The East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, will convene the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026) on 24th–25th February 2026 at the Safari Park Hotel.
The event will bring together over 500 participants, including the EAC Council of Ministers, business leaders, investors, development partners, and SMEs from across the region and beyond, 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.”
EABIS 2026 will serve as a high-level dialogue and deal-making platform aimed at shaping the East African economic agenda and unlocking new intra- and extra-EAC trade and investment opportunities. This year’s Summit comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with major continental and global developments, including the ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the commencement of the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement, and evolving global dynamics such as climate change and de-globalisation.
The programme will feature:
A Presidential Fireside Chat on regional prosperity
Enhancing Intermodal Transport & Infrastructure Connectivity
Unlocking the Potential of Trade in Services
Leveraging Regional and Continental Integration
Driving Industrialization in East Africa
Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovation
Advancing Air Transport Liberalization for a Borderless Africa
Breakout sessions will cover:
Digital Tax Stamps and combating illicit trade
Mutual Recognition Agreements for Engineers
Strengthening Digital Trade & E-Commerce
Launch of the NTM Self-Assessment Tool & MSME Financing Gateway
Unlocking SME Growth through access to finance and mentorship
East African textile, leather, and edible oil value chains are expected to showcase their products and engage in B2B matchmaking sessions with counterparts from across the continent.
The Summit is organized with the support of the German Development Cooperation, TradeMark Africa, the European Union, the International Trade Centre, and the African Development Bank.
EABC also recognizes the valued sponsorship of the East African Development Bank, Isuzu East Africa, RSM Eastern Africa, African Civil Aviation Commission, and Equity Bank Kenya, whose generous support has enabled EABC to successfully host this prestigious Summit and Expo.
The event will explore these trends while positioning the EAC as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub and leveraging the digital economy as a driver of sustainable growth and inclusion.
“Beyond dialogue, this Summit is about delivering measurable outcomes. A communiqué outlining key recommendations and resolutions from the Summit discussions will be formally presented by the East African Business Council to the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration in policy decision-making. This ensures that the voice of the private sector directly informs regional reforms and drives practical, results-oriented integration,” said Ahmed Farah, Executive Director/CEO of the East African Business Council.
