The East African Business Council (EABC) is urging Rwandan entrepreneurs to take part in the East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2025, scheduled for October 16–17, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. Organizers say the event could provide practical solutions to many of the challenges businesses face.

The summit’s preparations were launched on August 11, 2025, by EABC in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINAFFET), the East African Community (EAC), GIZ, the East African Development Bank (EADB), ISUZU East Africa, RSM Eastern Africa, and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

EABC Vice Chairperson Denis Karera explained that Rwandan private sector players should not miss the gathering, as it will elevate their operations and expand their sourcing networks.

A key focus will be leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to explore products currently imported into Rwanda and identify goods Rwandan traders could export to other markets.

“Africa’s intra-continental trade remains at just 10%, even though the EAC leads compared to other regions. Europe, by contrast, is at 64%,” Karera noted.

However, some obstacles remain. For example, Tanzania recently barred small-scale foreign traders, including Rwandans, from operating in its territory. Juice and wine producer Clementine Mukandayisenga says she has suffered losses after being prevented from attending trade fairs in Tanzania—fairs where she used to leave her products stocked in local shops.

According to Clementine Mukeka, Permanent Secretary at MINAFFET, the matter will soon be discussed by the EAC Council of Ministers, to address not only the challenge itself but also the missed economic opportunities that arise when free movement of traders is restricted.

These trade barriers will also be on the summit’s agenda. Karera stressed that with the expiry of the AGOA trade deal between Africa and the United States, African countries must strengthen intra-continental trade. The discussions will also address how global trade wars—especially between the US and China—could drive up the cost of imported goods, making AfCFTA opportunities even more vital.

Another major topic will be the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the economy—how it can be harnessed to boost productivity instead of causing job losses. The forum will also explore ways African businesses can adapt to climate change, including droughts, floods, and landslides.

Adrian Raphael Njau, Acting Executive Director of EABC, said the summit’s resolutions will be presented to the EAC Council of Ministers. It will also review progress made since the last edition, held in Uganda in 2023.

Janet Gatera, EADB Country Manager in Rwanda, pledged strong institutional support, highlighting past investments in road networks, agricultural value chains, energy projects, manufacturing, and SME development across the EAC.

“We’ve seen many projects thrive, and as EADB, we are committed to partnering with each of you,” Gatera said.

The East African Business & Investment Summit & Expo 2025 expects around 600 participants, including top business leaders, policymakers, and trade experts worldwide. Participation fees are USD 100 for EAC citizens and USD 200 for non-members. Exhibition spaces will cost USD 300 for EAC members and USD 400 for non-members, with about 100 exhibitors anticipated.