More than 500 government officials, business leaders and investors from East Africa and beyond are expected to converge in Nairobi this month for the inaugural East Africa CEO & Investment Forum.
The two-day forum, scheduled for September 17 and 18, 2026, will bring together a delegation of more than 50 European Union investors as regional governments and the private sector seek to unlock new investment opportunities and strengthen East Africa’s trade competitiveness.
The event will be co-hosted by the East African Development Bank (EADB) and the East African Business Council (EABC), with discussions expected to focus on investment financing gaps, policy and regulatory reforms and partnerships that can boost cross-border trade.
EABC Executive Director Ahmed Farah said East Africa’s expanding economy and growing consumer market had increased the region’s attractiveness to international investors.
“East Africa is Africa’s fastest-growing economic bloc, expanding at 5.6 per cent annually, and remains one of the continent’s most attractive investment destinations,” Farah said.
He said the forum would place the private sector at the centre of the region’s growth ambitions by bringing together CEOs, investors, development finance institutions, investment promotion agencies, policymakers and development partners.
The meeting will also feature the launch of the inaugural EAC Trade and Investment Climate Report 2026, which is expected to provide insights into the region’s investment environment and highlight reforms needed to unlock greater trade and investment.
EADB Acting Director General Benard Mono said the bank would use the forum to help bridge financing gaps affecting bankable projects and investment-ready opportunities.
The discussions will also examine sectors expected to drive East Africa’s next phase of economic growth, while exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships between governments, businesses and international investors.
East Africa’s investment appeal has been strengthened by the EAC Common Market, which serves more than 300 million consumers, alongside growing purchasing power and access to wider continental markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
