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CALL for APPLICATIONS for graduate and Undergraduate scholarships programme in Rwanda-deadline: 25 October 2026
Urge DevNews | East Africa. Urge- DevWire
Tanzania's economy grows, but World Bank says better jobs remain the critical challenge
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — 30th September 2026
Ireland provides €4.5 million to support drought-hit communities and refugees in Uganda
Kampala, Karamoja, Uganda- 2nd October 2026
The Government of Ireland has provided €4.5 million to the World Food Programme in Uganda to support more than 221,000 schoolchildren and 108,000 smallholder farmers, refugees and vulnerable households facing food and livelihood pressures. Announced by WFP Uganda on 2 October.
UN releases $160 million for underfunded humanitarian crises, including Somalia and Sudan
Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, 02 October 2026
The United Nations has released US$160 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support life-saving humanitarian operations in 12 of the world's most underfunded crises.
The announcement on 2 October comes as humanitarian agencies face major financing gaps and growing needs across conflict- and disaster-affected countries.
Tanzania's economy is projected to grow by 6.1% in 2026, but the World Bank says stronger economic growth alone will not be enough to deliver better living standards unless the country creates more productive and better-paid jobs.
The findings are contained in the World Bank's Tanzania Economic Update 2026: Making Jobs Work, published on 2 October.
Ireland's Ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor interacts with some of the residents Photo by The Observer
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
EAC launches South Sudan consultations on regional political confederation constitution
Juba, South Sudan — 25th September 2026
African Development Bank and United Nations deepen cooperation on peace and resilience
New York, United States of America, 25th September 2026
The African Development Bank Group and the United Nations have signed a new agreement to strengthen joint action on peacebuilding, crisis prevention and sustainable development across Africa. The Letter of Intent on Strategic Cooperation on Peace and Resilience was signed on 24 September 2026 on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The African Development Bank published the announcement on 25 September.
EAC advances fiscal and monetary policy coordination ahead of monetary union
Arusha, Tanzania- 25 September 2026
The East African Community (EAC) is reviewing measures to improve fiscal discipline, harmonise tax policies and strengthen monetary policy coordination as Partner States prepare for the East African Monetary Union. The discussions concluded a series of meetings held in Arusha between 21 and 25 September 2026, bringing together the EAC Committee on Fiscal Affairs and the Economic Affairs and Coordination Subcommittee of the Monetary Affairs Committee.
South Sudan has begun national consultations on the proposed Constitution of the East African Community Political Confederation, opening a public engagement process intended to gather citizens' views on the region's political integration agenda.
The East African Community announced the development on 25 September 2026 following the launch of consultations in Juba on 24 September. The process is scheduled to run until 7 October.
Photo/ Courtesy
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UK commits £5 million to help 600,000 people prepare for El Niño flooding in Somalia
Mogadishu, Somalia — 24th September 2026
East African Community scholarship programme prepares new postgraduate opportunities for regional students
Kampala, Uganda, September 2026
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is preparing further postgraduate scholarship opportunities under Phase II of the East African Community Scholarship Programme, a regional initiative supported by the East African Community and the Federal Republic of Germany.
EAC reactivates capital markets committee to advance regional monetary integration
Arusha, Tanzania- 21 September 2026
The East African Community has reactivated its Capital Markets Sub-Committee, renewing efforts to advance regional financial market integration as Partner States prepare for the East African Monetary Union.
The announcement, published on 21 September 2026, confirms the reactivation of the sub-committee under the EAC's Capital Markets, Insurance and Pensions Committee (CMIPC).
The United Kingdom has announced £5 million in new humanitarian funding to help vulnerable communities in Somalia prepare for anticipated El Niño-related flooding during the October to December Deyr rainy season.
Announced by the British Embassy in Mogadishu on 24 September, the funding is intended to strengthen early warning systems, support the safe movement of families at risk and maintain essential services in flood-prone areas.
