officials from the EAC Investment Promotion Agencies and explore business opportunities, government incentives and success stories.
PROGRAM
Day 1 - Tuesday 24th February 2026
TIME ACTIVITY
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Accreditation & Registration + Cultural Performance
Moderator – Regina Manyara
Short video from Partners & Sponsors – GIZ, EADB, TradeMark Africa, AfDB, ISUZU, RSM, GIZ-DEEP, Equity Bank, ITC Mark Up II, AFCAC, KEPSA
9:00 – 9:50 AM Opening Ceremony
(Kenya & EAC Anthem)
A Word from Host:
• Dr. Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary, State Department for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Kenya
Welcome Remarks
• Mr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director, East African Business Council (EABC).
• Dr. Jas Bedi, EBS, MBS, Chairperson, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & EABC Vice- Chair
Remarks
• H.E. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya
• H.E. Ambassador Henriette Geiger, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kenya
• Mr. David Beer, Chief Executive Officer, TradeMark Africa (TMA)
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of Regional Integration Coordination Office, African Development Bank Group
• Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson East African Business Council (EABC) – Reflections of 2023 Summit
• Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
• H.E. Veronica Nduva, Secretary General, East African Community (EAC)
• Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of EAC Council of Ministers & Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Republic of Kenya
• Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Republic of Kenya
• H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi EGH, Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
9:50 AM – 10:10 AM
Keynote Address
• Chief Guest: H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH President of the Republic of Kenya & Chair of EAC Heads of State Summit
10:10 AM -10:50 AM –
EAC Economic Horizons: A High-Level Fire Side Chat on Regional Prosperity
• H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH President of the Republic of Kenya & Chair of EAC Heads of State Summit
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Insight on Investing & Doing Business in EAC – Mr. Ashif Kassam, OGW, Executive Chairman at RSM Eastern Africa
• (Questions from Select Business Leaders)
Moderator: Ms. Carole Kariuki – Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
10:50 AM – 11:20 AM • Certificates to Sponsors & Appreciation to EABC Founding Chairperson
• Moderated by EABC Executive Director
11:20 AM – 12:00 PM • Group Photo
• Cutting ribbon of Exhibition/Expo
Health Break
• Networking Tea
• Media Interview
12:00 PM – 1:00PM Insight Exchange
• Enhancing Intermodal Transport and Infrastructure Connectivity – by Eng. Vincent Rudahunga Transport Director, TradeMark Africa
• Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) by Afreximbank
Q&A
Moderator – Regina Manyara
1:00PM – 2:00 PM Networking Lunch + Exhibition Visits
2:00 PM – 3:20 PM High Level CEOs Dialogue – Unlocking the Potential of Trade in Services:
Panellists:
• Ms. Mercy Mugure, Chairperson, Business Processes Outsourcing Association of Kenya
• Mr Fred Odek, Chairperson, East African Tourism Platform (EATP)
• Mr. Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Banking (Innovation), Afreximbank
• Mr. Boaz Nimpe, Executive Secretary, Burundi Bankers Association (ABEF) & EABC Board Director
• Mr. Jean Nicaise BIGIRIMANA, Finance and Administrative Manager, Groupe EIS-EKA
• Mr. Agayo Ogambi, Chief Executive Officer, Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA)
Moderator: Mr. Emmanuel Butare, EABC Board Director & Partner MRB Attorneys
3:20 PM- 4:20 PM – High Level CEOs Dialogue – Driving Industrialization in East Africa
Presentation: Value Chain Diagnostic Study
Panellists: –
• Hon. Amb.Waziri Rajab Salum, Permanent, Ministry of Industry and Trade, United Republic of Tanzania
• Dr. James Mokoro, Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (KAPI)
• Dr. Vimal Shah, Chairperson, Bidco Africa
• Ms. Rita Kavashe, MBS, Managing Director, ISUZU East Africa
• Hon. Olivier Suguru, President CFCIB & Vice Chair, EABC
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Mr. Sylvester Kazi, Export Manager, AtoZ Group Limited
Moderator: Mr. Tobias Alando, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
Open discussion for all participants (Q&A)
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Business 2 Business Networking Reception + Exhibition Ruffle
Cultural Performance
Remarks
• Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Ag. Director General, East African Development Bank (EADB)
• ITC
• GIZ EU LIFTED Project
• ISUZU East Africa
• EABL/KWAL
Moderator – Regina Manyara
Day 2 - Wednesday 25th February 2026
TIME ACTIVITY
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Accreditation & Registration + Cultural Performance
Moderator – Regina Manyara
Short video from partners & sponsors
8:30 AM-9:00AM • Recap
9:00 – 9:30 AM Insight Exchange
AI Trends and Regional Collaboration.
