The African Union Students' Council (AUSC)"For The Better Africa We Deserve" Office of the Founder and President Shares The East African Business Council (EABC) Summit 2026 Updates:

AUSC Accreditation for the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (24th-25th February 2026, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya)

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Dear Dr H.E Dr. IRAGUHA BANDORA Yves, The East African Business Council (EABC) is pleased to confirm that  Dr H.E Dr.IRAGUHA BANDORA Yves, Founder and President of The African Union Students' Council (AUSC) "For The Better Africa We Deserve " has been accredited to participate in the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026), taking place on 24th–25th February 2026 at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. Your accreditation pass number is 139. This pass grants you access to all Summit sessions and the Expo floor. If you are unable to attend, please inform us promptly so that we can allocate your pass to another participant. Please find the Event Program and Logistic Note on the Event Website for more information. B2B Networking Find List of companies with whom you may schedule B2B engagements by contacting us at mbithey@eabc-online.com and communications@eabc-online.com  Link: https://eabc-online.com/businesssummit2026/b2b-networking/ We also encourage you to register on the EABIS 2026 B2B Online Chat Network to connect directly with participants and arrange meetings in advance: https://business-summit.netlify.app/ Take advantage of these platforms to maximize your networking and partnership opportunities at the EABIS 2026. Theme: “Promoting Private Sector–Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment” Motto: “EAC Rising: From Reform to Results in a Thriving Pan-African Market” Program Highlights: Day 1 Highlights High-Level Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address EAC Economic Horizons – High-Level - Presidential Fireside Chat Insight Exchange Sessions Enhancing Intermodal Transport & Infrastructure Connectivity High-Level CEOs Dialogues Unlocking the Potential of Trade in Services Driving Industrialization in East Africa Exhibition & Business Matchmaking (B2B) Ribbon cutting ceremony Networking lunch & tea Evening Business Networking Reception  Day 2 Highlights Artificial Intelligence Open Skies: Advancing Air Transport Liberalization for a Borderless Africa Leveraging Regional and Continental Integration Parallel Breakout Sessions Digital Tax Stamps & Fighting Illicit Trade Unlocking SME Growth: Access to Finance & Mentorship Launch of ITC NTM Self-Assessment Tool & MSME Financing Gateway Strengthening Digital Trade & E-Commerce in the EAC Mutual Recognition Agreements for Engineers Fireside Chat: Unlocking Private Capital for Green Logistics Official Closing Ceremony & Adoption of Business Summit Resolutions Day 3 (Optional) Industrial Park Visit in partnership with KenInvest   The Summit will also feature curated B2B matchmaking sessions and an Expo showcasing different priority sectors. Key outcomes and recommendations will be consolidated into a Communiqué to be presented to the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers NB: Please bring a valid form of identification along with your accreditation pass for verification at the entrance. We look forward to welcoming you at the East African Business and Investment Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Our Partners and Sponsors     East African Business Council (EABC) Ninth Floor, Mafao House | Old Moshi Road | Arusha | Tanzania P. O. Box 2617 | Tel: +255 27 2520162/3 | Cell+255 758489761 Email: info@eabc-online.com  | communications@eabc-online.com  website: www.eabc-online.com    EABC - The Voice of the Private Sector in East Africa The African Union Students' Council (AUSC)"For The Better Africa We Deserve" Office of the Founder and President has pleasure to shares The East African Business Council (EABC) Summit 2026 Updates. After long time ago, contributing to the networking and connection with effectiveness of the African Young innovators and business ideas creators in the shaping of African Continent's better future, the East African Business Council (EABC) has been organizing summits and Webinars, with maximum Youth involvement, aiming to make the new generations of the African continent becoming more pound of the beautiful Continent of Africa which is the primary earthly resourceful and rich Cradle of Humanity We inherited not only from our ancestors and freedom fighters, but also from The Almighty God The Creator of everything from nothing. With these regards, The Office of the Founder and President of The African Union Students' Council (AUSC)"For The Better Africa We Deserve" has pleasure to participate maximumly in the EABC's coming Summit 2026, thus contributing to shaping the future of this African Continent with AUSC. Below is the event's updates: The East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the East African Community (EAC)  is pleased to invite you to register for the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026), taking place on 24th–25th February 2026 at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Register Now  Held under the theme: “Promoting Private Sector–Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment” and inspired by the motto: “EAC Rising: From Reform to Results in a Thriving Pan-African Market,” The East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026), is the premier high-level platform to shape the East Africa Economic Agenda and unlock new investment and trade opportunities. Visit Event Website  Therefore, On behalf of the African Union Students' Council (AUSC) "For The Better Africa We Deserve", the AUSC Founder and President Office in Kigali-Rwanda has the pleasure to share the received invitation to join the EABC summit 2026, and we as well invite all AUSC leaders, members and Friends to participate physically and online to this special summit in Nairobi-Kenya. Introduction to the New EABC Executive Director and EABC Jumuiya Watch Newsletter as of 15th February 2026 Dear Esteemed Member / Partner, The Board of the East African Business Council (EABC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ahmed Farah as the new substantive Executive Director, following a competitive recruitment process. Mr. Farah is a distinguished trade and investment policy expert with over two decades of leadership experience across East Africa and other African markets.