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Kenya Commissions KSh 8.4 Billion Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project in Kisumu
Kisumu, Kenya — 14th September 2026
Rwanda Inaugurates Its First Integrated Steel Plant in Musanze
Kigali, Rwana — 11 September 2026
Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has officially inaugurated A1 Iron & Steel Rwanda Ltd., the country's first integrated iron and steel manufacturing plant, at Musanze Industrial Park in Rwanda's Northern Province. Built by Indian investors at a cost of approximately USD 20 million, the facility processes locally mined iron ore from Burera and Ngororero districts into finished construction products, including reinforcement bars, wire rods, hollow sections, nails and chain-link fencing.
EAC Opens Competition Inquiry Into Proposed Vivo Energy Rwanda Acquisition
Arusha, Tanzania- 16 September 2026
The East African Community Competition Authority has opened an inquiry into a proposed transaction that would see MMPG Limited acquire Vivo Energy Rouge Holdings and, indirectly, Vivo Energy Rwanda.
The notice issued on 16 September concerns the proposed combination of MMPG's regional petroleum, logistics and distribution activities with Vivo Energy Rwanda's petroleum business.
The Kenyan government has commissioned the KSh 8.4 billion (approximately USD 65 million) Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project in Kisumu City, jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the European Union. The project is designed to connect an additional 53,000 households to reliable piped water and 23,000 households to sewerage services, more than doubling the city's sewerage coverage.
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IFAD, Bank of Kigali and Aceli Africa Launch $21 Million Fund for Rwanda's Farmer Organisations
Kigali, Rwanda — 4th September 2026
Digital Realty Opens 6.4MW NBO2 Data Centre, Expanding Nairobi's Digital Infrastructure
Nairobi, Kenya — 7 September 2026
Digital Realty, the world's largest cloud- and carrier-neutral data centre platform, has opened its 6.4-megawatt Nairobi Two (NBO2) facility in Karen, expanding its Nairobi campus alongside the existing Nairobi One (NBO1) site. The launch coincides with the rebranding of iColo, the Kenyan operator Digital Realty acquired, to the Digital Realty name across Kenya and Mozambique.
IFAD, Equity Group Launch USD 200 Million Climate Adaptation Fund for East African Farmers
Kigali, Rwanda- 4 September 2026
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Equity Group have launched a USD 200 million blended finance mechanism designed to get climate adaptation capital directly into the hands of East Africa's smallholder farmers and rural businesses, a segment that has long struggled to access such funding despite growing exposure to climate shocks.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Bank of Kigali and Aceli Africa have signed an agreement launching the Farmers' Organizations Financing Programme – Rwanda (FOFP-R), a blended finance initiative mobilising USD 21 million. IFAD is contributing USD 12 million, comprising a USD 9 million loan, a USD 1.8 million risk-sharing grant and a USD 1.2 million technical assistance grant, while Bank of Kigali is providing USD 9 million in co-financing.
Photo/ Courtesy
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South Sudan Strengthens Gender-Responsive Land Governance in Eastern Equatoria
TORIT, South Sudan — 28 August 2026
EAC Pushes Regional Education Reform as Nairobi Conference Calls for Stronger Cooperation
NAIROBI, Kenya — 27 August 2026
East African Community Partner States have committed to strengthening education systems, improving learning outcomes and increasing investment in teachers, skills and equity as the EAC's second Regional Education Conference opened in Nairobi. The EAC reported on 27 August that governments and education stakeholders were using the conference to move regional education policy from commitments towards practical implementation.
IGAD Strengthens Media Capacity to Explain Free Movement and Regional Integration
ENTEBBE, Uganda — 26 August 2026
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development has strengthened the capacity of media and communication professionals to report on free movement of people, labour migration and regional integration across the Horn and East Africa.
The three-day training, held in Entebbe from 24–26 August, was organised by IGAD in collaboration with the International Labour Organization and with financial support from the European Union.
South Sudan is strengthening institutional capacity around land governance and women's land rights through a new regional-supported initiative in Eastern Equatoria State.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, working with the Government of South Sudan, concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop on 28 August under the Building Women’s Economic Resilience for Sustainable Peace Project.
Photo/ Courtesy EAC
Photo/ Courtesy IGAD
Photo/ Courtesy IGAD
Enabel Opens Uganda Tender for Industrial Court Digital Recording Systems
Tanzania Positioned as Key Hub in East Africa's Migration Response
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — 19 August 2026
Tanzania is strengthening its role in regional migration management as the country and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) deepen cooperation on migration governance, mobility and humanitarian response.
