Eastern Africa Association
Eastern Africa Association
The Eastern Africa Association is a source of insightful and helpful publications, guides, and advice for all visitors to our website. Contributors include EAA analysts, our Members, and a wide range of experts and official commentators. As a key service for Members only, we produce a regular Newsletter which contains our analysis of developments in the region.
You can search for material using the filters below, or access the latest publications in the library further down the page.
The EAA produces a constant source of news, hold events and speaks to experts on the ground to help inform our members
Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
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Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
Read MoreThe EAA will hold a one hour virtual briefing, to update Members on political and economic developments in Eastern Africa. With the Kenyan presidential elections in the rear-view mirror, we will focus on the outcome and what it means for international investors. 7th September 12 noon UK time.
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Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
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Kenya’s elections are the big event to watch for, but developments in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda are also positive for investors.
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The use and acceptance of cryptocurrencies In Africa is becoming more and more prevalent, and there have been recent positive signs in countries such Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Uganda. Our commentary highlights developments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and is reproduced courtesy of Bowmans.
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Elections are round the corner and the hope is that they will pass peacefully. There seem to be no indications on the ground that there will be problems, but much will depend on how the IEBC conducts the elections. Inflation is an issue that has resulted in the Government giving subsidies on certain products, although this can only be a temporary solution.
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Tanzania is now working to assert itself as a dominant force within the region and a potential powerhouse for agricultural production and export of staples. Its ability to do so remains uncertain, however, the stage is being set by a continued push from Central Government to boost the country’s economic growth and woo private sector investors.
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The political situation remains stable. Economically the country is on an even keel. The oil industry is pursuing ambitious projects despite various obstacles in their path.
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CHOGM was held very successfully in June 2022 show casing Rwanda and its efficient systems. Economically the country is expected to slow down this year as some effects of the pandemic persist and the Russia-Ukraine crisis creates havoc for the global economy. The political situation remains the same other than the President indicating he may stand for a further term in 2024.
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The prospects for a negotiated settlement of the Tigrayan conflict are looking more hopeful, with the outline of a process in place. There are still mountains to climb as the differences between the two sides remain significant. Other ethnic conflicts continue to batter other parts of the country. That the Tigray war may be drawing to a close has buoyed economic sentiment, though the war and global economic pressures continue to weigh on the economy.
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Latest developments in Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
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Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
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Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
Read MoreOn August 9, 2022, Kenyans will cast their ballots for a new president, members of parliament, and members of the Kenyan senate. Co hosted with the Royal Africa Society and GBS Africa, this event will provide insights to some of the factors that will impact the outcome of the elections, and how they will affect Kenya’s future and the prospects for the region.
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Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
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On the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the importance of bodies promoting inter-connectedness in the ‘post-globalisation’ world.
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EAA analysis on the risks and threats, from the global impact of the Ukraine conflict to the climate crisis, and the implications for East Africa.
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Smooth elections will be critical to Kenya and IEBC will have to step up and ensure this happens. The leading candidates have chosen their running mates, adding a new dimension to the race. The economy is progressing well but may face headwinds in the coming months.
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With her first Budget in full swing, it is clear that President Hassan’s agenda is one of ambition and expenditure. The narrative from Ministries has been that of assisting the private sector, helping the economic base increase and keeping economic growth in at least high single digits. However, actual policy reform to ease doing business is still slower in coming.
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Politically there has been little change in Uganda. The economy which recovered substantially in 2021 is starting to slow with the prevalent global threats.
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Preparations for CHOGM are well underway with typical Rwandan efficiency. The economy is showing signs of a slowdown but is still expected to grow above the global average.
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The ceasefire in Tigray largely continues to hold, and aid flows have begun to arrive in greater quantities in the region. However, separatist and nationalist movements continue to arise in other parts of the country leading to continued security uncertainty and concerns over civil liberties in the country as a whole. Meanwhile, costs to the economy from the war at home and in Ukraine continue to rise.
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Latest developments in Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
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Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
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Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
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EAA CEO Toby Latta and Invest Africa CEO Karen Taylor agreed the partnership in January 2022.
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Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
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On the impacts of the Ukraine conflict on global and regional economies. But the search for new sources of energy supplies will benefit some countries in the region.
