Read our top picks of East African updates from the business and investment worlds.
Kenya
Drones changing medical deliveries in remote areas
Deliveries that once took up to 30 minutes by road now arrive in as little as three minutes by air. In Kisumu County, Zipline’s drone service is transforming healthcare by transporting blood, vaccines, medicines, and antivenom to over 400 health facilities, significantly improving emergency response times and access to care in remote areas.
IMF projects Kenya to dethrone Ethiopia as East Africa’s largest economy in 2025
The IMF projects that Kenya will overtake Ethiopia to become East Africa’s largest economy next year, with its GDP expected to reach $132 billion compared to Ethiopia’s $117 billion. Ethiopia’s recent 55% currency devaluation unlocked critical IMF and World Bank funding, easing debt pressures but also driving up inflation and import costs amid existing economic challenges.
Source: The East African
Tanzania
Tanzania’s Fertiliser Hub Takes Shape
Tanzania is closer to realising its goal of becoming a regional fertiliser hub after finalising a $1.2 billion investment deal with Indonesia’s ESSA Industries. A state-of-the-art fertiliser plant in Dodoma is positioning Tanzania as a regional agricultural input powerhouse. The planned plant will use Tanzania’s natural gas reserves to produce fertiliser locally, reducing dependence on imports and supporting farmers with more affordable supplies. The project is also expected to boost exports to neighbouring countries, strengthening food security across East and Southern Africa.
East African Development Bank (EADB) Signs TSh 63.2 Billion Growth Deals
The East African Development Bank has signed agreements worth TSh63.2 billion with various Tanzanian institutions to support key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. These deals are aimed at accelerating economic growth by providing affordable financing for projects that will boost productivity and create jobs. EADB officials highlighted that the funding aligns with Tanzania’s development priorities and will help strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the region.
Source: The Citizen
Uganda
Vanilla Returns as Key Export
Uganda’s vanilla industry is experiencing a resurgence, with vanilla once again ranking among the country’s top high-value export commodities. Improved global prices and increased demand have encouraged more farmers to grow vanilla, revitalizing the sector after years of decline. Stakeholders are optimistic that with continued support and quality control, Uganda can further expand its share in the international vanilla market.
Uganda’s Coffee Exports Reach Record Highs
Uganda’s coffee sector reported record export volumes in April and May 2025, thanks to favorable weather and increased investment in value addition. The surge strengthens Uganda’s position as Africa’s top coffee exporter and provides a significant boost to its economy.
Source: Daily Monitor
Rwanda
Rwanda’s GDP Grows 7.8% in Q1 2025
Rwanda’s economy expanded by 7.8% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by strong performances in the services, industry, and agriculture sectors. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, the services sector contributed the most to this growth, while both industry and agriculture also showed notable improvements. The government credits ongoing reforms and investment in key sectors for sustaining Rwanda’s robust economic momentum.
Kigali Ranked 2nd Most Popular African City for Meetings
Kigali has been ranked as Africa’s second most popular city for hosting international meetings and conferences, according to the latest report by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This recognition highlights Kigali’s growing reputation as a leading hub for business tourism, thanks to its modern infrastructure, safety, and efficient services. The city’s strong performance is expected to further boost Rwanda’s economy and attract more global events in the future.
Source: The New Times
