Browsing: East Africa

• • The transaction marks the successful outcome of BII and I&M’s equity partnership for over 7 years as AfricInvest takes over.
  • The institution said that the sale to a like-minded investor is one of the most significant transactions in East Africa in recent years and represents a vote of confidence in the region’s financial services sector.
  • It is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, and the Rwandan subsidiary I&M Bank Rwanda PLC is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange.

  British International Investment (‘BII’)

• British International Investment (‘BII’), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has sold its 10.1 per cent stake in I&M Group PLC, the Eastern African banking group, to AfricInvest, a leading Pan-African Asset Management platform.

  The acquisition was made through East Africa Growth Holding, a special-purpose vehicle owned by AfricInvest.

• I&M Group PLC is a leading banking group in Eastern Africa with a presence in Kenya,

• Under a new COMESA programme, farmers in the five East African countries are expected to access quality seeds, and training on how to improve production and distribution.
• The five-year programme is expected to help the countries cut post-harvest losses in horticulture to 40 per cent or lower, from highs of 60 per cent, for instance in Kenya. 
• Agriculture is estimated to contribute on average 27% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the EAC and accounts for the highest share of employment not only in the region but across Africa.

Agriculture is the backbone of nearly all East Africa region’s economies and the main economic activity for more than 70 per cent of the population. It is estimated to contribute on average 27 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the EAC and accounts for the highest share of employment not only in the region, but the African.…

• East Africa’s economic growth is projected to grow at 5.3 and 5.8 per cent in 2024 and 2025-26, respectively. 
• The World Bank projects African economies to grow by 3.4 per cent in 2024.
• However, faster and more equitable growth is needed to reduce poverty.

East Africa’s economic growth to lead the continent

Economies in East Africa are expected to spearhead growth in Sub-Saharan Africa this year amid increased private consumption and declining inflation, which are supporting an economic rebound in the region.

The World Bank’s latest Africa’s Pulse report indicates the East African Community is projected to grow at the fastest pace at 5.3 and 5.8 per cent in 2024 and 2025–2026, respectively, thanks to robust growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

This is higher than the compounded growth for Sub-Sahara Africa, which, albeit rebounding from a low of 2.6 per cent in 2023, is …

• In the past two years, short-term rentals in Nairobi have been the new trend.
• Hospitality has bounced back remarkably after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as one of the best-performing asset classes in 2023.
• Trappler highlights that hospitality is a key economic driver, employment creator, and focal property type in regions throughout East Africa.

Hospitality has bounced back remarkably after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as one of the best-performing asset classes in 2023. This resurgence is particularly notable in Nairobi, especially with the renewed demand for short-term rentals.

The strategic position of Kenya’s capital city serves as an East African hub for various industries, including corporate, government, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), embassies, and tourism, which makes it an attractive destination for hospitality and residence brands.

The increasing and diversifying demand for accommodation creates meaningful opportunities for market expansion and business growth.…

• The Kenyan lender with subsidiaries in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda saw customer deposits close at $4.4 billion, 15.3 per cent, year-on-year.
• Assets grew to $5.5 billion, 18.6 per cent up year-on-year.
• During the year that ended December 31, 2023, NCBA’s loan book grew to $2.5 billion, up from $2.1 billion the previous year, signalling continued demand for credit.

Nairobi Security Exchange-listed bank–NCBA Group PLC has posted a profit after tax of $162.3 million in its full-year 2023, driven by positive operating income and a decline in loan impairment charges.

This was a 56 per cent increase compared to $104.2 million reported by the regional lender during a similar period …

• This project is expected to improve and increase water supply from 96 per cent to 100 per cent in Tanga City.
• The government of Tanzania adopted the Alternative Project Financing (APF) strategy in 2021
• Mark Napier, CEO of FSD Africa, commended the collaborative effort behind the Tanga UWASA Green Bond.

The first ever Sub-national Water Infrastructure Green Bond in East Africa, worth $20.8 million, has been issued by Tanga Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Tanga UWASA), an autonomous water utility.

This landmark transaction would fund the expansion and improvement of sustainable water supply infrastructure and environmental conservation within Tanga City and nearby townships. The 10-year project revenue bond listed at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) offers an attractive interest rate of 13.5 per cent per annum to be paid semiannually.

The government of Tanzania adopted the Alternative Project Financing (APF) strategy in 2021 because of the need …

• Africa’s economic growth in 2024 is expected to be upward with the real GDP projected to grow by 3.2 per cent, up from 2.6 per cent in 2023.
• East Africa, encompassing Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the DRC, will again power the continent’s growth prospects.
• Despite the projected continental growth, the intelligence unit faces substantial risks, including security threats, political instability, and debt repayment burdens.

Africa’s economic growth 2024

According to the international research unit, Economic Intelligence, Africa is expected to grow at the second-fastest rate among major regions globally in 2024. The unit ranks behind Asia, which China and India will propel.

Except for Sudan and Equatorial Guinea, whose economies appear destined to decline this year, most African governments are predicted to report good growth stories.

The real African GDP is expected to rise by 3.2 per cent in 2024, up from 2.6 per cent in 2023, …

• Kenya’s electricity imports from its neighbours have more than doubled
• For years, Ethiopia has supplanted Uganda from position one, Kenya’s top source of power imports.
• The East African nation has revealed that it needs $5.3 billion to overhaul power transmission lines and forestall frequent blackouts.

Kenya’s electricity imports from its neighbours have more than doubled in the past year amid increased demand and a slower pace of investment in energy infrastructure.

Data by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) said the country imported 706.9 million kWh of electricity from Ethiopia and Uganda in the first 11 months of 2023, up from 288.27 million kWh in a similar period in 2022.

The bulk of the power imports — 546.5 million kWh — were sourced from Ethiopia during the period, according to KNBS, with the country emerging as Kenya’s biggest electricity supplier in the region. (pamblancopainting.com) Ethiopia has supplanted …

• President Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan is leading Tanzania to become Africa’s greatest transportation corridor. 
• The comprehensive transportation developments in Tanzania are strategically designed to boost economic growth, enhance regional trade, and foster regional integration.
• Tanzania faces challenges in financing and meeting construction timelines for its ambitious projects.

In the heart of East Africa, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. Led by President Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania is emerging as a formidable economic powerhouse on the continent. Under her stewardship, the nation strategically harnesses its geographic location and embarks on ambitious infrastructure projects that promise to redefine its role regionally and globally.

With a visionary approach, President Suluhu Hassan is steering Tanzania towards becoming Africa’s most significant transportation corridor. This transformation is anchored in large-scale investments in transportation infrastructure, encompassing rail, road, air, and sea connectivity. These initiatives reflect an acute understanding of the pivotal role that efficient, modern transportation systems …

• President William Ruto’s announcement of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy for all visitors starting January 2024 marks a paradigm shift in the region’s economic and social landscape.
• The policy is expected to boost Kenya’s economy by attracting more tourists and business travellers, thus increasing revenue and foreign exchange.
• Addressing the accompanying challenges will be crucial to ensuring the policy’s success and sustainable growth in the region.

Kenya, a country known for its rich wildlife, vibrant culture, and dynamic economy, is poised to make a significant leap in becoming a hub for investors and business in East Africa. President William Ruto’s announcement of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy for all visitors starting January 2024 marks a paradigm shift in the region’s economic and social landscape. As the visa-free entry date nears, it is important to explore how Kenya is set to redefine the dynamics of business and investment in East Africa.

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