IOM Director General Amy Pope and President Samia Suluhu Hassan reaffirmed the partnership during discussions in Dar es Salaam on 19 August.
The East African Community has handed over two border patrol vehicles to Burundi as part of a regional initiative aimed at strengthening border security, improving mobility and reducing cross-border crime and illicit activity.
The handover was conducted under an EAC-UNOPS project funded by the Government of Japan to create a more secure trading and customs environment across the Community.
KAMPALA, Uganda — 21 August 2026
The Belgian development agency Enabel has opened a new procurement opportunity in Uganda for the supply, installation and commissioning of a courtroom audio-visual recording system for the Industrial Court's Fort Portal branch.
The tender, referenced UGA21003-10302, also includes procurement of scanners and compatible optical-character-recognition software.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, IOM DG Pope and Tanzania government and IOM officials. Photo: IOM
ICPAC Forecast Signals Wetter-than-Normal October–December Season Across Greater Horn
KIGALI, Rwanda — 18 August 2026
Rwanda Puts Water and Sanitation Systems at Centre of Regional Development Agenda
KIGALI, Rwanda — 18 August 2026
Rwanda has brought water and sanitation to the centre of a regional development discussion, hosting the Africa Water and Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium in Kigali from 17–21 August.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva opened the symposium on 18 August, emphasising that the success of water and sanitation investments should ultimately be measured by improvements in the quality, reliability and sustainability of services delivered to communities.
EAC Sets Regional Education Agenda Around Skills, Resilience and Digital Transformation
NAIROBI, Kenya — 17 August 2026
The East African Community has handed over two border patrol vehicles to Burundi as part of a regional initiative aimed at strengthening border security, improving mobility and reducing cross-border crime and illicit activity.
The East African Community is preparing to convene its second Regional Conference on Education in Nairobi, bringing governments, educators, researchers, students and development partners together to address persistent weaknesses in education systems across the region.
The EAC announced on 17 August that the conference will take place from 24–28 August 2026 under the theme “Transforming Education in East Africa
Prime Minister Nsengiyumva presiding over the opening ceremony
East African Researchers Invited to Shape Regional Integration Agenda
AfDB Opens Kenya Consultancy Opportunity for Water and WASH Infrastructure
NAIROBI, Kenya — 11 August 2026
The African Development Bank has opened an expression-of-interest opportunity for a consultancy firm to support the design, compliance and supervision of water, hydrogeology and WASH infrastructure in Kenya, creating a new procurement opportunity within the country's water-development sector. The consultancy forms part of the IMPRESED project and was published by the African Development Bank on 11 August 2026.
Courtesy Photo. EAC Secretariate
EAC and Germany Launch Second AI Challenge to Equip 20,000 East Africans
ARUSHA, Tanzania — 12 August 2026
The East African Community and the Government of Germany have launched the second edition of the EAC Artificial Intelligence Challenge, targeting 20,000 people across the region with AI skills and opportunities to develop technology solutions for East Africa's development challenges. The initiative, known as AI4EAC, will provide opportunities for students, researchers and entrepreneurs across all EAC Partner States to build practical capabilities in artificial intelligence.
NAIROBI, Kenya — 11 August 2026
Researchers, policymakers and development practitioners across East Africa have been invited to contribute to the region's policy debate through the 2nd EACARNRI International Conference, with organisers opening a call for papers focused on sustainable regional integration. The conference is being organised by the East African Community Academic and Research Network for Regional Integration (EACARNRI) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), with the University of Nairobi serving as host and partner institution.
Uganda Moves to Strengthen Evidence-Based Development Planning
KAMPALA, Uganda — 7 August 2026
Fitch Affirms Uganda's 'B' Rating as Oil Production and Growth Prospects Shape Outlook
KAMPALA, Uganda — 7 August 2026
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Uganda's long-term foreign- and local-currency issuer default ratings at 'B' with a Stable Outlook, maintaining its assessment as the country approaches a potentially significant period of economic expansion linked to oil production. The rating agency's 7 August assessment places Uganda's sovereign credit profile within the 'B' category while maintaining a stable outlook.