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EAA analysis on trends in the global and regional economy, in the wake of a the pandemic, supply chain interruptions and the war in Ukraine.
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The direction of travel is a positive one, with a continued widening of the democratic space and improved view of Tanzania on the world stage. However, there is much more to be done domestically to create a business environment that is conducive for existing and potential investors
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There are no significant developments on the political front, while concerns over human rights and the potential for further sanctions remain. Covid-19 appears to be well under control. The economy is recovering but at a slower pace than originally anticipated.
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The Rwandan economy is recovering well and headed back to pre-pandemic levels of growth. Hosting CHOGM in June is expected to give the economy a further boost. Politically the country remains stable.
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The Conflict in Tigray continues to dampen with the announcement of a truce and ceasefire by the sides. The peace process is still not defined but rhetoric from both sides indicates a desire to find a solution.
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Latest developments in Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
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Download the PDF version of the complete April 2022 Newsletter here.
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Click below to download the PDF version of the complete March 2022 Newsletter. Individual country updates are mobile friendly, to be found by searching for this month’s newsletter under the Newsletter drop down.
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Update for the week 20-26 Apr 2022
Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
Africa Risk Consulting monitors events around the region and provides users of the EAA website with this weekly summary.
Read MoreNAIROBI, March 29 (Reuters) – The East African Community trade bloc admitted Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as its seventh member on Tuesday, the group said, increasing the market by half to 300 million people. The EAC common market, which consists of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, was set up in 2010
Read MoreA recent Court of Appeal decision in the UK highlights the increasing obligations on banks to not only verify who is giving them instructions in respect to a particular account, but also review the nature of those instructions. Banks may not be able to defend their actions by simply saying they acted on the authority
Read MoreJeff Gable – Head of Macro Research Absa and Anthony Kirui – Head of Markets Absa Securities gave a presentation on the Africa Financial Markets Index 2021 at the January 2022 meeting. To see his presentation please click on the link below: Financial Markets Index 2021, by Jeff Gable, Absa
Read MoreKihara Maina, CEO, I & M Bank Kenya gave a presentation on Investment in East Africa: the risks and opportunities in the region as seen through the eyes of an investor, at the EAA’s global meeting on 28th July 2021. To view his presentation click on the link below: Risks and opportunities in East Africa:
Read MoreHadi Sheikh, Director & Partner, Westminster Consulting gave a presentation on the East African Community’s (EAC) Customs Union and non-tariff barriers in the October 2021 Members meeting. So see his presentation, please click below: EAC CUSTOMS UNION – A PRESENTATION BY HADI SHEIKH TO EAA MEMBERS ON 13.10.2021
Read MoreGauri Gupta, Director IM Burbidge Capital Limited, gave a presentation at the January 2022 members meeting on the opportunities and the investment landscape in East African markets. To view his presentation click on his link below: I&M Burbidge Capital presentation on East African markets
Read MoreDaniel Mwathe, Brian Kalule, and Joshua Mwamulima of Bowmans Law gave a presentation on Data Protection rules in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia at the January 2022 Members meeting in Nairobi. You can view their presentation by clicking on the link below: Bowmans Law presentation on Data Protection
Read MoreDuring our members’ global meeting in April 2021, Jibran Qureshi, Head, Africa Research and FIC Strategy, Standard Bank Group presented on the current state of the economies in the Eastern Africa region. You can view his presentation by clicking on the link below: Jibran Qureishi Head, Africa Research Standard Bank Economic Outlook
Read MoreAs regional trade within Eastern Africa grows, in September 2021 members heard an insightful presentation from Joyce Karanja, Partner, Bowmans Law, and EAA Advisory Board Member on “Regional Competition Enforcement”, COMESA and EAC perspectives. You can view her presentation by clicking on the link below: Joyce Karanja, Partner Bowmans Kenya on Regional Competition Enforcement
Read MoreProfessor XN Iraki, University of Nairobi / Editor, African Journal of Business Management and Columnist for the Standard Newspaper provided his view and outlook on East African economies with a special focus on – the debt conundrum and bottom-up economics, at the September global meeting (1st September 2021). You can view his presentation by clicking
Read MoreAt the global members’ meeting in October 2021, Urvi Patel, Partner, Deloitte shared the firm’s predictions on TMTs in the region You can view her presentation by clicking on the link below: Urvi Patel, Partner Deloitte East Africa, 0n TMT Trends Predictions_vF.pdf
Read MoreThe future of the Tigray conflict is entirely dependent on concessions being made by both sides to allow talks to open up.
