‎THE East African Community (EAC) has made significant progress in harmonising regional policies and regulations, resulting in a notable increase in intra-regional trade over the past two decades, regional leaders said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening of the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026) in Nairobi, Beatrice Askul Moe, chair of the EAC Council of Ministers and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, said the bloc had laid a strong foundation for deeper economic integration. 

‎“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 summit, organized by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the EAC Secretariat and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), brought together over 300 participants, including ministers, business leaders, investors, development partners and small and medium enterprises from across the region and beyond. 

‎John Lual Akol  , chairperson of EABC, noted that while intra-EAC trade had recorded encouraging growth, it still accounts for less than 15 percent of the region’s total trade—well below the bloc’s target of 40 percent 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. He urged partner states to fully implement the Single Customs Territory, harmonise domestic taxes, eliminate non-tariff barriers and uphold commitments under the Customs Union and Common Market Protocols. 

‎Annette Ssemuwemba Mutaawe, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs at the East African Community Secretariat, emphasized that implementation remains the biggest obstacle to expanding intra-regional trade. 

‎“The main challenge for intra-EAC trade is not policy, but implementation. Technology will be a key catalyst to facilitate trade, improve market access and accelerate regional integration,” she said, pledging closer collaboration with the private sector to enhance competitiveness and build regional value chains. 

‎Development partners also reiterated their support for the region’s integration agenda. Alexander Fierley, Deputy German Ambassador to Kenya, said regional trade agreements offer stability amid growing global fragmentation. 

‎He described the EAC Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union as “a regional anchor” that would strengthen East Africa as a single investment destination and provide predictable access to European markets. Ondrej Simek, Deputy head of delegation of the European Union to Kenya, highlighted the EU’s continued partnership with the EAC in promoting regional integration and easing the movement of professionals, noting that digital trade is increasingly central to competitiveness and inclusion. 

‎Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of EABC, said regional integration remains the most practical path to resilience and shared prosperity in the face of global uncertainty and rising protectionism. 

‎ ‘EAC Rising’ must now mean moving decisively from reform to measurable results. We are rebuilding as a more member-driven, data-led, and results-focused institution to support this transformation,” he said. 

‎Benard Paul Mono, acting Director General of the East African Development Bank (EADB), said the bank had disbursed more than $90 million over the past year to projects across various sectors in the region, creating over 12,000 jobs. He reaffirmed EADB’s commitment to fostering cross-border investment and supporting the region’s shared development agenda. 

‎Veteran industrialist Dr. Manu Chandaria, EABC founding chairperson, was recognised for his contribution to private sector development and regional collaboration. Allen S. Asiimwe, chief of programme and deputy CEO of TradeMark Africa, said non-tariff barriers continue to hold back an estimated 2–3 percent of the region’s GDP, underscoring the need for consistent policy implementation and reduced trade friction. 

‎Ashif Kassam, executive chairman of RSM Eastern Africa, described the EAC as a $410 billion economy with over 350 million people, 60 percent of whom are under the age of 25. He said strengthening infrastructure, harmonizing tax and regulatory frameworks, and promoting public-private dialogue would position the bloc as a competitive hub for trade, manufacturing and investment. 

‎Dr. Jas Bedi, chairperson of KEPSA and EABC Vice-Chair, said persistent non-tariff barriers, regulatory inconsistencies and unpredictable tax regimes continue to raise the cost of doing business. 

‎“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,” he said. 

‎The summit, held under the theme “Promoting Private Sector-Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment” and the motto “EAC Rising: From Reform to Results in a Thriving Pan-African Market,” featured discussions on intermodal transport, infrastructure connectivity, trade in services and industrialisation. 

‎More than 100 exhibitors from textile, leather and edible oil value chains showcased their products and engaged in business-to-business matchmaking sessions with counterparts from across Africa and beyond. 

‎A communiqué outlining recommendations and resolutions from the summit will be presented by EABC to the chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration in policy decision-making, as the region seeks to position itself as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub while leveraging the digital economy for sustainable growth and inclusion.