The Central Bank of Tanzania . Courtesy Photo.
Hon. Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Photo/ Courtesy.
Tanzania has taken a significant step towards deepening its capital markets by opening its Treasury bills and government bonds market to all foreign investors, a reform expected to broaden the country's investor base, improve market liquidity and strengthen long-term financing for national development. The policy change, announced by the Government of Tanzania through the Bank of Tanzania, removes previous restrictions that limited foreign participation in the domestic government securities market.
Uganda is moving to strengthen the role of official statistics in national development planning, with the Ministry of Finance calling for more systematic use of reliable data in budgeting, policy formulation and monitoring of government programmes. Finance Minister Henry Musasizi made the call during a briefing with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Board, where he emphasised the need for Ministries, Departments and Agencies to establish functional statistics units and improve coordination with UBOS.
President Yoweri Museveni, of the republic of Uganda. File Photo
EIB Financing Reaches More Than 24,000 Ugandan Micro-Businesses in Partnership with Centenary Bank.
KAMPALA, Uganda — 4 August 2026
African Development Fund Approves $4.3 Million Natural-Capital Initiative
EAST AFRICA/AFRICA — 4 August 2026
The African Development Fund has approved a $4.3 million grant to strengthen the integration of natural capital into economic and development decision-making across 13 African countries. The Bank announced the initiative on 4 August 2026, with the participating countries including several from East Africa. The programme is intended to strengthen the ability of governments to incorporate the economic value of ecosystems and natural resources into policy, planning and investment decisions.
H.E Belén Calvo Uyarra, the EU Ambassador to Rwanda and Rwanda's Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa. Courtesy Photo.
Bwindi Women Bicycle Project. Photo by Speak Media Uganda/Pixel Images
Rwanda and EU Sign €40 Million Climate-Smart Agriculture Agreement
KIGALI, Rwanda — 4 August 2026
Rwanda and the European Union have signed a €40 million financing agreement to support the transformation of Rwanda's agriculture sector into a more productive, inclusive and climate-resilient sector. Rwanda's Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) announced the agreement on 4 August. The five-year programme, titled HANGARIBIHE: Transformational Climate-Smart and Inclusive Agriculture in Rwanda.
More than 24,000 Ugandan micro-enterprises received financing during the first year of a partnership between the European Investment Bank's development arm, EIB Global, and Centenary Bank, according to figures released on 4 August.
The seven-year financing operation aims to make €100 million available to private-sector enterprises in Uganda. EIB Global provided a €50 million credit line to Centenary Bank, which is matching the amount.
Pixel images/Tom Fish
BADEA Becomes Sixth Development Partner of Horn of Africa Initiative
HORN OF AFRICA — 1 August 2026
New Finance Focus Emerges for Refugee-Owned Businesses in Uganda
NAKIVALE, Uganda — 31 July 2026
Refugee entrepreneurs in Uganda are gaining greater attention as development organisations explore ways to connect displaced populations with formal financial services and business opportunities.
A new story published by the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) on 31 July highlights the experiences of refugee entrepreneurs in Nakivale Refugee Settlement and the barriers they face when trying to access finance.
Government leaders, tourism businesses, investors, conservation organisations and development partners gathered in Musanze for the first Climate & Business Talks of 2026.
Image (C) Horn of Africa Initiative
Rwanda Turns to Eco-Tourism as Climate and Investment Strategy
MUSANZE, Rwanda — 1 August 2026
Rwanda is seeking to position eco-tourism as both an economic growth opportunity and a climate-resilience strategy.Government leaders, tourism businesses, investors, conservation organisations and development partners gathered in Musanze on 1 August for the first Climate & Business Talks of 2026.The discussions focused on “Eco-Tourism as a Competitive Advantage: Investment, Certification and Climate Resilience.”
The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) has joined the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) as its sixth development partner, strengthening the financing platform supporting regional cooperation in the Horn.The announcement was made by the Horn of Africa Initiative on 1 August 2026.The HoAI brings governments and development partners together around regional priorities including infrastructure connectivity, trade, economic integration, private-sector development and peace and stability.