Read MoreUpdates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
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On 23rd November 2021, the Ministers responsible for East African Community (EAC) Affairs recommended to Member State Leaders the entry of the DRC into the economic block. Our commentary sets out some background on this vast country and what opportunities lie in store for investors.
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As the general election nears, there is concern of disruptions and the impact that this could have on the economy.
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The outlook for investors and operators in Tanzania continues to improve with a raft of measures being taken to simplify the business environment and improve the economic and political climate in the country.
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Uganda remains in the same place politically with no viable opposition. The economy is slowly recovering and the reopening in January 2022 should help this.
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The country is showing a rebound after the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The virus is under control and a large part of the population has been vaccinated.
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After 18 months of conflict, the new year has seen the first hopeful signs of a diplomatic process to solve the Tigray crisis, with steps towards National Dialogue.
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Updates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
Read MoreLegal experts examine recent trends in Data Protection and Intellectual Property law in the region
Read MoreEconomically the country is recovering well but the upward trend could reverse if there is political violence around the election.
Read MoreRecent moves by the Government indicate the country is moving in a positive direction
Read MoreThe economy showed signs of recovery in late 2021 but has tapered off in early 2022.
Read MorePolitically the country remains stable, and its economy is showing signs of going back to pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment and poverty increases are of concern.
Read MoreChances for some form of negotiated settlement in Ethiopia’s bitter Tigray conflict are better than they have been at any time since hostilities broke out.
Read MoreLatest summaries from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
Read MoreAn election in 2022 is creating some uncertainty, particularly as regards succession.
Read MoreDemocracy remains under threat with the arrest of opposition leaders. The President seems committed to economic progress for the country and there does appear to be a general sense of optimism in the population.
Read MoreCovid-19 cases were declining but have risen again in August. The vaccine roll-out is progressing. There are no major changes in the political scene.
Read MoreCovid-19 lockdowns are being eased and economic activity is showing signs of recovery. Politically the country remains stable.
Read MoreThe Tigray conflict appears to be escalating and spreading to other parts of the country, threatening a deteriorating security situation more broadly in the country.
Read MoreUpdates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
Read MoreProfessor XN Iraki builds on the theme of the growing debt burden and the impact it is having on Kenya and other nations in the region.
Read MoreCovid-19 cases are declining and the vaccination programme is well underway. Politically there is some uncertainty around the 2022 election and the succession.
Read MoreThe outlook is largely dependent on the extent of changes to Covid-19 policies – the Socio-economic Response Plan – as well as the broader policy and reform agenda.
Read MoreThere appears to be an increasing push towards new leadership with opposition parties joining forces.
Read MorePolitically, Rwanda remains, stable but the country’s actions towards perceived “enemies” of the state is drawing global criticism.
Read MoreA new Government is in place and the inclusion of three opposition members in the Cabinet is positive.
Read MoreUpdates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
Read MoreAfter a period in the investment outhouse, risks are definitely becoming more manageable again. The business environment may still be relatively speaking opaque, but it’s certainly worth getting in early.
Read MorePolitical uncertainty could make the next twelve months difficult although the economy is showing signs of recovery.
Read MoreWith the tourism sector set to finally make a come-back in 2022, major investment projects beginning to take off, exports increasing and foreign investors beginning to feel confident to invest in Tanzania again, there are positive signs for the economy.
Read MoreOpposition parties are looking to a post President Museveni future which is not by any means a guarantee.
Read MorePolitically Rwanda remains stable with a marked reduction in Covid infections and a high vaccine roll-out which is fuelling an impressive economic recovery.
Read MoreEthiopia is faced with a number of challenges over the next few months that could well derail what had previously been quite a positive development prospect for the country. It is unlikely that the Government will be able to draw a line under the Tigray conflict, the elections are likely to be sub-optimal
Read MoreUpdates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
Read MoreThe EAA starts looking at the landscape of opportunity and risk in the region.
