KENYA
US Firms Signal Fresh Investment in Kenya
US companies have pledged more than US$600 million in new investments in Kenya, spanning manufacturing, technology, data centres, healthcare and digital skills. The commitments were announced at the 2026 AmCham Business Summit in Nairobi, with several investors positioning Kenya as a gateway to the wider East African market.
The announcements include a planned US$175 million investment by Coca-Cola and a US$80 million data centre project by iColo, now part of Digital Realty. Oracle is also selecting Kenya for its first public cloud region in Africa, in partnership with African Data Centres.
For businesses, the developments point to continued interest in Kenya’s technology and infrastructure ecosystem, while also highlighting opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare and digital services.
Source: Africa Business Insight
Kenya Moves to Modernise Product Standards and Market Surveillance
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is advancing a series of regulations aimed at modernising the country’s standards and quality assurance framework. The proposed reforms cover product certification, market surveillance, metrology, laboratory testing, and the management of conditionally released and rejected imports, with the goal of addressing regulatory gaps and aligning oversight mechanisms with evolving trade and industry realities.
For businesses, the changes could lead to enhanced product quality controls, clearer certification requirements, and increased scrutiny of imported goods. Organisations involved in manufacturing, importing, distribution, and supply chain management should monitor the developments closely and assess any potential compliance implications once the regulations are finalised
Source: The Standard
Kenya Strengthens Manufacturing and Investment Links with China
Kenya is seeking to deepen its industrial and investment ties with China, with greater emphasis on local manufacturing, technology transfer and investment. These priorities were highlighted at the ninth Kenya International Industrial Expo and Kenya Investment & Trade Fair, held in Nairobi from 3 to 5 September, which brought together manufacturers, investors, suppliers and technology companies from Kenya, China and other markets.
The engagement points to an effort to move beyond the traditional trade of finished goods towards greater local production, assembly and value addition. For Kenyan businesses, stronger links with international manufacturers could create opportunities to access technology, develop local supply chains and participate more actively in regional and global markets.
Source: Citizen Digital; Capital FM
TANZANIA
Tanzania Strengthens Investment Links with Japan
Tanzania is stepping up efforts to attract Japanese capital, technology and expertise as part of its industrialisation agenda. An investment promotion campaign in Japan, running from 7 to 18 September, is bringing together Tanzanian and Japanese investors, business leaders and other stakeholders, with a focus on attracting investments that can create jobs, transfer technology and strengthen domestic productive capacity.
The initiative is also aimed at connecting Tanzanian producers to regional and global value chains, with opportunities being promoted across manufacturing, agro-processing, infrastructure, energy, ICT, logistics and other productive sectors. Tanzania is positioning itself as a production, supply and distribution base for the wider African market, supported by its access to the EAC and SADC markets.
For businesses, the development points to continued efforts to attract international investment while strengthening local industrial capacity, technology transfer and value addition. It also highlights Tanzania’s ambition to position itself as a gateway for companies looking to access wider African markets.
Source: The Citizen; Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tanzania Moves to Strengthen Its Investment Framework
Tanzania is reviewing its investment laws, policies and institutional frameworks with the aim of creating a more predictable and investor-friendly business environment while ensuring investments contribute to job creation, skills development and local value addition. The review includes existing investment legislation, policy frameworks and the country’s approach to special economic zones and industrial development.
The reforms signal Tanzania’s continued focus on enhancing its investment ecosystem and attracting long-term capital. If implemented successfully, the changes could improve regulatory certainty, strengthen investor support mechanisms and create new opportunities across priority sectors of the economy.
Source: The Citizen
Tanzania Looks to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure
Tanzania is calling for greater investment in communications infrastructure as it seeks to strengthen the foundations of its digital economy. The government has highlighted the growing role of technology in production, business and public services, while encouraging closer cooperation between the public and private sectors.
For businesses, stronger digital infrastructure could support wider access to digital services, innovation and technology-enabled growth, while creating opportunities for investment across the communications ecosystem.
Source: The Citizen
UGANDA
Uganda’s EACOP Project Nears Completion
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline has reached approximately 92.7% overall completion, according to EACOP, as Uganda prepares for commercial oil production and exports. The 1,443 kilometre pipeline will transport crude from Uganda’s Lake Albert region to the Chongoleani Marine Terminal near Tanga in Tanzania.
The project has already generated significant employment and local participation, while its completion is expected to connect Uganda’s oil production directly to international markets through Tanzania. For businesses, the development has implications beyond the energy sector, including logistics, infrastructure, services, local content and regional trade.
Source: EACOP
Uganda Secures New Route for Coffee into Asian Markets
Uganda has signed an agreement with South Korean coffee company GVCC Co. Ltd to supply coffee to the South Korean market, with the first shipment of two containers already being dispatched. Under the arrangement, Besmark Coffee Company will serve as Uganda’s exclusive supply partner while GVCC will distribute the coffee in South Korea.
The partnership also aims to use Busan as a regional hub for processing, adding value to and re-exporting Ugandan coffee to other Asian markets, including Japan and Southeast Asia. This creates a potentially significant link between Ugandan producers and wider Asian markets while placing greater emphasis on value addition and supply chain development.
Source: Uganda Broadcasting Corporation / Uganda Media Centre
RWANDA
Rwanda Draws Investor Interest Across Key Growth Sectors
Rwanda continues to position itself as an investment destination, with more than 70 investors, business leaders and private sector representatives from 10 countries participating in a recent trade and investment roadshow in Kigali.
Discussions focused on opportunities across manufacturing, agro-processing, coffee, energy, technology, healthcare, mining and logistics, with investors exploring opportunities for capital, technology, skills and partnerships.
The breadth of sectors represented highlights Rwanda’s efforts to attract investment beyond traditional areas and build stronger links between local businesses and international capital.
Source: The New Times
Rwanda Expands Its Fintech Ecosystem
Rwanda has launched the Rwanda FinTech Centre, a new initiative designed to accelerate innovation, strengthen collaboration and support the growth of the country’s digital finance sector. The centre brings together regulators, financial institutions, innovators and investors as Rwanda continues its efforts to position itself as a regional hub for financial technology and digital services.
The initiative highlights the growing importance of digital finance in enabling financial inclusion, supporting entrepreneurship and attracting investment. As fintech adoption accelerates across Africa, Rwanda’s approach demonstrates how coordinated policy and innovation can contribute to long-term economic competitiveness.
Source: Kigali International Financial Centre; Africa Business Insight