Pascaline Uwamahoro, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and an entrepreneur at one of her grocery stall. Photo: HFU-Humprey Nahurira.
Uganda Faces Growing Need to Finance Major Energy Infrastructure
KAMPALA, Uganda — 31 July 2026
Rwanda Upgrades Public Financial Management System
KIGALI, Rwanda — 29 July 2026
Rwanda has completed a major technological upgrade of its Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), strengthening the digital infrastructure used to manage public finances.The upgrade was announced by Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning on 29 July.IFMIS is central to government budgeting, expenditure management, accounting and financial reporting. Modernising the system is therefore expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of public financial-management processes.
Photo (c) GIZ
National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda.
Rwanda Records US$353.26 Million Formal Trade Deficit in June
KIGALI, Rwanda — 30 July 2026
Rwanda recorded a US$353.26 million deficit in formal trade in goods in June 2026, according to the latest external-trade statistics released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on 30 July.The figure represents a significant increase from the US$211.83 million trade deficit recorded in May 2026. NISR's latest data show that Rwanda's domestic exports nevertheless increased by 33.08 percent month-on-month in June, indicating that the larger trade deficit was not simply the result of weaker exports.
Uganda’s rapidly expanding energy needs are putting financing for electricity infrastructure at the centre of the country’s development agenda. The issue was highlighted at Uganda’s Power & Electricity Forum, where government, financial institutions, utilities, development partners, academia and private-sector representatives discussed how to finance the infrastructure required to meet projected energy demand.
Rwanda's Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa. Courtesy Photo.
Kenya Strengthens Pipeline of Bankable Renewable Energy Projects
NAIROBI, Kenya — 29 July 2026
Tripartite Summit Puts Infrastructure and Industrialisation at Centre of African Trade Agenda
NAIROBI, Kenya — 29–31 July 2026
The fourth COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit has placed infrastructure, industrial development and intra-African trade at the centre of efforts to strengthen regional economic integration.
Held in Nairobi from 29 to 31 July, the summit brought together the three regional economic communities under the theme “Deepening Intra-African Trade Anchored on Infrastructure and Industrial Development.”
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) during its 17th Annual Meeting and Conference. Courtesy Photo
The Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), an African-led initiative, strengthens Kenya’s pipeline of bankable renewable energy projects
East Africa Higher Education Moves Toward Regional AI Network
NAIROBI, Kenya — 29 July 2026
East Africa’s higher education sector is moving toward deeper regional collaboration on artificial intelligence, research and innovation following the launch of a new Regional AI Network of Universities in Nairobi.The network was launched by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) during its 17th Annual Meeting and Conference, which brought together more than 400 policymakers, university leaders, regulators, researchers, students, industry representatives and development partners.
Kenya has strengthened its pipeline of investment-ready renewable-energy projects following the completion of a technical-assistance programme designed to improve access to finance for clean-energy businesses.
The APRA Support Project, implemented between July 2024 and April 2026, helped strengthen Kenya’s clean-energy investment ecosystem by supporting project developers, financial institutions and investment partnerships.
The COMESA-EAC-SADC Heads of State and governments officials at the 2025 Tripartite Summit in Dar es Salam
AfDB Launches 2026 Regional Economic Outlook and Country Focus Reports for Africa
Continental, including EAC Partner States | 28 to 31 July 2026
Kenya Chief Justice Launches Five-Part Justice Sector Reform Package
Mombasa, Kenya | 27 July 2026
Chief Justice Martha Koome unveiled five justice sector reform instruments at the 38th National Council on the Administration of Justice meeting in Mombasa on 27 July, covering digital transformation, survivor centred handling of sexual and gender based violence cases, and people centred justice delivery. The package includes a Justice Sector ICT Policy and Action Plan to guide integration of case management systems across justice institutions, and Standard Operating Procedures on Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
Fresh cannabis leaves outdoors, highlighting natural growth. Pixel Photo
Launch of the 2026 Regional Economic Outlooks and Country focus Reports for Africa
Rwanda Cabinet Approves Concession for High-Value Therapeutic Crops Investment
Kigali, Rwanda | Cabinet meeting 24 July, reported 27 July 2026
Rwanda's Cabinet, chaired by President Paul Kagame, approved a concession agreement between the government and InipasvalleyRw Ltd for the High Value Therapeutic Crops Project. Medical marijuana remains the only high value therapeutic crop currently legalised for cultivation, processing and export in Rwanda as part of a wider government push to attract investment into the sector.
