The International Trade Centre (ITC), through the European Union (EU) –funded EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II) has partnered with the East African Business Council (EABC) for the upcoming East African Business and Investment Summit & Expo (EABIS) 2026, scheduled to take place from 24–25 February 2026 at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
The East African Business and Investment Summit & Expo is a flagship event that brings together Cabinet Ministers, CEOs, investors, development partners, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond to shape the East African economic agenda and unlock new intra- and extra-EAC trade and investment opportunities.
Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers and Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Republic of Kenya, will endorse the communiqué, outlining the recommendations and resolutions from the Summit discussions to inform future policy decisions.
International trade is constantly evolving, and for East African Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), navigating complex international trade regulations remains one of the biggest barriers to growth. While tariffs continue to decline, compliance with Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) such as technical requirements, certifications, packaging, and labelling — is becoming increasingly complex.
To help businesses turn these challenges into a competitive advantage ITC will officially launch its latest digital solution, the Non-Tariff Measures Self-Assessment Tool (NTM SAT), during a breakout session titled “Turning Trade Intelligence into Business Opportunities” at the East African Business and Investment Summit on 25 February 2026.
In addition, ITC will deliver a keynote presentation on the AfCFTA Investment Protocol and the WTO Investment Facilitation Agreement during the panel on Leveraging Regional and Continental Integration. ITC will also share study insights on Value Chain Diagnostic during the High Level CEOs Dialogue on Driving Industrialization in East Africa at the East African Business and Investment Summit & Expo 2026.
The 2026 Summit edition will also feature:
Presidential Panel on Regional Prosperity.
High-Level CEOs’ Dialogue on Trade in Services.
Panel Sessions on Leveraging Regional and Continental Integration.
Panel Session on Open Skies- Advancing Air Transport Liberalization for a Borderless Africa.
Breakout Sessions on:Broadening Digital Tax Stamps Beyond Revenue Collection – Fighting Illicit Trade, Unlocking SME Growth, Strengthening E-Commerce and Mutual Recognition Agreements for Engineers.
Fireside Chats on: Artificial Intelligence, Climate Finance and Green Trade and Intermodal Transport and Infrastructure Connectivity.
The Summit will delve into continental and global economic trends with the aim of repositioning the East African Community (EAC) as Africa’s premier trade and investment hub.
