NCBA Bank on Thursday, June 4 brought together trade commissioners, ambassadors from more than 20 countries, development partners, and investors in Nairobi for talks aimed at boosting trade and investment flows across East Africa.
The high-level forum comes as East African economies record significant growth in regional and international trade, with stakeholders seeking new opportunities amid an increasingly uncertain global economic environment.
According to data from the East African Community (EAC), exports from the region grew by 37.7 per cent to reach USD 77 billion in 2025, while imports rose by 15.4 per cent to USD 79.6 billion. Intra-African trade also expanded sharply by 40.1 per cent to USD 39 billion, accounting for more than a quarter of total trade, while trade among EAC member states increased by 28 per cent.
The meeting focused on strategies to unlock economic growth, expand market access, and help businesses navigate shifting global trade dynamics, including supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.
Speaking during the forum, the Head of Trade and Economics at the European Union Delegation to Kenya, Filippo Amato, emphasized the role of partnerships in driving economic expansion across the region.
“Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential in accelerating economic growth in the region. However, their success depends on strong financial institutions that can mobilize and deploy capital effectively for enterprises, investors, and governments. Together, these partnerships position East Africa as an attractive investment destination globally,” Amato said.
NCBA, which provides banking services to more than 50 diplomatic missions, said the engagement was part of efforts to strengthen links between East African businesses and international markets.
NCBA Bank Kenya Managing Director James Gossip noted that governments, investors, diplomatic missions, and financial institutions would need to work more closely together to sustain trade growth and attract investment.
“Global trade is increasingly shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and shifting market dynamics. Strengthened collaboration among governments, diplomatic missions, investors, and financial institutions is essential to expanding market access, sustaining trade flows, and unlocking long-term growth across the region,” Gossip said.
He added that stronger partnerships involving financial institutions, development agencies, investors, educational institutions, consulates, and policymakers would be key to accelerating economic transformation and creating new business opportunities in East Africa.
The forum also highlighted investment opportunities in sectors considered critical to the region’s growth, including agribusiness, manufacturing, energy, fintech, technology, healthcare, and education.
Participants discussed market-entry strategies, regional supply chains, and approaches to sustainable business growth as East Africa seeks to capitalize on rising trade volumes and deeper regional integration.
