Africa unlcocked shows it is time to fast track East African ambition

SOUTH AFRICA: Cape Town hosted Africa Unlocked 2025, a two-day summit that brought together leading African entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to discuss how to accelerate inclusive growth on the continent.

Organised by Standard Bank, which is the parent company of Stanbic Bank Tanzania, the forum focused on key enablers such as regional trade, infrastructure, energy, and access to capital, areas that hold enormous potential for East Africa.

From port congestion to energy access, many of the discussions echoed realities across the East African region. But the tone was not one of criticism. It was one of collaboration, opportunity, and shared responsibility. Africa Unlocked was a call to act on what is possible, not a reminder of what is lacking.

Trade featured prominently. East Africa has made strides through the East African Community and plays an active role in the African Continental Free Trade Area. But more can be done to improve the movement of goods across borders. Investments in trade corridors, port systems, and digital customs are already underway.

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Strengthening these efforts will unlock value for local producers, cross border entrepreneurs, and logistics firms across the region.

Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port, for example, plays a vital role in regional trade. Enhancing its capacity and efficiency will benefit not just Tanzanian exporters, but also businesses in neighbouring Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This was reflected in conversations about how infrastructure investment must be regional, coordinated, and designed with trade outcomes in mind. On energy, East Africa continues to innovate. Kenya and Tanzania are expanding rural electrification through solar and mini grid solutions.

These developments are critical to ensure communities and small industries can thrive. At the summit, the conversation moved beyond generation and looked at distribution and affordability, how to ensure energy reaches homes, schools, farms, and factories. Instead of focusing on what has yet to be done, speakers shared what is already working.

Ethiopia’s hydropower strategy, Uganda's surplus generation, and Kenya’s renewables all formed part of a bigger story, one where East Africa is building solutions tailored to its context.

The message was clear, Africa has the ability to power itself. It is a matter of building smarter, faster, and more inclusively.

Capital access was also front and centre. Many African businesses still face financing hurdles, especially small and family owned enterprises. Yet these businesses form the foundation of East Africa’s economy. They drive agriculture, transport, healthcare, and local manufacturing.

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The summit offered new perspectives on how African capital, including pension funds and local investors, can play a bigger role in financing growth at home.

Standard Bank’s Chief Executive Officer for Business and Commercial Banking, Bill Blackie, reminded delegates that the future lies in trusting Africa’s own potential.

“Unlocking Africa’s potential is not a slogan. It is an action,” he said. “We must trust and invest in our own entrepreneurs.”

For East Africa, this is both a challenge and an invitation. The region has a youthful population, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and growing infrastructure networks. By deepening trade integration, expanding energy access, and unlocking financing, it can take a leadership role in the continent’s economic future.

Africa Unlocked was not just about identifying problems. It was about charting a shared path forward. As the continent builds momentum, East Africa is well positioned to lead with solutions rooted in regional collaboration, innovation, and long term ambition.