NCBA Group has brought together diplomatic trade commissioners, ambassadors from more than 20 countries and missions, development partners, and investors for a high-level forum aimed at strengthening trade and investment across East Africa.
The engagement highlighted the need for closer collaboration among governments, financial institutions, investors, and development partners to unlock economic opportunities, expand market access, and support businesses operating in an increasingly complex global trade environment.
East Africa Records Strong Trade Growth
The forum comes amid robust trade performance across the East African Community (EAC), underscoring the region’s growing importance as an investment destination.
Recent EAC data shows exports increased by 37.7 per cent to USD 77 billion in 2025, while imports rose by 15.4 percent to USD 79.6 billion. Intra-African trade also recorded significant growth, rising by 40.1 per cent to USD 39 billion and accounting for 25.2 per cent of total trade.
Additionally, intra-EAC trade expanded by 28 per cent, demonstrating the increasing role of regional integration and cross-border commerce in driving economic growth.
Public-Private Partnerships Key to Regional Growth
Speaking during the forum, Filippo Amato, Head of Trade and Economics at the European Union Delegation to Kenya and keynote speaker, emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating development 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 mobilise and deploy capital effectively for enterprises, investors, and governments. Together, these partnerships position East Africa as an attractive investment destination globally,” said Amato.
He noted that coordinated efforts between governments, financial institutions, and development partners are critical in attracting investment and supporting sustainable economic transformation.
NCBA Strengthens Links Between Investors and Regional Markets
The forum reflects NCBA’s broader strategy of connecting businesses to regional and international opportunities. The bank currently serves more than 50 diplomatic missions and continues to strengthen linkages between East African enterprises and global markets through embassy banking services and foreign direct investment support.
NCBA says its role extends beyond banking by facilitating business connections, investment flows, and trade partnerships that support economic development across the region.
Collaboration Critical Amid Global Trade Uncertainty
NCBA Bank Kenya Managing Director James Gossip said stronger partnerships are necessary as businesses navigate geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and shifting market dynamics.
“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,” he said.
Gossip added that deeper cooperation among financial institutions, investors, educational institutions, policymakers, consulates, and development partners will be crucial in accelerating economic transformation and creating new business opportunities.
Investors Eye Opportunities Across Key Sectors
The forum also showcased investment opportunities across several high-growth sectors, including agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, fintech, technology, healthcare, and education.
Participants received practical insights into market-entry strategies, supplier value chains, investment prospects, and sustainable growth pathways available within East Africa.
With regional trade continuing to expand and integration gaining momentum, stakeholders at the forum expressed confidence that stronger partnerships and targeted investments will position Kenya and the wider East African region as a leading destination for global trade and investment.