Ahmed Farah Named Executive Director of EABC
The East African Business Council (EABC) has appointed Ahmed Farah as its new Executive Director, placing a seasoned Kenyan trade expert at the helm of the region’s premier private-sector lobby as it pushes for deeper economic integration and reduced barriers to regional commerce.
The appointment was announced by John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson of the EABC Executive Board, who said Farah emerged from a competitive recruitment process involving applicants from across the East African Community (EAC).
Farah brings more than 20 years of experience in trade and investment policy, having previously served as Country Director for TradeMark Africa in Kenya where he led initiatives on trade facilitation, customs modernization and improving regional corridor performance and as Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His background also includes senior advisory roles with major firms like Deloitte East Africa and PwC.
In his new role, Farah is expected to drive the implementation of the EABC’s strategic plan, strengthen relations with national business groups and engage with the EAC Secretariat and regional policymakers to tackle persistent trade challenges. Key obstacles include non-tariff barriers, high logistics costs and uneven application of common market commitments that continue to limit intra-regional commerce.
Farah’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for East Africa’s private sector, which has been intensifying calls for coordinated action to reduce commerce costs and fully operationalise regional economic agreements. The EABC, representing private-sector associations and companies across the EAC partner states, plays a central role in advocating reforms that support business growth, job creation and integration.
He replaces Adrian Njau, who had served as Acting Executive Director since mid-2024. Farah’s leadership is expected to bolster efforts to make regional markets more accessible and competitive, aligning with broader aspirations for a more unified East African economy.
