More than 400 business leaders, policymakers, investors, and regional integration experts have gathered in Kampala for the 3rd Stanbic East Africa Business Summit, a platform focused on unlocking East Africa’s economic potential through trade, investment, and collaboration.
Hosted by Stanbic Bank Uganda and the Standard Bank Group, the two-day event is centered on the theme “Connected & Resilient: Scaling East Africa’s Regional Advantage.”
The summit was officially launched by Oryem Okello, the minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs) who was joined by prominent figures including Patrick Mweheire, outgoing Regional Chief Executive for East Africa at Standard Bank Group, and Mumba Kalifungwa, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda.
Mumba Kalifungwa emphasised Uganda’s evolving role in the region.
“Uganda, once considered landlocked, is fast transforming into a land-linked economy investing in infrastructure, trade facilitation, and connectivity that allow goods, services, and opportunities to move seamlessly across borders,” he said.
The summit’s agenda includes high-level discussions on critical topics such as cross-border trade, infrastructure development, climate resilience, private capital flows, and leveraging East Africa’s youthful population to drive economic growth.
Patrick Mweheire said East Africa is on the cusp of extraordinary growth.
“With a young population, vast natural resources, fertile soils, and deepening integration, this region has all the ingredients to become a global growth engine,” he said.
However, he stressed that achieving this potential requires collaborative leadership and bold action to address challenges like youth unemployment, access to affordable credit, and climate change.
This year’s summit, the first to be held in Uganda, marks a significant milestone for the event, which has tripled in scale and influence since its inception in 2023. Previous editions took place in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Kampala summit also coincides with a leadership transition, as Dr. Joshua Oigara steps into the role of Regional Chief Executive for East Africa.
Over the next two days, delegates will engage in panel discussions, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities to forge partnerships and shape a shared vision for a more integrated and prosperous East Africa.