Today, The African Development Bank Group's Country Economics Department officially launched the 2026 Regional Economic Outlooks and Country Focus Reports for its 54 regional member countries. The activity will be running through until 31 July 2026. The reports translate the 2026 African Economic Outlook into region and country level analysis.
Kenya Chief Justice Martha Koome in a group photo with officials from Kenya's justice system at the 38th National Council Meeting.
Rwanda Considers Removing Statute of Limitations on Human Trafficking Prosecutions
Kigali, Rwanda | 25 July 2026
EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme and Other Regional Awards Open to Applicants
Regional | Application window open, deadlines through August 2026
The East African Community Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme remains open for applications, offering 197 scholarship slots for diploma, undergraduate, master's and PhD study across 28 universities in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
File Photo
President Paul Kagame. File Photo
WFP and UNICEF Launch Joint Cash and Nutrition Response for Karamoja, Uganda
Karamoja, Uganda | July 2026
WFP and UNICEF are running a joint humanitarian nutrition response in Uganda's Karamoja region, funded through the Uganda Humanitarian Fund, after the 2026 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification found that 473,000 people, about 32 percent of the region's analysed population, face crisis level hunger or worse between April and July, including roughly 41,000 in Emergency phase.
Rwanda is considering legislation to remove the statute of limitations on human trafficking offences, which would allow prosecutions regardless of when the crime occurred, according to reporting carried on 25 July. The reform is intended to close prosecutorial gaps in cases that can take years to investigate across multiple jurisdictions, during which evidence and witness availability often lapse under standard limitation periods.
Rwanda Begins Compensation Payments for Regional Rusizi III Hydropower Project
Rwanda | 24 July 2026
Arms Smuggling Flagged as Key Risk to South Sudan's December 2026 Elections
Juba, South Sudan | 24 July 2026
A 24 July analysis from the Institute for Security Studies warned that illicit arms flows, compounded by spillover from the Sudanese civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, pose a serious threat to South Sudan's scheduled December 2026 general elections. Despite a UN Security Council arms embargo in place since 2018, illicit weapons inflows persist.
Statistics House-Uganda. File Photo
Mohsin Tahir, the project leader. Photo Courtesy
Members of the Election Security committee. Photo by UNDP/Amos Agiro
Uganda's Fuel Price Surge Pushes Inflation Toward Central Bank Ceiling
Kampala, Uganda | 24 July 2026
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics reported, in data released around 24 July, that headline inflation reached 3.7 percent for the twelve months to June 2026, up from 3.2 percent in May, driven principally by fuel costs linked to disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict. Energy, fuel and utilities inflation rose to 11.9 percent for the year to June, up sharply from 9.1 percent in May.
Rusizi III Energy Limited confirmed that signing of compensation agreements for project affected households under the 206 megawatt Rusizi III Regional Hydropower Project began in Rwanda's Nzahaha Sector on 20 July, with reporting on the exercise current as of 24 July. Approximately seven million US dollars, roughly ten billion Rwandan francs, will be paid to Rwandan households
Rwanda Reports Repatriation of 289 Human Trafficking Victims Since 2025
Kigali, Rwanda | 23 to 24 July 2026
Kenyan Detectives Rescue 48 Women in Trafficking and Webcam Exploitation Raids
Nairobi, Kenya | 24 July 2026
Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations announced on 24 July the rescue of 48 young women following coordinated raids on two suspected trafficking and sexual exploitation operations in Kajiado County. In Ongata Rongai's Rimpa area, detectives acting on a public tip found 30 women aged 19 to 27 inside a residence converted into a commercial webcam production studio equipped with camera fitted laptops and streaming equipment.
