Insights - EAA

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The EAA produces a constant source of news, hold events and speaks to experts on the ground to help inform our members

Ethiopia Update March 2024

Ethiopia continues to pursue its ambition to achieve access to the sea through its MoU with Somaliland, all while dialling down the rhetoric and pursuing a more diplomatic approach, which could open a path to talks with Somalia. A Cabinet reshuffle continues to consolidate Prime Minister Abiy’s hold on the administration. On international trade, the country made significant progress on economic cooperation with Kenya and compliance with a number of AfCFTA commitments.

Ethiopia Update January 2024

Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland has cast the country into yet another high stakes dispute, with potential to drag it into conflict with its neighbors and affecting stability in the wider Horn of Africa region, and potentially beyond. Currently no efforts to begin mediation have been successful, so where the dispute goes from here is highly uncertain.

Ethiopia Update December 2023

Ethiopia still faces difficulties bringing its Amhara and Oromia conflicts to an end, which continue to impact investor perceptions of the market, and remain a drain on Government resources. New investment is still only trickling in. An investment grade downgrade by Fitch spelt bad news for the economy but debt relief from international institutions is on the horizon.

25th January, 2024

East Africa outlook 2024: Navigating regional prospects amidst global uncertainties – January 25, 2024

Eastern Africa Economic and political outlook 2024 :Annually, the Eastern Africa Association hosts its regional prospects series, providing a thorough analysis of key sectors, sharing experiences and expert insights into the political and economic factors influencing business in the region. The forum is an important program in EAA’s event’s calendar, presenting a clear view of potential risks and opportunities for the region.

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Ethiopia Update October 2023

Nervousness remains over Ethiopia’s ability to hold the peace in Tigray and re-establish order over other restive provinces, particularly Amhara. However, Ethiopia’s international partners are eager to normalise relations, and the Government is stepping up efforts to liberalise aspects of the economy, with signs that economic growth is picking up.

Ethiopia Update September 2023

Just as Ethiopia was righting itself after the Tigray conflict, a new outbreak of violence between the Federal Government and local militias in Amhara threatens to derail the restoration of peace and prosperity in the country. While international bodies and investors are concerned, the Government seeks to restore control through a State of Emergency. The renewed conflict is a reminder of the broader constitutional complexities in Ethiopia which still need to be resolved. Nonetheless, the economy continues to grow, and IMF/WB talks with the Government are progressing well.

Ethiopia Update July 2023

With improving international relations, particularly with key Western partner the United States, and an economic peace dividend from the end of the Tigray conflict emerging, Ethiopia’s prospects are improving. The Government is forging ahead with economic reform programmes, and actively seeking foreign investment.

Ethiopia Update June 2023

Progress continues to be made on implementing the Tigray Peace Agreement, drawing a line under the bloody two-year-old conflict, though the lingering presence of Eritrean troops poses a potential threat to its success. The Government seems intent on reaping a peace dividend as it presses ahead with its reform programme, focusing on liberalising the banking, telecoms and logistics sectors.

1st June, 2023

EAA Business Breakfast : Why Tanzania in conversation with Mr Gilead Teri- TIC

A deep dive into Tanzania’ Ambitious Structural and Political Reforms with Gilead Teri, Executive Director at Tanzania Investment Centre. We are pleased to extend this invitation hosted in collaboration with Tanzania High Commission UK, Tanzania Investment Centre and Zanzibar Investment Promotion Agency. This will be on the 1st of June – 8.30 am to 10

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6th June, 2023

Africa News, Africa Trade, Africa Trade Policy, Banking Sector, Commonwealth, Digital Finance, Finance, News, SMEs, Trade Finance

Inaugural Annual Lecture: Leveraging Digital and Trade Finance to accelerate AfCFTA 6th June 2023

The annual lecture by the Eastern Africa Association will discuss the importance of digital and trade finance in cross border trade. The event will take place on the 6th of June 2023, STARTING AT 1.00 PM (Networking Lunch and Registrations followed the annual lecture and response from 2.30 pm to 5.00 PM To register

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Ethiopia Update Apr 2023

2023 is looking to be a considerably brighter year for Ethiopia as the peace in Tigray appears to be holding and both sides implement terms of the Peace Accord. While rebuilding costs are very considerable, and instability continues to plague parts of the country, the Government appears intent on restoring an attractive environment for international investors and is driving a number of initiatives to increase FDI.

