By KPC Reporter
The East African Business Council (EABC) has appointed Ahmed Farah as its new substantive Executive Director following a competitive recruitment process.
In a press statement released from Arusha, Tanzania, the regional private sector apex body said Farah brings over two decades of leadership experience in trade and investment policy across East Africa and the continent.
“Mr. Farah is a distinguished trade and investment policy expert with extensive regional experience and a proven record in advancing private sector competitiveness,” the council said in the statement.
Prior to joining EABC, Farah served as Country Director for Kenya at TradeMark Africa, where he led multi-year programmes focused on trade facilitation, corridor performance, customs modernisation and private-sector competitiveness.
He also previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and held senior advisory and leadership roles at Deloitte East Africa and PwC.
According to EABC, Farah has built a strong reputation in regional integration, public-private dialogue, donor relations and resource mobilisation.
“He is widely recognised for his ability to translate regional and continental trade commitments into practical reforms that reduce trade costs and improve market access,” the statement added, referencing frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The council noted that his appointment comes at a critical time as the private sector intensifies advocacy to address non-tariff barriers, high trade and logistics costs and uneven implementation of regional commitments within the East African Community.
“As Executive Director, Mr. Farah will lead the EABC Secretariat in implementing the Council’s Strategic Plan while strengthening engagement with members and national focal points,” the statement said.
He is also expected to spearhead resource mobilisation and high-level advocacy at ministerial and Heads of State levels to advance EABC’s vision of a borderless East Africa that drives business growth, investment and jobs.
The statement was issued on behalf of the EABC Board by Chairperson John Lual Akol Akol.
The East African Business Council, established in 1997, serves as the regional apex body of private sector associations and corporates from East Africa, championing sustainable private sector-driven growth and deeper regional integration.