• The IMF has identified South Sudan, Burundi, and the DRC as East African Community member states poised for significant economic growth in the 2024–2025 period.
• GDP growth in Burundi is projected to increase from 4.3 to 5.4 percent and in the DRC from 4.7 to 5.7%.
• Kenya leads regionally with a projected GDP of $104 billion, ranking 7th overall among the continent’s largest economies.

The economic outlook for East African Community member states South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is poised for significant economic growth in the 2024–2025 period. This prognosis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) comes despite these nations grappling with conflicts, marking them as among the most fragile in the region.

In its latest regional economic outlook report for Sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF forecasts a noteworthy 1.2 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth for South Sudan, from 5.6 to 6.8 percent, despite …

• The proposed AGOA extension signals a commitment to bolstering trade relations between the US and Africa.
• US Senators Chris Coons and James Risch have introduced the bipartisan Agoa Renewal and Improvement Act of 2024, aiming to integrate AGOA with the AfCFTA.
• Bill aims to refine AGOA’s eligibility criteria, increase transparency, and hold US agencies accountable for their advice to the president: Senator Risch

AGOA extension proposal

The US Congress has proposed extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) to 2041, covering all 54 African countries. Senators Chris Coons of Delaware and James Risch of Idaho introduced the bipartisan Agoa Renewal and Improvement Act of 2024, aiming to integrate Agoa with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to foster intra-African supply chains.

Originally enacted in 2000, Agoa is set to expire next year. However, the proposed extension signals a commitment to bolstering trade relations between the United States and …

• Authorities in South Sudan have imposed a fuel tax on UN fuel tankers, obstructing the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid, jeopardizing assistance to millions of famine-stricken civilians.
• Despite assurances from government officials, including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, UN fuel tankers remain detained.
• The impasse is increasingly exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

In a distressing turn of events, UN humanitarian operations in South Sudan targeting famine-stricken populations are at risk of stoppage due to a dispute over a fuel tax levied by South Sudanese authorities on United Nations fuel tankers.

Despite assurances from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs just a day prior, UN fuel tankers remained detained at depots and the Ugandan border on Wednesday. The Minister had stated that the newly imposed tax on trucks transporting fuel and essential supplies did not extend to UN humanitarian operations, yet the reality proved otherwise, lamented a spokesperson …

We all know the emergence of blockchain technology has transformed the landscape of finance offering new opportunities for social and economic empowerment globally.  What we fail to realize is that this is especially important in the developing world, where millions are unbanked, unemployed and underserved, yet nothing is being done. In light of this, under the aegis of the Humanity Protocol, a new venture is surfacing that seeks to change this space. Known as the Dream Play, the initiative seeks to provide income opportunities for African and Asian entrepreneurs, setting a new standard for sustainable employment.

A New Horizon for Entrepreneurs

Originally known as the Africa Startup League, the rebranded Dream Play, represents a significant evolution. As a platform for showcasing entrepreneurial skills it has morphed into a comprehensive ecosystem where young innovators will access jobs and create substantial economic impact. This transformation aligns with the broader goals of …

• TikTok Community Guidelines will see introduction of stricter For You eligibility standards.
• Video sharing entity says this code emphasizes responsible behavior on and off the platform
• According to the recently released Reuters Institute Digital News report 2023 survey, Kenya leads in world TikTok usage.

Popular video sharing platform TikTok, has unveiled significant updates to its Community Guidelines and introduced new features aimed at supporting creators and maintaining a safe environment for users. The platform’s Community Guidelines, which outline rules and standards for all users, have been updated to provide greater clarity and transparency.

These updates, set to take effect in a few weeks, include refined definitions for policies on hate speech and health misinformation. Additionally, TikTok has detailed how it moderates features like Search, LIVE, and the For You feed to ensure a positive user experience.

