EAC Leaders Rally for Trade Transformation

By Naome Namusoke/ KMA UPDATES
Nairobi, Kenya |The Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, has officially opened the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026) in Nairobi, calling for accelerated implementation of regional reforms to unlock trade and investment across East Africa.
Hon. Askul Moe, who also serves as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, said the East African Community (EAC) has made notable progress over the past two decades in harmonizing policies and increasing intra-regional trade. However, she emphasized that the focus must now shift from commitments to concrete outcomes.
“This summit provides an important platform for public and private sector collaboration. Reforms must translate into tangible results to build a prosperous, resilient, and integrated East African region,” she said.
The two-day summit, held from 24th–25th February 2026, convened more than 300 participants, including Ministers, business leaders, SMEs, investors and development partners. It was organized by the East African Business Council(EABC) in partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the EAC Secretariat.
Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson of EABC, noted that intra-EAC trade remains below 15%of total trade, far from the region’s target of 40% by 2030.
“East Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation. This Summit calls us to move decisively from reform to results,” he said, urging Partner States to fully implement the Single Customs Territory, eliminate non-tariff barriers and harmonize domestic taxes.
Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe, EAC Deputy Secretary General for Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, stressed that implementation gaps not policy frameworks remain the key obstacle to deeper integration. She highlighted technology as a catalyst for trade facilitation and regional value chain development.
Development partners reaffirmed their support. Mr. Alexander Fierley, Deputy German Ambassador to Kenya, described regional trade agreements as anchors of stability amid global uncertainty. Mr. Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, underscored the importance of digital trade and the movement of professionals in strengthening competitiveness.
Mr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of EABC, said regional integration remains the most practical path to resilience and shared prosperity, adding that the private sector is ready to turn agreements into jobs and measurable economic gains.
On regional financing, Mr. Benard Paul Mono, Acting Director General of the East African Development Bank (EADB), revealed that the Bank disbursed over USD 90 million in the past year, creating more than 12,000 jobs across the region.
Dr. Manu Chandaria was recognized for his contribution to private sector development in East Africa. Meanwhile, Ms. Allen S. Asiimwe of TradeMark Africa noted that non-tariff barriers continue to constrain up to 3 percent of the region’s GDP.
The Summit, held under the theme “Promoting Private Sector-Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment,” featured over 100 exhibitors from textile, leather and edible oil value chains, alongside B2B matchmaking sessions.
A communiqué outlining key recommendations will be presented to the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers to inform future policy decisions, as the region advances its vision of becoming Africa’s premier trade and investment hub.