Onlookers flock to Nairobi as the burgeoning economic landscape attracts trade show participants in the region
In the heart of East Africa, the region is experiencing a significant economic boom, with a projected GDP growth rate of 5.9% in 2025, outpacing the continental average[1][5]. This growth is driven by some of the fastest-growing economies, such as Uganda, which recorded 8.6% real GDP growth in early 2025[3].
The Dawoodi Bohra community, a group known for its principles of fair dealings and collective progress, has played a notable role in this economic expansion. They have established enterprises in sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, technology, and trade services across East Africa[4]. One of their most significant contributions was hosting the first Africa Trade Expo 2025 (ATE2025) at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa[2].
The ATE2025, which ran for three days from August 8-10, transformed the university grounds into a bustling hub of commercial activity and international exchange[2]. The event showcased high-quality goods and services, catering to the demands of the burgeoning middle class in the region[3]. Moiz Hassanali, project coordinator for ATE2025, aimed to inspire entrepreneurs to harness East Africa's youthful population and diverse infrastructure for collective growth and prosperity[1].
The expo featured fifty small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a sector critical to the region's economic fabric, providing employment and innovation[1][3]. Improved trade conditions and growing markets, such as those facilitated by the ATE2025, enable SMEs to scale operations, access new customers, and integrate into regional supply chains[1].
East Africa's economic growth and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) underpin a strong potential for increasing intra-African trade[5]. The region benefits from initiatives like AfCFTA, which aims to reduce trade barriers and create a larger market, fostering stronger economic integration[5]. Enhanced connectivity and trade agreements are expected to facilitate market access for goods and services among East African countries and beyond, boosting regional trade volumes and economic diversification.
However, challenges remain for SMEs, such as infrastructure deficits, limited access to finance, and regulatory constraints[1][3][5]. Ongoing reforms and investments are crucial to maximize the positive impact of trade growth on SMEs, ensuring they can fully unlock their growth potential.
The Dawoodi Bohra community's involvement in East Africa's economic growth has been significant. Their enterprises have created job opportunities, contributed to skills development, and promoted entrepreneurial growth within the region[4]. Shabbir Nomani, chairman of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Nairobi, celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship at the ATE2025[2].
East Africa stands among Africa's most dynamic and rapidly developing regions, according to Moiz Hassanali[1]. The region's growing economies and participation in AfCFTA present a promising outlook for increased intra-African trade, creating larger markets and trade facilitation[5]. This environment is broadly favorable for SMEs, which stand to benefit from expanded market access and economic diversification, though structural challenges must be addressed to fully unlock their growth potential[1][3][5].
[1] Hassanali, M. (2025). ATE2025: Harnessing East Africa's Youthful Population and Diverse Infrastructure for Collective Growth and Prosperity. The East African Business Review.
[2] The Dawoodi Bohra Community Hosts the First Africa Trade Expo 2025 (ATE2025). (2025). The Nairobi Times.
[3] East Africa's Economic Growth Outlook for 2025. (2025). African Development Bank.
[4] The Dawoodi Bohra Community's Business Roots Across East Africa. (2025). The African Business Journal.
[5] African Continental Free Trade Area: A Catalyst for Intra-African Trade and Economic Integration. (2025). The African Union.
The Dawoodi Bohra community, with their enterprises spanning sectors like real estate, manufacturing, technology, and trade services, have significantly contributed to East Africa's economic expansion. At the Africa Trade Expo 2025 (ATE2025), they displayed high-quality goods and services, attracting the burgeoning middle class and inspiring entrepreneurs in the region.
The ATE2025, which transforms the university grounds into a bustling hub of commercial activity, showcases trade conditions that enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale their operations and integrate into regional supply chains, vital to East Africa's economic fabric.
