The private sector is urging East African Community (EAC) member states to remove trade barriers and honor commitments to boost intra-regional trade, which has stagnated at less than 15 per cent for over 25 years. This call comes as the East African Business Council (EABC) aims to achieve 40 per cent intra-EAC trade by 2030.

• Intra-EAC trade grew by 9.3 per cent to $15.2 billion (Sh1.96 trillion) in 2024 but accounted for only 10.8 per cent of the EAC’s total trade.
• Adrian Njau, acting chief executive of EABC, emphasized the need to fully implement the Single Customs Territory (SCT) framework, expedite tax harmonization, and amend the EAC Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB) Act.
• The East African Business and Investment Summit and Expo 2025 will be held on October 16–17, 2025, in Nairobi to further address trade and investment barriers.