The East African Business Council (EABC) and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), in partnership with the East African Development Bank (EADB), hosted the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 from 24th to 25th February in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit, which attracted ministers, business leaders, investors, development partners, and SMEs from across the region and beyond, was held under the theme "Promoting Private Sector-Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment” and the motto "EAC Rising: From Reform to Results in a Thriving Pan-African Market."
Driving regional prosperity means strengthening the entire business ecosystem. Through affordable, long-term capital, the East African Development Bank continues to empower private enterprises to scale, innovate, and grow.
"At EADB, we recognise that supporting the private sector is not merely about financing enterprises; it is about catalysing an ecosystem of growth. Our interventions, therefore, are designed to enhance access to affordable, long-term capital to private sector enterprises." EADB Ag. Director General Benard Mono shared.
He went on to further share EADB's commitment to advancing the development of the region, saying,
"As EADB, we play a critical role in shaping the East African financial landscape & unlocking its full economic potential. We commit to advancing the region's shared development agenda. We shall continue to be a dependable partner fostering cross-border investment."
The EADB team also had the pleasure of having the Summit guest of honour, Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development in Kenya, visit the EADB exhibition booth. During the visit, she lauded EADB for playing a key role in catalysing regional development and urged the Bank to intensify outreach to grassroots enterprises.
Throughout the two-day deliberations, EADB participated in two high-level panels: the first, a panel focused on Driving Industrialisation in East Africa, where EADB was represented by Head of Operations Andrew Asira, and the second, a panel discussing on Unlocking financing for SMEs in the region where Uganda Country Manager Francis Ogwang represented the Bank.
At EADB, the Summit reaffirmed our role in enabling inclusive economic growth by supporting enterprise development, facilitating sustainable financing solutions, and advancing investments that enhance regional competitiveness.