 

Prior to joining EABC, he served as Country Director for Kenya at TradeMark Africa (TMA), where he led large, multi-year programmes focused on trade facilitation, corridor performance, customs modernisation, and private-sector competitiveness. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and held senior advisory and leadership roles at Deloitte East Africa and PwC. Mr. Farah holds a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Kenyatta University. He is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA K) and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), with additional qualifications in corporate governance and strategic leadership. Throughout his career, Mr. Farah has demonstrated exceptional expertise in regional integration, public–private dialogue, donor relations, and resource mobilisation to deliver measurable trade and investment outcomes. He is widely recognised for his ability to translate regional and continental trade commitments—including the East African Community (EAC) integration agenda and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—into practical reforms that reduce trade costs, ease cross-border procedures, and improve market access for businesses. His appointment comes at a critical time as EABC intensifies advocacy to address non-tariff barriers, high trade and logistics costs, and uneven implementation of regional commitments. As Executive Director, Mr. Farah will lead the EABC Secretariat in implementing the EABC Strategic Plan, strengthening engagement with members and National Focal Points, deepening collaboration with the EAC Secretariat, Organs and Institutions, and spearheading high-level advocacy at Ministerial and Heads of State levels. The Board expresses its full confidence in Mr. Farah’s leadership and invites all stakeholders, partners, and the wider business community to extend their full support and cooperation as he undertakes this important role in advancing EABC’s vision of a borderless East Africa that drives business growth, investment, and jobs. For correspondence and collaboration, Mr. Farah can be reached at afarah@eabc-online.com | director@eabc-online.com. We kindly invite you all to join us in congratulating Mr. Ahmed Farah on his appointment and to accord him your full support as he assumes this important responsibility. Issued on behalf of the EABC Board Hon. John Lual Akol Akol Chairperson East African Business Council (EABC)

 

 

EABC Jumuiya Watch, outlining EABC activities and advocacy initiatives undertaken during the period of January 2026. This Issue, You Will Find: Our flagship Event - East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo will take place from 24th to 25th February 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Register at: http://www.eabc-online.com/businesssummit2026 Invest.EastAfrica! – Business and Investment Forum concluded with five new business partnerships to boost economic ties between Germany and East Africa Webinars on Navigating Quality Requirements in EAC  Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Uganda. EABC Media Mentions  EABC Upcoming Events and Activities

