Event report
Breakfast Panel : Impact of Middle East Geopolitics on East Africa & Opportunities for the EU
The risks, resilience strategies and new opportunities for EU–East Africa cooperation.
On Tuesday, 26th May, FCCK, in partnership with EuroCham Kenya and the Netherlands Business Hub, hosted a Breakfast Meeting on the Impact of Middle East Geopolitics on East Africa & Opportunities for the EU.
The session brought together business leaders, investors and industry experts to discuss how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are reshaping trade routes, energy markets, logistics, security and investment decisions across East Africa.
Discussions highlighted the direct impact of current disruptions on businesses, including rising fuel costs, longer shipping lead times, higher freight and insurance costs, and increasing pressure on supply chains. Speakers also underlined the broader macroeconomic consequences for Kenya and the region, from inflation and forex pressure to reduced investor confidence and tighter access to credit.
A key focus of the conversation was business resilience. Panellists emphasised the need for companies to review contractual exposure, including force majeure clauses, price adjustment mechanisms, insurance coverage and supply disruption provisions. The discussion also explored the importance of agility, as companies operating across multiple East African markets must navigate differing regulatory frameworks, tax systems and cross-border operational constraints.
The panel also addressed the security dimension of geopolitical disruption, including cargo protection, strategic infrastructure, supply chain integrity and the growing role of technology in logistics resilience. Participants noted that physical security, cybersecurity, insurance and logistics can no longer be treated in silos.
Despite the risks, the session also highlighted significant opportunities for East Africa. The region is increasingly positioned as a logistics, industrial and investment platform, supported by growing demand for warehousing, transport fleets, tracking solutions, air cargo services, Special Economic Zones and trade corridors such as the Northern Corridor.
The role of the European Union was also discussed, particularly in supporting resilient infrastructure, trade facilitation, renewable energy and private sector investment through tools such as technical assistance, feasibility studies and blended finance. Speakers stressed that energy diversification, regional integration and regulatory harmonisation will be essential to unlocking East Africa’s long-term potential.
The session concluded with a strong reminder : while geopolitical shocks create uncertainty, they also reveal where businesses and regions can build resilience, reduce friction and capture new opportunities.
Moderated by Caroline Englund (Founder at Empactive Solutions), with John M. (Commercial Manager, Kenya at Africa Global Logistics), John Mungai (Economist, EU Delegation to Kenya), Wathingira Gituro (Partner at Bowmans (Law Firm)) and Jules Delahaije (CEO & Chairman of SGA Security - Security Group Africa).
We warmly thank EuroCham Kenya, the Netherlands Business Hub, all speakers and participants for contributing to this timely and insightful discussion.