EAC Central Bank Governors. Courtesy/Photo
File Photo/Courtesy
DCI Headquarters in Nairobi. Courtesy Photo
EAC Central Bank Governors Report Uneven Progress on Single Currency Roadmap
Kampala, Uganda | 24 July 2026
Governors and senior officials from the central banks of the East African Community convened in Kampala on 24 July for the 29th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee, chaired by Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi Ego. The meeting reviewed progress toward the bloc's revised roadmap for a single East African currency, targeted for 2031.
Rwanda's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, told the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, National Unity and Security on 23 July that the government has facilitated the return of 289 trafficking victims from four countries since 2025. The breakdown given was 101 individuals from Cambodia, 99 from Oman, 58 from Laos and 31 from Myanmar, tracked between 2025 and March 2026.
President Ruto Meets British High Commissioner, Advances Kenya-UK Economic Partnership and National Infrastructure Fund
NAIROBI — 23 July 2026
Ethiopia's National Dialogue Conference Enters Second Week with 4,000 Delegates Deliberating Constitutional Reform
ADDIS ABABA — 23 July 2026
Ethiopia's National Dialogue Conference, which opened on 15 July 2026 in Addis Ababa, is examining some of the most sensitive questions in the country's political life, including federalism, citizenship, and the constitutional amendment process. The three-week conference has brought together more than 4,000 representatives from regional states, political parties, civil society organisations, religious institutions, and the diaspora.
Tanzania's Minister for Finance Khamis Mussa Omar speaking at the event. Courtesy/Photo
President Ruto and UK Envoy Matt Baugh. Courtesy/Photo
Delegates and Representatives at the National Dailogue- Addis Ababa. Courtesy Photo
Tanzania Lists Inaugural Offshore Shilling-Denominated Bond on London Stock Exchange, Signals Possible Eurobond
LONDON / DAR ES SALAAM — 23 to 24 July 2026
Tanzania listed its inaugural Tanzanian shilling-denominated offshore bond on the London Stock Exchange on Friday 24 July 2026, marking a major step in the government's efforts to diversify financing for development projects and deepen access to international capital markets.
President William Ruto held talks with British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh at State House, Nairobi on 23 July 2026, focusing on deepening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, and strengthening cooperation on regional peace and security.
East Africa Remains Continent's Fastest-Growing Region at 6.4 Percent as Ethiopia and Rwanda Lead Expansion
NAIROBI — July 2026
Rwanda Ranked Among Africa's Top Performers in 2026 IIF Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report
KIGALI — July 2026
Rwanda has been ranked among Africa's top performers in the 2026 Institute of International Finance Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report, highlighting the country's growing reputation for transparency in public debt management and communication with international investors.
Tanzania's Minister for Finance Khamis Mussa Omar speaking at the event. Courtesy/Photo
GDP Growth by region,2025
President Paula Kagame. Courtesy/File Photo
EAC Calls for New-Generation Border Reforms Following Monitoring Mission to Namanga and Lungalunga One Stop Border Posts
ARUSHA-20 July 2026
Following a monitoring mission to the Namanga and Horohoro/Lungalunga One Stop Border Posts, the East African Community has called for new-generation border reforms to modernise border operations, citing that regional trade is growing and East Africa's borders must evolve to keep pace.
East Africa is the continent's fastest-growing region in 2026, expanding at approximately 6.4 percent as Ethiopia and Rwanda power ahead. Ethiopia is projected to grow at approximately 9.8 percent, Rwanda at 7.3 percent, and Tanzania at 6.1 percent.
EAC to launch Uganda's virus institute as regional centre of excellence
Kenya's Rift Valley lake flooding reaches breaking point after years of rising waters
Baringo County, Kenya, 20 July 2026 – Communities around Kenya's Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria have reached a tipping point after months of continued flooding, following years of above average rainfall across the Rift Valley basin, according to researchers who have documented the crisis.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper Photo/Courtesy
UVRI-Entebbe. Photo/Courtesy
Not actual Image, for illustrative purpose only. @Pixels images-Safari Consoler
UK confirms deep aid cuts across East Africa, Kenya faces 93 percent reduction
London, 17 July 2026 - The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office published country-by-country allocations on 17 July confirming bilateral aid to Africa will fall 56% by 2028/29 as it cuts overall aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI. Kenya faces a 93% reduction, among the steepest cuts announced anywhere.
