The first-ever Africa Trade Expo (ATE2025) wrapped up on a high note in Nairobi, having attracted 6,624 visitors and 225 exhibitors from around the globe.

Held from August 8–10 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa grounds, the event highlighted East Africa’s growing influence in trade, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The expo brought together players from eight key sectors, offering a platform for businesses of all sizes to showcase products, forge partnerships, and explore new market opportunities.

Information Technology, Manufacturing and Industrial Solutions led in participation with 57 exhibitors, followed by Tourism and Hospitality with 36, and Real Estate, Construction and Infrastructure with 35.

A notable feature of ATE2025 was the participation of 50 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), underlining the region’s growing entrepreneurial energy and the role of smaller businesses in shaping Africa’s economic future.

Shabbir Nomani, Chairman of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Nairobi—organisers of the event—praised the turnout and spirit of collaboration.

“We are proud to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship here today, where businesses of all sizes have been given a platform to seize new possibilities and forge paths to greater success,” he said.

ATE2025 Project Coordinator Moiz Hassanali emphasised the importance of harnessing East Africa’s demographic strengths.

“East Africa stands among Africa’s most dynamic and rapidly developing regions. With this Expo, we aim to inspire entrepreneurs to harness our region’s youthful population as well as the diverse and expanding infrastructure for collective growth and prosperity,” he noted.

East African economies, particularly Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, continue to post strong GDP growth, bolstered by increasing investment in infrastructure, improved border efficiency, and rising levels of intra-regional trade.

The expo underscored these trends by showcasing vibrant regional partnerships and business synergies.

ATE2025 also sought to celebrate the contributions of the Bohra business community, while further promoting trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

With access to a potential market of over 400 million people in the region, the AfCFTA framework is accelerating intra-African commerce and opening new opportunities for local enterprises.

The event featured tailored matchmaking services connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and policy leaders.