• Hardeep Singh, SAP (tbd)
• Johnny Ray Falla Equity Group
Moderator – Mr. Essa Mohamedali, GIZ – Regional AI Advisor for the EAC
Q&A
9:30 AM- 10:40AM Topic: Open Skies: Advancing Air Transport Liberalization for a Borderless Africa
Keynote Presentation: Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) by Ms. Adefunke ADEYEMI, Secretary General African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)/ Mr. Getachew ALEMAYEHU, Director of Air transport, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)
Panelists
• Dr. A. Korir Sing’Oei Ph.D., EBS Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs
• Ms. Jackline Kwagala, Aviation Expert, EAC-CASSOA
• Mr. Deo Nyanzi, Government Relations, Uganda Airlines
• Eng. Liz Aluvanze – CEO Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO)
• Mr. Emmanuel BUTERA, Consumer Protection Expert, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)
Moderator: Capt. Gilbert Kibe, Ambassador of SAATM & Former Director General of KCAA
10:40 AM -11:00 AM Tea Break
11:00 AM – 11:50 PM Topic: Leveraging Regional and Continental Integration
Keynote Presentation: AfCFTA Investment Protocol and the WTO’s Investment Facilitation Agreement – Ms. Ravini Gunasekera, Trade & Investment Law and Policy Advisor
International Trade Centre (ITC)
Panelists: –
• Mr. Oscar Kamukama, Senior Business Development Manager, Steel & Tube Industries Ltd & EABC Governing Council Member
• Ms. Linda Kaneza, EABC Governing Council Member, SAVONOR
• Ms. Flavia Businge, EAC Director of Customs and Acting Director of Trade
• Hon. Abisai, Nancy K. L, Former Member of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)
• Mr. Benedict Musengele, Director, Trade & Customs, TradeMark Africa.
• Mr. Mishael M. Wambua, Component Lead, AfCFTA Kenya Component, GIZ
Moderator: Ms. Susan Maingi, Chair Trade & Investment Sector Board of KEPSA
Break Out Sessions
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Broaden Digital Tax Stamps Beyond Revenue Collection – Enhancing Trade
Presentation:
Ms. Miriam Bomett, Head of Policy and Regulatory Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
Panelists: –
• Ms. Zipporah Kuria, Fiscal Affairs Manager, British American Tobacco (BAT)
• Mr. Erick Sirali, Digital Trade Systems Director, TradeMark Africa
• Dr. Juma Mukhwana, CBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry
• Okoya Alfred, Manager Nairobi & Western Kenya, Customs External Operations, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
• Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge – Executive Director / CEO, Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Kenya
• Mr. Humphrey Wattanga Commissioner General, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Mr. Francis Muhire, Public Affairs Manager, BRARUDI
• Mr. Eugene Ngumi, Director, Public Affairs, Sustainability Coca-Cola Africa/ Mr Simon Kaheru, Head of Public Policy and Partnerships, Coca-Cola & EABC Vice Chairperson
• Ms. Michelle Kilpin, Managing Director, Tanzania Breweries Plc
Moderator: Mr. Adrian R Njau -Trade & Policy Advisor, EABC
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Unlocking SME Growth: Access to Finance and Mentorship for Africa’s Emerging Enterprises
Presentation of Access to Finance for SMEs by Kagiso Moloi, Commercial Director, Equity Bank Kenya Limited.
Panelists
• Equity SME beneficiary
• Ms. Veyrl, Inclusive Trade Director at TradeMark Africa.