Read MoreEAA CEO Toby Latta talks to Tara O’Connor of Africa Risk Consulting about opportunities and risks in the region
Read MorePolitical stability is becoming a concern and the economy is struggling with the impact of Covid-19. The vaccination drive while launched has slowed down because of a lack of doses.
Read MoreTanzania is beginning to show its economic potential again and investors once again are showing interest. Politically matters remain stable. The acknowledgment that Covid-19 presents a serious threat is a welcome development.
Read MoreOn the political front there are growing concerns that the opposition is being supressed with heavy handed tactics and the world is taking note of this. Economically, a good start to 2021 is being impeded by a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Read MoreCovid-19 is being brought under control but availability of vaccines could become an issue. The economy is expected to pick up in 2021 and politically the country remains largely stable.
Read MoreCovid-19 infections have shown a significant downturn during May 2021. Elections are due to be held later this month which, if not peaceful, may set the country back. Ethiopia continues to open up to foreign investors.
Read MoreUpdates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
Read MoreEAA CEO Toby Latta introduces results from the Members’ survey
Read MoreThe EAA analyses the results of its Members survey on the opportunities and risks in the region
Read MoreCovid-19 cases are on the rise and the country appears to be heading into another wave. Politically, while relatively stable at the moment, matters could change rapidly as the country moves towards the election.
Read MorePolitically, there is a fly in the ointment with the recent arrest of opposition leaders. The country is finally monitoring Covid-19 which is important in bringing it back into the global fold. With regard to the economy, the President is certainly looking to keep her inauguration promises.
Read MoreCovid-19 infections are showing a significant rise in June which resulted in the country’s second lockdown which is due to come to an end in July. The economy, while showing signs of recovery in the early part of the year, has slowed down again. Politically there has been little or no change since the election.
Read MoreRising Covid infections are a concern and likely to impact economic growth. Nonetheless, the country remains largely stable on the political front.
Read MoreAn unsettled period lies ahead, with the ongoing conflict and an election yet to be completed. All in all, the Prime Minister’s Parliamentary mandate will be important for economic growth going forward.
Read MoreUpdates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia
Read MoreThis commentary follows the presentation by Joyce Karanja, a partner at Bowmans Kenya and specialist in competition law. It contains some of the key points for competition rules in COMESA and the EAC.
Read MoreThe country may be headed to a third wave of the pandemic. Politically matters are in a state of flux whilst the economy is showing signs of revival.
Read MoreThe Covid-19 situation, despite Government denial, is likely to have a major impact on Tanzania’s economy and its relationship with the rest of the world. Politics will probably revolve around the push for constitutional change.
Read MoreAs long as the national and global impact of Covid restrictions continue it is difficult to see any prospect of an improvement in the economic situation in the near to medium term future.
Read MoreThe sudden surge in Covid-19 cases in January seems to be coming under control. The political scene is largely stable. The economy has gone into recession and faces an uphill struggle to get back to its pre-Covid position.
Read MoreThe Covid-19 numbers are increasing and perhaps being fuelled by the civil unrest. Politically the country, while firmly under the control of the Central Government, is somewhat unstable and is likely to be so till the elections are held. 2021 will be a difficult year economically for the country.
Read MoreUpdates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia
Read MoreThe latest indicators suggest a broad-based recovery is on the cards in East Africa following a relatively robust economic performance last year. As a region as a whole, the latest figures from NKC African Economics suggest East Africa was able to eke out a 1.2% real GDP growth rate last year.
Read MorePolitical uncertainty predicted for the next 18 months until the elections, while the economy shows signs of recovering from the pandemic decline
Read MoreTanzania’s new president indicates likely changes to the poltiical landscape are on the way
Read MoreThe economy is almost certain to continue in a weak and fragile state as long as Covid and the necessary restrictions to control it nationally and internationally remain in place. Politically no great change can be expected in the wake of Presidential elections
Read MorePolitically Rwanda remains largely stable and while Covid-19 cases surged in the early months of 2021, Government measures seem to have brought this under control. The economy was showing signs of recovery but the recent lock down may have reversed some of the gains.
Read MorePolitical uncertainty but likely economic recovery as Kenya goes in to 2021
Read MorePost elections, Tanzania appears to be stable and economy doing well, according to govt figures
Read MoreUncertain outlook given the variety of domestic and international political and economic pressures on the Ugandan Government.
