NCBA convened diplomatic trade commissioners and ambassadors from over 20 countries and missions, alongside development partners and investors, for a high-level forum in Nairobi aimed at deepening trade and investment across East Africa.
The engagement underscored the importance of coordinated action in unlocking economic growth, expanding market access, and supporting East African businesses in navigating a rapidly evolving global trade environment.
Recent East African Community (EAC) data highlights the region’s strong trade performance. Exports rose by 37.7% to USD 77 billion in 2025, while imports increased by 15.4% to USD 79.6 billion. Intra-African trade also gained momentum, growing by 40.1% to USD 39 billion and accounting for 25.2% of total trade. Additionally, intra-EAC trade expanded by 28%, reinforcing the critical role of regional integration and cross-border commerce.
Speaking during the session, Filippo Amato, Head of Trade and Economics at the European Union Delegation to Kenya and keynote speaker at the NCBA Trade Commissioner forum, emphasized the importance of collaboration:
“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.”
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The forum reflects NCBA’s ongoing commitment to connecting businesses to both regional and international opportunities. The Group serves more than 50 diplomatic missions, strengthening linkages between regional enterprises and global markets through its embassy banking and foreign direct investment support capabilities.
James Gossip, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Kenya, noted the importance of collaboration in the current global context:
“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 further emphasized that deeper partnerships among financial institutions, development partners, consulates, investors, educational institutions, and policymakers will be critical in accelerating economic transformation and unlocking new business opportunities across East Africa.
The engagement also highlighted key investor opportunities across sectors including agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, fintech, technology, healthcare, education. Participants gained practical insights into market entry strategies, supplier value chains, and sustainable growth pathways within the region.