• East African Development Bank (EADB)
• Ms. Mercy Mutua, Head, Access to Finance, in the Agrifoods and Entrepreneurship Development, Master Card Foundation
• Mrs. Nancy Gitonga, CEO, One Voice Women Trade Network (OVWTN)
• Mrs. Mary Ngechu, Director Plast-Packaging Industries Ltd & EABC SMEs Goodwill Ambassador
Moderator: Cecilia Wangui, General Manager SME Banking, Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Break Out Session: Global Trade Information Hub – Launch of NTM Self-Assessment Tool
Presentation on NTM Self-Assessment Tool by Abdellatif Benzakri, International Trade Centre ITC
• Senior representative from a public agency – Trade Policy / Regulatory Authority
• TSI representative
• End user (Business / Industry Representative)
• ITC staff
• EU representative
Moderator: ITC
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Breakout Session: Strengthening Digital Trade / E-Commerce in the EAC
Theme: “Unlocking the Potential of Digital Trade in the EAC: Opportunities for Private Sector Growth”
Panelists:
• Mr. John Kiria, Director ICT, E-commerce & Entrepreneurship division, State Department for ICT & Digital Economy, Ministry of Information, Communications & the Digital Economy – Kenya
• Mr. Sammy Mulanga – E-Commerce Expert, East African Community
• Ms. Janice Celine Nantumbwe – Centre for Law, Policy & Innovative Initiative Uganda
• Mr. Steven Lamony – Managing Director, Uganda
Moderator: Ms. Dorice Mwalle – MAMA MIA Soko Tanzania
Keynote Presentation:
“Building a Resilient E-Commerce Ecosystem in East Africa” – Martin Muli
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Breakout Session: Mutual Recognition Agreements for Engineers
Panelists:
• Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba- Chair Uganda Tech and Management University
• Dr. Richard Ssekibuule- Kola Technologies Uganda
• Ms. Estella Aryada – Component Lead Trade in Services, GIZ – EAC
• Mr. Emmanuel Butare, Partner MRB Attorneys & EABC Governing Council Member
Moderator: Mr. Ephraim Percy Kenyanito, MRA Policy Advisor, GIZ-EAC
1:30 PM-2:30PM Networking Lunch
2:30PM -3:00PM Fireside Chat
From Ambition to Action: Unlocking Private Capital for Green Logistics in East Africa
Panelists:
• Ms. Antoinette Tesha
• Mr. Marteen Fonteijn (eBee Africa)
• Ms. Trizer Omugar, Green Trade, TradeMark Africa
• Mr. Darshan Dhakan, Senior Portfolio Manager, Grassroots Business Fund
Moderator: Ms. Lilian Mwai, TradeMark Africa
3:00 PM -4:00 PM Official Closing Ceremony
Plenary
• Presentation of the Business Summit Resolutions by Mr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director, EABC
• Reflections by Permanent Secretaries
• Handover of Communiqué of Business Summit Resolutions to the Chairperson of EAC Council of Ministers
Moderator – Regina Manyara
4:00 PM -4:20 PM Vote of Thanks:
• Mr. Muhoho Kenyatta, EABC Board Director & Executive Chairperson & CEO, Brookside Dairy Ltd
● EAC Secretariat
Day 3 - Optional Visit to Industrial Parks by KenInvest
An optional visit to an industrial park will take place on 26 February 2026, in partnership with KenInvest. Participants interested in joining the industrial visit are kindly requested to contact Email: mbithey@eabc-online.com and communications@eabc-online.com
END
East African Business Council (EABC)
The East African Business Council (EABC) is the apex advocacy body of the Private Sector and Corporates from the 8 East African Countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the Private Sector in the integration process of the East African Community. EABC envisions a ‘A borderless East Africa for business and investment that delivers social and economic prosperity.’ with a mission of advocating for a conducive business environment and promoting sustainable, private sector–driven growth in the EAC region.
East African Community (EAC)
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight (8) Partner States, comprising the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The Federal Republic of Somalia was admitted into the EAC bloc by the Summit of EAC Heads of State on 24th November, 2023 and became a full member on 4th March, 2024.
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES Platinum Sponsor ($30,000)
- Seating at the presidential dais/Chief Guest
- Opportunity to be Keynote speaker
- Branding per the client’s needs in the main hall
- Opportunity to participate in the pre-event briefing
- 10 complimentary conference tickets
- Photo with the Chief Guest
- Certificate of recognition to be handed over by the Chief Guest
- Special media coverage pre-event and post-event
- Take part in press conference
- Opportunities to display brochures, branded pads, pens, and delegate goodies in Delegate packs.
- Large company advertisement
- Co-organize 1 Sessions on the topic of interest
- Large Exhibition booth
REACH US Get Direction to the Event Hall
Venue
Date
How to get there
Venue
Safari Park Hotel
Nairobi
Kenya
Tickets info
Name: Patrick Moshi
Phone: +255 758489761
Email: info@eabc-online.com
Sponsorship & Partnerships
Name: Adrian Njau
Phone: +255 754 287 782
Email: director@eabc-online.com
Date
30th & 31st August 2025 Nairobi, Kenya
Safari Park Hotel
Nairobi
Kenya
Tickets info
Name: Patrick Moshi
Phone: +255 758489761
Email: info@eabc-online.com
Sponsorship & Partnerships
Name: Adrian Njau
Phone: +255 754 287 782
Email: director@eabc-online.com
How to get there
Safari Park Hotel
Nairobi
Kenya
Tickets info
Name: Patrick Moshi
Phone: +255 758489761
Email: info@eabc-online.com
Sponsorship & Partnerships
Name: Adrian Njau
Phone: +255 754 287 782
Email: director@eabc-online.com
HURRY UP! Book your Seat
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