Ethiopia Update Mar 2023

Ethiopia’s prospects have brightened considerably since the ceasefire in the Tigray war and the apparently successful peace accords. While there will still be obstacles to a lasting peace and constitutional settlement, most observers agree that the war is now over. Economic activity is picking up and the Government is pursuing a variety of valuable economic reform measures.

Ethiopia Update Jan 2023

The peace deal between Ethiopia’s Federal Government and the Tigray region’s rebel leadership appears to be sticking, with concrete measures taken to implement its conditions, including the disarmament of rebel forces and resumption of supplies of goods and services to Tigray. Unresolved points remain the continued presence of Eritrean troops and uncertainty about the long-term constitutional arrangements for Ethiopia. However, the improved environment means investor sentiment is lifting and conditions for a rise in FDI are emerging.

Ethiopia Update Dec 2022

The signing of a Peace Agreement between the rebel Tigrayan leadership and the Federal Government, after a two-year civil war, if upheld, will provide significant respite to a battered population, and open up investor appetite in the country again. Obstacles remain, including the status of Eritrean forces and Amharan militias, but it appears the will is there to address these.

Ethiopia Update Oct 2022

There are tentative hopes that a renewed peace push may dampen the Tigray conflict and pave the way to a peaceful resolution; however, given the volatility displayed on both sides and the yawning gap in their demands, this is still far from assured. While the conflict rages in the North, large parts of the country remain open for business and some encouraging reforms in the financial and telecoms sector begin to bear fruit.

Uganda Update. July 2022

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.

Tanzania Update. June 2022

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.

Uganda Update. June 2022

Politically there has been little change in Uganda. The economy which recovered substantially in 2021 is starting to slow with the prevalent global threats.

Uganda Update. April 2022

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.

Ethiopia Update. April 2022

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.

Commentary: Democratic Republic of Congo Jan 2022

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.

Uganda update January 2022

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.

Rwanda update January 2022

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.

Rwanda Update March 2022

Politically the country remains stable, and its economy is showing signs of going back to pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment and poverty increases are of concern.

Kenya Update October 2021

Covid-19 cases are declining and the vaccination programme is well underway. Politically there is some uncertainty around the 2022 election and the succession.

Ethiopia Update October 2021

A new Government is in place and the inclusion of three opposition members in the Cabinet is positive.

Rwanda Update November 2021

Politically Rwanda remains stable with a marked reduction in Covid infections and a high vaccine roll-out which is fuelling an impressive economic recovery.

Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia update April 2021

Updates from Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia

Commentary: Business opportunities and risks in East Africa June 2021

EAA CEO Toby Latta talks to Tara O’Connor of Africa Risk Consulting about opportunities and risks in the region

Uganda Update June 2021

On 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.

Ethiopia Update June 2021

Covid-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.

Commentary: Opportunities and Risks in the region, Members’ Survey July 2021

The EAA analyses the results of its Members survey on the opportunities and risks in the region

Uganda Update July 2021

Covid-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.

Kenya update April 2021

Political uncertainty predicted for the next 18 months until the elections, while the economy shows signs of recovering from the pandemic decline

Uganda Update April 2021

The 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

Rwanda Update April 2021

Politically 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.

Kenya update January 2021

Political uncertainty but likely economic recovery as Kenya goes in to 2021

East Africa Outlook 2022

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.

Eastern Africa Members’ Survey on Business Climate, risks & opportunities

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)