NAIROBI, Kenya, June 4-NCBA Group, alongside diplomatic trade commissioners, ambassadors and investors from more than 20 countries are exploring sector-driven entry strategies into East Africa’s fast-expanding trade economy, with discussions focusing on agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, fintech, technology, healthcare and education as key investment entry points.
The deliberations focused on how international and regional investors can structure market entry, navigate supplier value chains and position for regional expansion, as East Africa continues to deepen integration and shift toward value-chain-led trade and investment models.
The discussions come against a backdrop of strong regional trade performance, with the East African Community (EAC) recording significant gains across key indicators.
Exports rose by 37.7% to USD 77 billion (Sh11.8 trillion), while imports increased by 15.4% to USD 79.6 billion (Sh12.2 trillion). Intra-African trade grew by 40.1% to USD 39 billion (Sh6.0 trillion), accounting for 25.2% of total trade, while intra-EAC trade expanded by 28%, reflecting strengthening regional linkages 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, said stronger institutional coordination is key to converting trade gains into investment outcomes.
“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.”
NCBA said its engagement with more than 50 diplomatic missions continues to position the lender as a key conduit for foreign direct investment flows and cross-border trade facilitation through its embassy banking services.
James Gossip, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Kenya, said shifting global conditions are reshaping capital flows into emerging markets.
“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 added that deeper coordination between financial institutions, development partners, consulates, investors, education institutions and policymakers will be critical in accelerating economic transformation.
The engagement highlighted growing investor interest in structured sector entry, with emphasis on agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, fintech, technology, healthcare and education as key gateways into East Africa’s growth economy, alongside a focus on supplier ecosystems and regional value-chain positioning.
