Leaders Call for Regional Unity and Sustainable Investment as Stanbic East Africa Business Summit 2025 Ends

The 3rd Annual Stanbic East Africa Business Summit concluded today after two days of engaging discussions on deepening regional integration, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable growth across East Africa.

Held under the theme “Connected & Resilient – Scaling East Africa’s Regional Advantage,” the summit brought together business leaders, policymakers, and investors from across the region to explore ways of leveraging East Africa’s strengths in connectivity—physical, digital, financial, and policy—to build a more resilient and inclusive economy.

In his opening remarks, Mumba Kalifungwa, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda, reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to driving growth in the region.

“East Africa is not just another region for us. It is a strategically important growth engine in our portfolio. It is a region that, we firmly believe, will shape Africa’s economic trajectory over the next two decades,” Kalifungwa said.

Patrick Mweheire, Outgoing Regional Chief Executive for East Africa, emphasized the importance of mobilizing financial resources and fostering partnerships to accelerate regional development.

“We need to mobilize international finance, forge meaningful partnerships, and build public infrastructure. This is important for East Africa, which, as a unified region, can present a stronger collective voice on the global stage,” he said.

Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, represented the Government of Uganda and highlighted the importance of collaboration and regional unity.

“Over the two days, we examined how to leverage our region’s connectivity—physical, digital, financial, and policy—to deepen trade, attract investment, and create shared prosperity,” he noted.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Layi Fatona, Co-Founder and former CEO of Aradel Holdings, under the sub-theme “Outside In: Investing East of the Rift.” Dr. Fatona underscored the need for sustainable and inclusive investment strategies to unlock East Africa’s vast potential.

“The potential for growth in this region is immense,” he said, adding that “collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial” to realizing that growth.

Dr. Fatona also stressed the importance of infrastructure development, technology, renewable energy, and human capital investment.

“Investing in human capital will yield high returns,” he said. “We must foster innovation and entrepreneurship because small and medium enterprises are the backbone of our economies.”

He further called for sustainability and inclusivity to be central to the region’s development agenda.

“Environmental sustainability must be at the core of our strategies,” he noted. “We should aim for inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society, empowering women and creating opportunities for the youth.”

The summit concluded with a renewed call for partnership, innovation, and collective action to strengthen East Africa’s competitiveness and ensure shared prosperity for all.