One of the key updates is the introduction of stricter For You eligibility standards. …

• The National Bank of Rwanda has reported a surge in bank borrowers attributable to intensified awareness campaigns, and the introduction of innovative products.
• The regulator reports a 40 per cent surge in the number of depositors in commercial banks.
• However, borrowers in microfinance institutions (MFIs) and Saccos experienced a 15 per cent decline.

Rwanda’s financial services industry witnessed a remarkable uptick in the number of individuals accessing loans from commercial banks, with a 39 per cent rise recorded over 12 months ending on June 30, 2023. This surge was underpinned by proactive measures instituted by the central bank to enhance financial inclusivity in an economy historically dominated by informal and traditional savings mechanisms.

Data released by the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) reveals a substantial growth in bank borrowers, escalating from 683,851 in June 2022 to 949,778 in June 2023. In contrast, the number of borrowers in microfinance institutions (MFIs) …

• Legal ruling favors Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), allowing clearance of Sh145 million consignment despite ownership objections.
• Dispute centered on transfer of property and risk to Dooba Enterprises Ltd, with objecting companies claiming previous ownership based on contractual agreements.
• Case highlights importance of clear contractual agreements, documentation, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms in international trade.

An array of goods valued at $1 million (KSh145 million) is set to be cleared from the Mombasa port after a legal battle between five companies and two key entities, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The consignment, held in four containers, faced opposition from the companies, including Ningbo Ningshing Trading Group Inc., Top Anchor Industries, Ningbo Jiaje Water-Meter Manufacture Co. Ltd Inc., Ningbo Texilong Pipe Industry Co. Ltd, and Quanzhou Datouyi Technology Co. Ltd.

However, Mombasa High Court judge Kizito Magare ruled in favor of KPA …

• Market size of Africa’s digital economy could reach $712 billion by 2050.
• In 2022 only 36 percent of the African population had access to broadband internet.
• Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are streamlining adoption of 5G services.

Africa is on the verge of an economic revolution. From the north to the southern part of the Saharan desert, nations are striving to eliminate poverty and gain a strong foothold in global markets.

In the same vein, the continent is banking on the potential held by the digital economy. Reports ping the sector to higher standards, including a report from non-profit Endeavor predicting that the market size of Africa’s digital economy could reach $712 billion by 2050.

The growth is propelled by the massive engagement of the continent’s younger population, rising smartphone adoption and increasing internet penetration.

Read also: World Bank backs Smart Africa’s Digital Academy with $20M grant

Digital economy in

• Africa private capital deals fell to to 450 deals in the past one year.
• The continent’s total private capital deal value stood at $5.9 billion, the fourth largest value on record since 2012.
• Decline in Africa private capital deals marked the continent’s steepest year-over-year decline in volume in 12 years.

Africa recorded a 28 per cent year-over-year (YoY) decline in the total private capital deal volume for the first time since 2016, falling to 450 deals. This downturn is attributed to the global economic turmoil, which led to inflation spikes and the devaluation of continental currencies.

In Kenya and Nigeria for instance, the Shilling and the Naira plunged to historic lows in 2023, while in Egypt, a shortage in foreign currency led to increased controls over its usage in the country.

According to the 2023 African Private Capital Activity Report, the depreciation of local currencies and the depletion of foreign …

• The funding is designated for the construction of a bridge spanning the River Nile in northwest Uganda and the enhancement of roads stretching over 105 kilometers.
• Uganda has encountered obstacles in accessing financial support from international institutions like the World Bank, primarily due to policy differences.
• The loan holds the potential to stimulate job creation, foster entrepreneurship, and spur innovation

Uganda has finalized an agreement with the Saudi Islamic Development Bank (IDB), securing a $295 million loan to bolster infrastructure development, particularly road construction projects across the country. This landmark agreement, signed by Uganda’s Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, and IDB President Muhammad Al Jassar in Riyadh, underscores Uganda’s strategic shift towards diversifying its sources of external funding amidst ongoing negotiations with traditional lenders such as the World Bank.

The financing agreement, which was formalized during Minister Kasaija’s attendance at the 2024 Islamic Development Bank Group Annual Meetings in Riyadh, marks …