By John Toris 

Regional business leaders and policymakers have issued a rallying cry for the urgent implementation of trade reforms to unlock East Africa’s full economic potential, as the East African Business & Investment Summit + Expo opened in Nairobi.

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

Officially opening the summit, Beatrice Askul Moe, Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, urged stakeholders to shift focus 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," Moe stated. "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."

Despite notable progress, EABC Chairperson John Lual Akol Akol highlighted that intra-EAC trade remains below 15 percent of total trade far from the 40 percent target set for 2030.

"East Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation. We should move decisively from reform to results," Akol said. "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."

Participants at the summit emphasized that weak implementation, rather than the absence of policies, remains the primary obstacle to boosting intra-regional trade. They called for technology-driven solutions, including digital trade platforms and paperless customs systems, to lower business costs 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 across the region.

"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 and rising protectionism.

"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 strategic importance of the EAC Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, describing it as a stabilising anchor that enhances legal certainty and positions East Africa as a unified investment destination.

With the EAC bloc representing a $410 billion economy and a population of over 350 million the majority under 25 years old participants noted vast opportunities in trade, manufacturing, and investment.

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