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Invest.EastAfrica! – Business and Investment Forum concluded with five new business partnerships to boost economic ties between Germany and East Africa  Participants explored concrete cooperation opportunities in joint investment priority areas, such as agri-business, pharmaceuticals, AI, carbon credits, as well as tourism BERLIN, Germany, January 30, 2026/APO Group/ -- The “Invest.EastAfrica! – Business and Investment Forum” concluded at the GIZ (www.GIZ.de/de) Representation in Berlin, launching five new business partnerships by leading European companies such as Bayer, Melitta and ofi with their East African partners. The partnerships are designed to accelerate sustainable trade, stronger value chains and inclusive growth — from digital business models and artificial intelligence to coffee and cashew processing, entrepreneurship, and venture building. Download report and Watch video Invest.EastAfrica! German-East African Investment Forum 2026. Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Bärbel Kofler: “The five partnerships between German and East African private sector actors and the BMZ presented today send a clear message: Germany and the EAC are driving a form of private sector cooperation that delivers economic growth while creating tangible benefits for people. The BMZ will continue its close collaboration with the East African Community to strengthen regional integration and improve reliable investment framework conditions.” Over three days, companies moved from initial interest to structured project pipelines—agreeing on next steps and timelines on a foundation of trust Over the course of the forum, more than 350 representatives of German companies met a delegation of 60 East African businesses across a three-day programme in Frankfurt am Main and Berlin. Participants explored concrete cooperation opportunities in joint investment priority areas, such as agri-business, pharmaceuticals, AI, carbon credits and tourism. East Africa is fast consolidating its position as Africa’s economic powerhouse, with inter-regional trade expanding by more than 12 per cent. At the same time, the East African Community is reviving their efforts to finalise the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement—a timely step, given that the EU currently ranks only as the region’s fourth-largest trading partner. Against this backdrop, the forum—hosted in the State of Hesse, one of Germany’s economic powerhouses—aimed to deepen German-East African economic ties and diversify both regions' trade and investment portfolios in an era of mounting geopolitical challenges. “At a time when the world is once again turning to isolation, we are sending a clear signal for open trade and the diversification of our economic relations. East Africa, with its more than 320 million inhabitants, is an important future market for Hessian companies—dynamic, innovation-strong and strategically relevant,” says Manfred Pentz, Hessian State Minister for International Affairs. In the same spirit—moving from political intent to practical delivery—Christoph Kannengießer, CEO of the German-African Business Association Afrika-Verein, emphasises: “Invest.EastAfrica! shows how purposeful dialogue can translate into concrete cooperation. Over three days, companies moved from initial interest to structured project pipelines—agreeing on next steps and timelines on a foundation of trust. Diversifying markets is a shared strategic objective, and this forum helps turn it into a practical, investable collaboration.” Building on the momentum of the first edition, the event partners — including Afrika-Verein, the State of Hesse, German Development Cooperation (GIZ), IHK Frankfurt & Friedberg and Berlin, BVWM, as well as the East African Community and the East African Business Council (EABC) — will support the development of ten additional business cooperations to be launched at next year’s forum. These projects are expected to target an estimated 500 million EUR in investment volume and involve German companies such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, ODDO Bank, Lufthansa, and Fresenius, alongside their East African partners such as Cassava, Bedi Investment, Hormuud and Equatorial Nuts. “As the business community of East African we are welcoming the rich results of the business forum and are ready to implement these agreed cooperation projects and more to boost economic ties with Germany,” concluded Jas Bedi, Vice-Chairperson of the East African Business Council. Read More

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Watch the Webinar on Market Intelligence for Leather, Textiles, and Edible Oils value chain, focusing on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), organized under the EABC–AfDB Project: Accelerating Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialization in the EAC. Market Intelligence for manufacturers in the leather, textiles, and edible oils sectors End-to-End Export & Import Procedures (EAC & AfCFTA)

 

The East African Business Council (EABC) participated in the Powering East Africa’s Growth webinar as a regional private sector apex body, contributing perspectives on trade facilitation, regional integration, and private sector–led growth within the East African Community. EABC was represented by Mr. Adrian Njau, Acting Executive Director, who underscored the importance of translating policy commitments under the EAC and AfCFTA frameworks into tangible outcomes for businesses. EABC highlighted persistent implementation challenges affecting intra-regional trade, including non-tariff barriers, logistics inefficiencies, and uneven regulatory alignment, while emphasising the critical role of structured public–private dialogue and coordinated regional action.  Download   Post–Webinar Report Powering East Africa’s Growth – Equity Group and  Equity Group -Trade and Working Capital Finance

 

National Webinars on Navigating Quality Requirements in EAC.

 

EABC, ITC, and AQP Equip SMEs on Quality Compliance to Boost Regional and Global Market Access Nairobi, Kenya | 19 January 2026 — The East African Business Council (EABC), with the support from The International Trade Centre (ITC), under the EU–EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme Phase II (MARKUP II) funded by the European Union and the Association of Quality Professionals (AQP), successfully convened a national webinar on “Navigating Quality Requirements with the EAC Quality for Trade Platform.” The webinar strengthened the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to comply with quality standards and enhance their competitiveness in regional and global markets.. Read More

 

EABC and Partners Equip Rwandan SMEs on Quality Compliance to Unlock Regional and Global Markets Kigali, Rwanda — The East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Rwanda Association of Quality Assurance (RAQ), convened a national webinar aimed at strengthening the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to meet quality requirements for regional and international trade. The webinar, titled “Navigating Quality Requirements with the EAC Quality for Trade Platform,” brought together exporters, quality professionals, business support organizations, and policymakers to enhance awareness and practical understanding of standards, certification processes, and market access obligations. Read More

 

EABC and Partners Strengthen Tanzania’s SMEs on Quality Compliance for Regional and Global Trade Arusha, Tanzania — The East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the National Quality Assurance Tanzania (NQAT), convened a national webinar to enhance the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to comply with quality requirements and improve their access to regional and international markets. Read More

 

EABC and Partners Support South Sudan’s SMEs to Meet Quality Standards for Competitive Trade Juba, South Sudan — The East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Alliance for South Sudanese MSMEs (ASSM), convened a national webinar to strengthen the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to comply with quality requirements and improve their participation in regional and international trade. Read More

 

