Nairobi will welcome over 500 top CEOs, global leaders, and EU investors.

Over 500 top executives, senior government leaders, and global investors will meet in Nairobi on September 17 and 18 for the first-ever East Africa CEO and Investment Forum, aiming to draw new investments, close financing gaps, and enhance regional trade.

The forum, co-hosted by the East African Development Bank (EADB) and the East African Business Council (EABC), will bring together leaders from the public and private sectors, development finance institutions, investment promotion agencies and development partners.

A European Union delegation of more than 50 investors, including German business leaders, is expected to attend the meeting, which will focus on investment opportunities, trade competitiveness and regional economic integration.

EABC Executive Director Ahmed Farah said East Africa remains Africa’s fastest-growing economic bloc, expanding at 5.6 per cent annually, and continues to attract interest from investors seeking opportunities across the region.

A key highlight of the forum will be the launch of the inaugural EAC Trade and Investment Climate Report 2026, which will outline reforms needed to improve the business environment and strengthen the region’s competitiveness.

Discussions are expected to focus on measures required to increase investment, improve cross-border trade and address barriers affecting businesses operating across the eight EAC partner states.

EADB Acting Director General Benard Mono said the lender will use the forum to help bridge financing gaps that continue to slow investment in the region.

The forum comes as East Africa seeks to take advantage of a common market of more than 300 million consumers and opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which gives businesses access to markets across the continent.

Ahead of the event, EABC and EADB held CEO roundtable meetings in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania between July and August.

The meetings brought together business and government leaders who called for the removal of outstanding non-tariff barriers, compensation for businesses affected by unjustified trade disruptions and harmonised standards, licences and professional qualifications across the region.