Browsing: Doing business in EAC

East Africans should brace themselves for an increase in the cost of living as households and businesses pay more for goods and services.

Regional currencies are facing increased pressure against the dollar as increasing debt levels and increased servicing obligations threaten to wear down foreign exchange reserves, market data shows.

The projected drop of regional currencies is mainly attributed to the growing debt servicing obligations for foreign currency-denominated debts. To pay off external creditors, it requires a drawdown of the country’s foreign reserves.

According to analysts at AIB Capital, as a pick-up in consumer demand increases imports, the Kenya shilling is expected to further depreciate against the dollar. The country’s exports are likely to remain relatively uncompetitive therefore, this will lead to an increase in the current account deficit.

“We expect the shilling to gradually depreciate against the dollar but remain relatively unchanged against the euro and pound,” said AIB.…

Uganda leads East Africa in ease of access to foreign exchange, according to Absa Africa Financial Market Index 2019.

According to the index, Uganda scored 70 out of 100 points compared to Rwanda with 66, Kenya with 65 and Tanzania with 60. Burundi was not surveyed.

Foreign exchange access continues to be a pillar growth across the African continent.

Also Read: Uganda Umeme secures $70m loan for investment

The Absa Africa Financial Markets Index highlights economies with the clearest growth prospects and evaluates financial market development in 20 countries.

The index seeks to show how economies can improve market frameworks to meet investor expectations and sustainable growth.

“Uganda performs strongly … with almost the same score as top-ranked South Africa. It has a high level of foreign reserves relative to net portfolio investment flows and enough reserves to cover more than four months of imports,” said Mr Jeff Gable, the …