The East African Community (EAC), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), will host a Market Sounding Conference between October 20 and 21, 2025, in Kampala to discuss the business potential of Kenya–Uganda Multinational Expressway Project.
According to officials, the conference will bring together government officials, development partners, investors, and private sector leaders to explore financing options for the 193-kilometre project.
The conference is expected to attract significant investor interest, with participants offering feedback on project design, feasibility, and financing. It will also promote consensus on sustainable, inclusive approaches and encourage solutions for potential environmental and social impacts.
This major project, part of the Northern Transport Corridor, aims to boost regional trade, improve transport efficiency, and strengthen cross-border integration. It will also upgrade border posts at Busia, Malaba, and Lwakhakha into modern One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) to ease the movement of goods and people.
“This project is not just about building a road; it is about creating a modern, safe, and efficient transport artery that connects businesses, people, and opportunities across East Africa,” said Andrea Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Planning, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors.
“The Market Sounding Conference marks a turning point in our efforts to promote sustainable infrastructure through private sector funding, transforming trade, strengthening regional integration, and unlocking opportunities for millions,” he added.
The conference will provide a platform for governments, financiers, development partners, and the private sector to engage on the expressway project. Participants will review detailed feasibility studies, including traffic forecasts, engineering designs, and environmental and social impact assessments. A Bankability Report will also be presented, outlining viable public-private partnership (PPP) financing models based on project cost estimates.
“There will be ample opportunity for rich dialogue on how to mobilise resources effectively and sustainably,” Malueth said.
Beyond technical presentations, investors, bilateral donors, and development finance institutions will share ideas on improving the project’s bankability and ensuring long-term value. Discussions will highlight how the expressway will enhance regional connectivity, lower transport costs, and boost economic growth across East Africa.
The event aims to gauge investor interest and align stakeholders on next steps, paving the way for an integrated transport corridor that supports trade and development in the region.
Outcomes are expected to include stronger commitments from development partners and the private sector, along with a shared understanding of the project’s potential to drive trade, integration, and economic growth across East Africa.