Nkanu East is a Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Its headquarter is located in the town of Amagunze. Communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area include Nara Unateze, Nomeh Unateze, Akpawfu, Ugbawka, Nkerefi, Mburubu, Owo, Ubahu, Amaechi Idodo, Ama Nkanu, Oruku, Amagunze and Ihuokpara.

Ihuokpara, Mburubu, and Nomeh are mostly known for their farm produce, especially garri and palm oil.

Akpawfu village is famous for its traditional masquerade (omaba), special palm wine tapping (akwuru Akpawfu), all types of palm produce (palm oil, nut and kernel) and farming. The LGA is also rich in trading.

Afor Ugbawka is a major market that attracts people from both within and outside the state on every Afor day.

Nkerefi borders the council area with Ohaozara community of Ebonyi. The community claims to be the largest community by land mass in the council area. They are prominent with rice and cassava farming.

It has an area of 795 km2 and a population of 148,774 at the 2006 census.

The postal code of Nkanu East is 402.