The East Africa investment landscape is taking a more concrete shape following the inaugural CEO and Investment Forum held in Nairobi on 17-18 September 2026. The event, which drew over 500 chief executives, investors, policymakers, and development finance institutions, was jointly convened by the East African Business Council (EABC), the EAC Secretariat, and the East African Development Bank (EADB). Additional support was provided by GIZ, AGRA, and the African Development Bank.
The Forum's Deal Room sessions advanced 95 pre-screened investment opportunities worth nearly $3.95bn in aggregate, spanning various sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, digital infrastructure, energy, logistics, tourism, and health. The pipeline targets both intra-regional and international capital, with investors assessing cash flows, management depth, growth potential, and ESG alignment. This structure signals a deliberate shift from promotional pitching to structured due diligence, showcasing a more mature approach to investment in the region.
Macroeconomic data presented at the Forum gave the pipeline credibility, with EABC figures projecting East Africa's economic growth at roughly 6% in 2026. This growth rate keeps the region among Africa's fastest-expanding blocs. Furthermore, UNCTAD data show foreign direct investment inflows to East Africa reached $15bn in 2025, up from $13bn in 2024. Analysis by I&M Burbidge Capital also recorded a 10% year-on-year rise in private investment transactions in the seven months to July 2026.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, representing Uganda and the EAC Heads of State Summit chairmanship, delivered a keynote address at the Forum. She emphasized that East Africa must transition from being a net consumer market to positioning itself as a competitive producer, processor, and exporter. Kadaga linked the 6% growth outlook to value addition in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, minerals, and energy, highlighting the need for strategic development in these areas.
To make deal decisions more data-driven, the Forum launched several instruments. EABC unveiled the East Africa Investment Projects Catalogue 2026, which collates investment-ready projects across the region and is available for download. Additionally, the inaugural EAC Trade and Investment Climate Report 2026 was released, benchmarking policy predictability, trade logistics, and competitiveness across partner states. These tools aim to provide stakeholders with valuable insights to inform their investment decisions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability were prominent throughout the Forum's agenda. The Regional AI and Productivity Study and the EAC Circular Economy Platform were both launched, aligning with the EAC's regional AI Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy aims to harmonize technology policy and build digital skills across the region. Cooperation between the East African Science and Technology Commission and Germany's Hessen region was also highlighted as a conduit for advanced research partnerships.
In a move to broaden capital access, EABC and Afreximbank announced an Agency Agreement under the Africa Trade Gateway. This arrangement positions EABC as an onboarding agent for trade finance, providing more opportunities for businesses in the region to access funding. With these developments, East Africa is poised to see increased investment and growth, driven by a more structured and data-driven approach to deal-making.
Key points
- The East Africa investment forum resulted in a $3.95bn pipeline of bankable, cross-border deals.
- The Forum launched several instruments to make deal decisions more data-driven, including the East Africa Investment Projects Catalogue 2026.
- EABC and Afreximbank announced an Agency Agreement to broaden capital access for businesses in the region.
