DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 11 -- EAST Africas next growth opportunity may not come from expanding beyond its borders, but from unlocking the economic potential within them.

Despite having a combined market of more than 300 million people, intra-regional trade remains a fraction of the blocs total commerce, prompting businesses and policymakers to accelerate efforts to build a more connected regional economy.

The challenge and opportunity formed the backdrop of the East African Business Council (EABC) CEOs-Trade & Investment Roundtable in Tanzania, where business leaders, governments and development partners explored ways to turn regional integration into stronger investment flows, industrial growth and expanded markets for companies.

The disc...