The main objective of this study was to analyze the determinants of export participation of agricultural manufacturing firms in East A frica. In order for E ast African agricultural manufacturing firms to achieve global competitiveness, they need to have an indication of the factors that influence their export participation. Regression results using probit estimation procedure indicate that capital, foreign ownership and training in Uganda, average education, location in Nakuru and proportion of unskilled workers in Kenya, and firm size and location in Arusha and Mwanza in Tanzania, positively influences export participation of agricultural manufacturing firms. To promote exports, Tanzania should design strategies to grow small firms into large ones using measures such as loan guarantee schemes for small and medium firms, tax holidays for joint ventures and mergers, etc. The Ugandan government should also provide incentives for capital imports such as maintaining the current zero rating of capital imports. Lastly, Ugandan government should design strategies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, such as improving economic productivity through the provision of infrastructure and labour force training.