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.
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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 Mediumsized 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. For more information, Visit Event Website
Notes to Editors
About EAC: The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental
organization of eight Partner States—Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya,
Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda—working to foster economic
integration, peace, and prosperity. Established in 1967 and relaunched in 2000, the
EAC Secretariat coordinates policies and programs to deepen cooperation and drive
sustainable development across the region. Visit www.eac.int.
About EABC: The East African Business Council (EABC) is the regional apex body
of private sector associations and corporations from eight EAC countries, established
in 1997 to promote private sector-driven growth. Visit www.eabc-online.com.
About ITC: The International Trade Centre (ITC) empowers MSMEs in developing
countries to compete globally through trade-focused programs and partnerships. Visit
www.intracen.org.
About EU-EAC MARKUP II: The European Union (EU)- East African Community
(EAC) MARKUP II funded by the EU, aims to enhance economic development in the
EAC through sustainable intra-African and EU-Africa trade. It is implemented by the
International Trade Centre in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and national
partners in the recipient countries.
