Business leaders push for faster EAC integration at Nairobi summit

Regional business leaders and policymakers have called for urgent implementation of trade reforms to unlock East Africa’s full economic potential during the East African Business & Investment Summit + Expo held in Nairobi.

The two-day summit, organised by the East African Business Council (EABC) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in partnership with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, brought together senior government officials, investors and private sector leaders to accelerate private sector-driven regional integration.

The forum was opened by Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, who urged stakeholders to move from policy discussions to practical outcomes.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson of EABC, noted that despite progress, intra-EAC trade remains below 15 percent of total trade which is far from the 40 percent target by 2030.

“East Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation. We should move decisively from reform to results. I urge 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.” Akol said

Participants emphasised that the main obstacle to boosting intra-regional trade is not the absence of policies, but weak implementation.

They advocated for technology-driven solutions, including digital trade platforms and paperless customs systems, to lower the cost of doing business and enhance cross-border efficiency.

Jas Bedi, KEPSA Chairperson and EABC Vice-Chair, warned that regulatory inconsistencies and unpredictable tax regimes continue to frustrate businesses.

“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,” Bedi said.

Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of EABC, underscored the urgency of regional cooperation amid global economic uncertainty.

“At a time of global uncertainty and rising protectionism, regional integration remains East Africa’s most practical path to resilience, competitiveness, and shared prosperity. EAC Rising’ must now mean moving decisively from reform to measurable results,” Farah said.

The summit also highlighted the importance of the EAC Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union as a stabilising anchor that enhances legal certainty and positions East Africa as a unified investment destination.

The EAC bloc represents a $410 billion economy with over 350 million people, the majority under 25, offering vast opportunities in trade, manufacturing and investment.

A communiqué outlining recommendations from the summit will be presented to the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration in future policy decisions, as the region seeks to position itself as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub.