Browsing: EAC

• The World Bank is set to finance a new digital harmonization project across EAC member states.
• Currently, internet prices in the region range from $4.64 in Kenya to $21.06 in South Sudan.
• Integrated connectivity is poised to improve regional trade and boost integration efforts.

EAC internet prices vary greatly among East African countries even though the region boasts of being a single, integrated entity, the East African Community (EAC). The  region is, however, taking action to integrate its connectivity, in particular, lowering by seeking to cut present high internet connection fees and improving cyber security as well.

This ambitious goal is set to be achieved through a new World Bank-backed platform, Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP). Funded by the World Bank, the EARDIP is an undertaking under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

To achieve these two basic goals— lower internet and telecommunication fees and improved security— the …

• This ban is poised to protect domestic farmers and help stabilise the local sugar industry, which has been wobbly due to unchecked imports and poor management of millers.
• Kenya projects local sugar factories could produce over 800,000 metric tonnes in 2024, an uptick from the previous year.
• On average, Kenya consumes about 950,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually.

In a sweet deal fashioned to bolster local sugar producers, Kenya has imposed an immediate freeze on sugar imports from outside regional markets: The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC).

The decision comes at a time when East Africa’s largest economy is projecting a bumper harvest of sugarcane in its sugarbelt across Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western areas. This ban is poised to protect domestic farmers and help stabilize the local sugar industry, which for years has been wobbly due to unchecked imports and …

• Across Africa, there is still very limited access to education.
• Even when accessible, there is a huge discrepancy in the quality of education offered.
• In a forum held in Tanzania, policymakers have urged governments to increase investment in education.

Education in Africa is poorly funded. In one too many countries, poor funding of education systems is an understatement. The African Union, designated this year, 2024, as its ‘Year of Education,’ and as we enter the last quarter of the year, stakeholders are asking, what have we learned about education in Africa?

The pros and cons of Africa’s education system were most recently highlighted at an education conference, held by the East African Community (EAC) member countries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa. Themed “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Collective Action for Quality, Inclusive, and Life-long Learning in East Africa,” the conference sought to assess progress …

• The EAC’s distribution sector is marred by systemic challenges, despite claims of a working free trade zone in the bloc.
• Stakeholders say that persistent bottlenecks hamper the flow of goods and services across the eight-member area.
• A recent EU-led EAC Peer-to-Peer Learning Conference sought to formulate a strategic action plan to address barriers limiting the industry’s growth and development.

The East African Community (EAC) is an eight-country strong regional free trade bloc in East Africa, by definition, it should mean easier movement or distribution of goods and services, but that’s only true on paper, the reality on the ground is quite on the contrary.

EAC maintains that it is “dedicated to enhancing economic efficiency and fostering regional integration through strategic investments and the utilization of established industries. The goal is to position the Community as a single investment area, harmonizing trade policies, investment incentives, and product standards.”

Protocols demand that …

• EAC Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC) meets every year to asses the region’s progess.
• This year the MAC meeting will be held in Juba, South Sudan.
• Sectors like fishing, timber, and agriculture have been identified as potential areas for growth and revenue generation.

East Africa Community governors of central banks are set to meet to assess the regions’ economic scorecard and avenues for investments. The chair of the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee James Alic Garang, who is the Bank of South Sudan governor said that single currency for the EA region will feature prominently in the deliberations.

This body meets annually, usually around April or March, to take stock of the progress and challenges along the path of establishing monetary union. This coming at a time that the East African Community member-states are in a race to harmonise critical policies and putt in place the institutions to attain a single currency …

• In 2022, investments in Tanzania rose by $3.16 billion between July and November.
• Currently, Tanzania has stable economic diplomatic relations with global economic giants, China and US.
• Tanzania’s economy is expected to expand by 5.5 percent in 2024.

“Kazi Iendelee” Swahili term for “Let’s Proceed with Work” has become a national rallying call for progress in Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is popularly referred by Mama Samia – a Swahili term of endearment and respect.

Even from foreign capitals, President Samia’s work is catching the eye of fellow leaders. When US Vice President Kamala Harris came visiting, she …

• Tanzania has offered the Uganda National Oil Company (Unoc) to use the Dar es Salaam port for oil importation.
• This presents a strategic alternative amid the ongoing importation stalemate between Uganda and Kenya.
• The legal dispute between Uganda and Kenya over oil importation policies is pending before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), with indications that Uganda may withdraw the case.

Tanzania has stepped forward with an enticing proposition that Kampala finds hard to ignore, especially regarding the ongoing deadlock in Nairobi-Kampala oil imports.

Tanzania has extended an offer to the Uganda National Oil Company (Unoc) to utilise the Dar es Salaam port for its fuel importation needs. This development comes as Uganda explores alternatives in response to Kenya’s steadfast position on Kampala’s oil importation demands.

Uganda’s grievance at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) remains pending amid these unfolding events, casting a shadow of uncertainty over …

• Tanzania and Rwanda are warming up to set up second official border post.
• Currently, Rwanda is the third largest user of Dar es Salaam port.
• More than 80% of Rwanda’s cargo goes through the port of Dar es Salaam.

The push to foster EAC integration appears to be moving in a positive direction with Tanzania and Rwanda taking steps to enhance one of East Africa Community (EAC) pivotal goal, regional trade.

A top Tanzanian envoy has announced plans to open a new border post with Rwanda, as part of ongoing measures between the two countries to scale up the movement of labour, goods and services providers.

Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba,  made the announcement at the end of his four-day state visit to Rwanda.

The Minister revealed that the proposed border crossing will be set up in Tanzania’s Kyerwa district in Kagera Region and …

• Cybersecurity, corruption, and policy shifts have been cited among the top issues that Kenyan businesses will have to confront in 2024.
• In 2022, Kenya suffered a loss of at least $153 million to cybercrime, which is projected to rise by 14 per cent annually.
• A new report ranks Kenya as the second most difficult country for businesses in EAC after South Sudan.

Cybersecurity, corruption, and policy shifts have been cited among the top issues Kenyan businesses will have to confront in 2024.

The latest Risk Barometer by underwriting giant Allianz, reveals that in Kenya’s complex and dynamic business environment, several challenges loom, casting shadows on the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the economy.

The high cost of living directly impacts consumer spending, affecting businesses across sectors. A weakening currency coupled with inflation also threatens businesses and the economy.

According to Allianz Commercial CEO Petros Papanikolaou, the key challenges for companies …

• Burundi and Rwanda relations have hit a new low, with the Burundian government suspending ties with Rwanda, closing the Rwandan border.
• The diplomatic row between Burundi and Rwanda has a complex history, with tensions dating back to the colonial era and continuing into the post-independence period.
• The border closure further strains relations between Burundi and Rwanda, as well as the larger East African Community (EAC).

Burundi and Rwanda relations have hit a new low, with the Burundian government suspending ties with Rwanda, closing the Rwandan border, and “chasing” out Rwandese nationals.

Burundi has accused its neighbour of supporting rebel attacks in the region. The move comes after Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of backing the Red Tabara rebel group, which orchestrated an attack near Burundi’s western border, where 20 people lost their lives, including women and children.

“We have closed our borders (with Rwanda), anyone who tries to …