For over two decades, the EAC has walked a deliberate journey of integration—harmonizing policies, dismantling trade barriers, and fostering cross-border partnerships.
For over two decades, the EAC has walked a deliberate journey of integration—harmonizing policies, dismantling trade barriers, and fostering cross-border partnerships.
By Stella Ranji
On the bright morning of Tuesday, 24th February 2026, the city of Nairobi stirred with unusual anticipation. Delegates, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the region gathered under one roof, united by a shared belief in the promise of East Africa.
When Beatrice Askul Moe, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC), ASALs and Regional Development—and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers—rose to speak, the room fell into attentive silence. The moment was not merely ceremonial; it was symbolic of a region at a defining crossroads.
She began by acknowledging the distinguished guests: the Executive Chairperson and Board Members of the East African Business Council, the Executive Director, business leaders, and participants whose enterprises form the backbone of the regional economy.
“It is my honour,” she declared, “to welcome you to Nairobi for the East African Business & Investment Summit 2026.”
Her gratitude extended to the organizers—the East African Business Council and the East African Community—for convening a summit she described as both timely and transformative. The theme, ‘Promoting Private Sector Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra and Extra EAC Trade and Investment,’ was more than a banner headline. It was, she said, a declaration of intent.
For over two decades, the EAC has walked a deliberate journey of integration—harmonizing policies, dismantling trade barriers, and fostering cross-border partnerships. Those reforms were not crafted in isolation; they were forged through dialogue between policymakers, regulators, and the private sector. The results have been tangible: growing intra-regional trade, expanding cross-border investments, and strengthened economic ties.
“Whereas attaining 15% intra-EAC trade is commendable, why have we not reached at least 40% after 20 years of implementing the Customs Union?”
The figure lingered in the air. Alongside it, another sobering statistic: an estimated USD 2.9 billion in unrealized annual trade potential within the Community.
The Cabinet Secretary spoke of the recent High-Level Multi-Sectoral Dialogue held in Kigali, where leaders confronted hard truths. The message had been unmistakable: many of the barriers hindering trade lie within the authority of Partner States to remove. What is needed now is not new frameworks—but decisive goodwill.
She emphasized that regional integration cannot succeed in silos. “The public and private sectors,” she noted firmly, “are co-joined at the hip.” Policy must be shaped by enterprise realities, and enterprise must align with regional ambitions. The Council of Ministers, she affirmed, remains committed to policy decisions that enhance ease of doing business, facilitate investment, and accelerate the free movement of goods, services, and factors of production.
But beyond policies and percentages, her speech carried a larger vision.
Regional integration, she argued, is no longer optional. In an era of global shocks and shifting economic alliances, East Africa must build resilient regional value chains—systems strong enough to withstand turbulence and competitive enough to thrive globally.
“The East African Community offers unprecedented opportunities,” she declared. “Its success depends on how well we integrate within our own region.”
There was optimism in her tone, but also urgency.
The Community, she reminded the audience, is rising. Reforms are beginning to translate into measurable results. Ambition is evolving into action. And the dream of a thriving Pan-African market is gradually taking shape.
As she drew to a close, she invoked the summit’s powerful motto: “EAC Rising: From Reform to Results in a Thriving Pan-African Market.”
“This is not merely a slogan,” she said. “It is a call to action. Reforms must translate into tangible outcomes—stronger trade flows, deeper investment, and inclusive prosperity for all East Africans.”
Her final words carried both gratitude and resolve. She thanked the East African Business Council, development partners, and every participant whose presence signaled commitment to the regional cause.
“May the deliberations over the next two days,” she concluded, “lay the foundation for a stronger, more united, and more prosperous East African Community.”
As applause filled the hall, it was clear that the summit was more than an event. It was a renewed pledge—by governments and businesses alike—that East Africa’s future would be built not in isolation, but in integration.