EABC and Partners Equip SMEs on Quality Compliance through the EAC Quality for Trade Platform Bujumbura, Burundi  — The East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and national quality institutions, convened a national webinar on “Navigating Quality Requirements with the EAC Quality for Trade Platform.” The session aimed to strengthen the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to comply with regional and international standards and improve their competitiveness in export markets. Read More

 

EABC, ITC and QAAUL Support Ugandan MSMEs to Navigate Quality Requirements for Export Markets Kampala, Uganda | January 2026 – The East African Business Council (EABC), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Quality Assurance Association of Uganda Limited (QAAUL), convened a national webinar to strengthen the capacity of Ugandan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to comply with quality requirements and enhance their access to regional and international markets. The webinar, titled “Navigating Quality Requirements with the EAC Quality for Trade Platform,” brought together private sector associations, exporters, quality professionals, and business support institutions to explore practical solutions that help enterprises meet standards, regulations, and buyer expectations. Read More

 

EABC In the Media

 

Kenyan Ahmed Farah Takes Helm at East African Business Council The Board of the East African Business Council (EABC) Has Appointed Ahmed Farah Kenyan Trade Expert Appointed EABC Boss – The New Times Rwanda The Board of the East African Business Council (EABC) Has Appointed Ahmed Farah East Africa turns to AI to boost regional investment and trade Ahmed Farah Takes Helm at EABC as Region Pushes for Deeper Economic Integration** – Business Insider Tanzania EABC Invites Cooperatives to Investment Summit & Expo 2026 International Trade Centre Collaborates with EABIS 2026 to Advance Regional Trade Youth Cross-Border Traders Laud the Launch of Trade Info Booth & e-Customs App at Busia OSBP Regional business lobby urges EAC Countries to address emerging non-tariff barriers Kenyan Ahmed Farah Takes Helm at East African Business Council** – The EastAfrican East African Business Council Appoints Ahmed Farah to Serve as New Executive Director – Tanzania Times Ahmed Farah Appointed East African Business Council Executive Director – Business Today Kenya East African Business Council Appoints Ahmed Farah as Executive Director – The Citizen Tanzania EAC Must Halt Raw Exports, Build Strong Value Chains to Fix Trade Gaps – Lobby** – The Star Kenya Regional Business Council Appoints Ahmed Farah as New Executive Director – Kisii Press Club Neue Führung für den Ostafrikanischen Handel: Ahmed Farah Leitet Wirtschaftsrat – TwitterSmash Missed the National Webinar on Navigating Quality Requirements in EAC? Catch the full session here  Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Uganda.

 

Publications

 

The EABC Policy Advocacy Agenda 2025–2026, developed by the East African Business Council in collaboration with national and sectoral private sector associations across the EAC, outlines regional private sector policy priorities aimed at improving the trade and investment environment.  Download EABC Policy Advocacy Agenda 2025-2026

 

Upcoming Events & Activities

 

The East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the East African Community (EAC)  is pleased to invite you to register for the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026), taking place on 24th–25th February 2026 at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Register Now  Held under the theme: “Promoting Private Sector–Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment” and inspired by the motto: “EAC Rising: From Reform to Results in a Thriving Pan-African Market,” The East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2026 (EABIS 2026), is the premier high-level platform to shape the East Africa Economic Agenda and unlock new investment and trade opportunities. Visit Event Website

 

Webinar Unlocking DRC’s Investment Frontier  19th February 2026 from 14:00 - 15:30Hrs (EAT) Registration link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c1nAsFuZTkWZLE2748yhdg#/registration 22–29 March – Lubumbashi & Kolwezi, DRC In-Person Trade Mission Building Value at the Heart of Africa 29 March – 1 April – Kinshasa, DRC (Optional) In-Person Engagement 25–27 March – Nairobi, Kenya In-Person Kenya International Investment Conference 2026 13–23 April – Guangzhou, China In-Person Canton Fair 20–21 April – London, United Kingdom In-Person Trade Mission Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit 11–12 May – Nairobi, Kenya In-Person Africa–France Summit 2026 20 May – Tanzania & Zanzibar Webinar Investing in Tanzania & Zanzibar: Emerging Opportunities and Insights 4 June – Kenya Webinar Equity Group Energy Opportunities in Kenya June (TBC) – Nigeria In-Person Trade Mission 28 June – 3 July – Tanzania & Zanzibar In-Person Trade Mission Investing in the Indian Ocean Growth Corridor For further information, please contact: Email: trademissions[at]equitygroupholdings.com irene.irungu[at]equitybank.co.ke  Tel: +254 763 717 545 Click to Register

Published on February 20th, 2026

Approved by the Office of the Founder and President of The African Union Students' Council (AUSC)"For The Better Africa We Deserve".

We wish You all the best.

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