Entebbe, 20 July 2026 – The East African Community announced it will officially launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute as the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology on 22 July, in a move intended to strengthen the region's capacity to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks including Ebola and Marburg.
East African Community adopts Bujumbura Resolutions on Kiswahili and artificial intelligence
UNICEF and UN mission support reintegration of South Sudan's child soldiers
Juba, 16 July 2026
The United Nations Children's Fund, together with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, said it continues to work with the Government of South Sudan to support the release and reintegration of children associated with armed forces and armed groups.
Photo/Courtesy
Regional leaders adopt the Bujumbura Resolutions on Kiswahili, Multilingualism and AI and unveil first steps towards a Kiswahili Trust Mark for artificial intelligence systems
@UNICEF/UN0275978/Chol
EAC launches online courses to strengthen regional statistical capacity
Arusha, 17 July 2026
The East African Community Secretariat launched a series of self paced online courses intended to strengthen statistical capacity across its Partner States, part of continuing efforts to improve the quality and comparability of regional data used for planning and policy making.
Bujumbura, 17 July 2026
The East African Community said its Partner States have adopted the Bujumbura Resolutions on Kiswahili, Multilingualism and Artificial Intelligence, committing the region to treating Kiswahili as a strategic component of its digital infrastructure.
Kenya health ministry reviews audit committee progress on governance
Gavi reports record childhood immunisation in 2025 but warns of funding gap
Geneva, 15 July 2026
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance said lower income countries achieved record levels of childhood immunisation in 2025, with 73 million children protected by Gavi supported vaccines, the highest number in the Alliance's history.
Photo/Courtesy
Kenya-MOH Officials
File/Photo
UNFPA marks World Population Day highlighting Tanzania's demographic choices
Dar es Salaam, 15 July 2026
The United Nations Population Fund marked World Population Day 2026 by highlighting its partnership with the Government of Tanzania to support young people's health, economic resilience and demographic planning.
Nairobi, 15 July 2026 –
Kenya's Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening governance, accountability and prudent management of public resources, following a meeting between Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga and the Ministerial Audit Committee at the ministry's Afya House headquarters.
Nyarugusu camp nears closure as final Burundian refugees leave Tanzania
WFP activates South Sudan's first drought anticipatory action plan
Juba and Eastern Equatoria, 10 July 2026
The United Nations World Food Programme and the Government of South Sudan activated the country's first ever drought anticipatory action plan, targeting more than 65,000 people in Budi and Kapoeta North counties as drought risk intensifies in Eastern Equatoria State.
Photo/Courtesy
/File Photo
File/Photo
AfDB to convene East Africa regulators on Mission 300 electricity access
Regional, 10 July 2026 –
The African Development Bank Group announced it will host a webinar on 14 July 2026 focused on regulatory readiness for Mission 300 in East Africa, bringing together regional electricity regulatory authorities, senior officials from African energy ministries, development partners and Mission 300 Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units.
Nyarugusu, Tanzania, 8 July 2026 –
The Nyarugusu refugee camp, which hosted more than 50,000 Burundian refugees less than a year ago, is now almost empty, with fewer than 200 Burundians remaining as repatriation operations accelerated over the preceding two months.
East African Community's new financing formula and budget take effect
Kenya's health insurer to disburse 16 billion shillings in payments for July
Nairobi, 2 July 2026
Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Social Health Authority would disburse approximately 16 billion Kenyan shillings in payments covering the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund and the Primary Healthcare Fund for the month of July.
Somalia Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Gamal Mohamed Hassan
EAC Heads of State/File Photo
Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale. File Photo
Somalia's embassy in China hosts industrialisation and special economic zones forum
Beijing, 2 July 2026 –
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the People's Republic of China hosted the Somalia Industrialization and Special Economic Zones Forum, bringing together more than 300 Somali and Chinese business leaders, investors and chamber of commerce representatives to explore trade, industrial and investment opportunities between the two countries
Arusha, 1 July 2026
A revised financing formula for the East African Community took effect, requiring the bloc's eight partner states, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, to fund half the Community's budget through equal contributions and half according to each country's economic size.
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East Africa's Development Community.
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