Read MoreThe country saw a surge in Covid-19 cases over the holiday season and immediately took steps to curtail further spread. Politically, Rwanda remains stable and the economy is showing signs of recovery.
Read MoreUnrest is threatening Ethiopia’s gains, but the government remains upbeat about the economy
Read MoreOther updates from around the region
Read MoreAt this time of COVID-19-induced economic and social woes, the African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCFTA), has been hailed as a continental comeback strategy, and as a way for Africa to reposition itself on a global stage.
Read MoreSOMALIA The capital, Mogadishu, continues to suffer from terrorist attacks, with two quite recently killing a large number of people and gravely injuring many others, including some Turkish citizens working in the country. The Al-Shabaab group is responsible for these, in an attempt to “intimidate and terrorise the Somali public” according to the country’s Prime
Read MoreSOUTH SUDAN Following interventions by the Pope and the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar agreed (again) to form a transitional unity government by a February 2020 deadline, even if some key political issues have not been resolved by then. Extending the deadline initially helped to maintain a ceasefire
Read MoreBURUNDI Condemnation of the deterioration of the human rights situation in the country ahead of elections scheduled to be held in May this year continues. Some independent journalists have been arrested for being “compliant in threatening the security of the state”, with the state prosecutor seeking a 15-year prison term. He has also called for
Read MoreRWANDA POLITICS Although he has his critics, when Paul Kagame became Rwanda’s president in 2000, he inherited a country that had been torn apart by genocide. To rebuild it he had to rely on mostly uneducated guerrilla fighters and a handful of ill-trained cadres. Even the most optimistic of analysts doubted his chances and one
Read MoreERITREA In his New Year Address, President Isaias Afwerki spoke of the country being “perched on the pinnacle of hope and confidence” and that, “in addition to suspicious regional developments, the main factor to usher in a favourable future is our domestic strength and capabilities”. He went on to say that “because we pursue an
Read MoreDJIBOUTI The country continues to court enhanced cooperation with China, following a recent meeting between President Guelleh and the Chinese Foreign Minister aimed at “expanding cooperation in the fields of blue and digital economy”. The President indicated that “he was willing to actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative”, noting
Read MoreETHIOPIA POLITICS He arrived with a great fanfare, bringing hope and optimism to a country that was riven with deep divides, civil unrest and soured relations with neighbouring countries. Initially, PM Abiy devoted his attention to regional matters, securing a peace deal with Eritrea, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, and cementing diplomatic ties
Read MoreTANZANIA POLITICS Tanzania was not represented at the recent UK Africa Investment Summit, although Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia were all in attendance, together with their respective investment promotion agencies. The repressive political environment and deteriorating business climate were largely to blame as the country becomes an even less favoured destination for foreign investors. The
Read MoreKENYA POLITICS A round up Anyone who has witnessed Kenyan elections in the past will know that they are generally a season of musical chairs as new alliances are formed and old ones thrown out. This is particularly true when an incumbent is coming to the end of his term. The lead-up to the 2020
Read MoreUGANDA POLITICS “Walking against corruption” On the morning of 4th December 2019, President Museveni led a public walk against corruption from Constitution Square in central Kampala to the Kololo air strip which is used for ceremonial functions. The object of the walk was to raise awareness of corruption and mobilise the masses to fight it.
Read MoreCOMMENTARY COP25 – MADRID Never let facts get in the way of an opinion is an age-old adage but one that far too frequently applies to the current climate change debate. Although it attracted little media attention in the UK, mainly because it clashed with the election in December last year, no less than 27,000
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On 2nd February 2022, the EAA and Invest Africa their first joint Eastern Africa outlook webinar. A panel discussed the economic prospects for the region, UK /EAC relations, and the political outlook. Watch the webinar here.
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Toby Latta, CEO, Eastern Africa Association, shared members’ views that were received from a survey on the business climate, risks and opportunities in the region at the July global meeting of members’ (28th July 2021). EAA Members Survey opportunities and risks (1)
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East Africa Weekly Chronology – 8-14 Dec 2021
ARC Briefing Monthly Chronology September 2021
ARC Briefing Monthly Chronology August 2021
ARC Briefing Monthly Chronology October 2021
East Africa Weekly Chronology – 10-16 Nov 2021
EAA Members Survey
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