Kenya 

UN Rights Chief Appeals for KSh.51B as Crises Mount and Funding Shrinks 

United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk appealed for US$400 million on Thursday to address mounting human rights needs in countries such as Sudan and Myanmar. This follows donor funding cuts that have drastically reduced his office’s work and left it in “survival mode”. The UN office is appealing for US$100 million less than last year, after a significant scale-back of its work in some areas due to a fall in contributions from countries including the U.S. and Europe. 

(Source: Citizen Digital) 

Uganda 

Fiscal Shift and Export Gains Drive Trade Outlook 

Uganda is recalibrating its fiscal and trade strategy as it prepares for crude oil production expected to begin in 2026. Authorities plan to cut external budget support by about 84 per cent in the next fiscal year, prioritising domestic revenue mobilisation to reduce reliance on foreign financing. Meanwhile, the country has recorded a surge in gold exports, which rose by 76 per cent to approximately US$5.8 billion in 2025. The increase has strengthened foreign exchange reserves and stabilised the financial system. Analysts indicate Uganda’s economic resilience will depend on balancing reduced external borrowing with continued expansion of export earnings and energy-sector growth. 

(Source: Reuters via Vellum Trade and Financial Services Round-Up) 

Tanzania 

Tanzania Secures Climate Funds for Mainland and Zanzibar Projects 

Tanzania has secured sustained international climate and environment financing for projects across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, the government told Parliament this week. Since 2020, 10 projects worth TZS97.6 billion have been completed with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the World Bank, and the AfDB, with a further three projects valued at TZS62.6 billion in preparation. The funding targets conservation and climate adaptation that underpin tourism, including coastal protection and ecosystem restoration. Officials said programmes are allocated to both sides of the Union based on needs – citing land restoration in North A District and coastal protection in Unguja and Pemba – and are boosting household incomes, local capacity and sustainable growth. The work aligns with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 and the Green Agenda 27, while Tanzania’s vice‑presidency of the UN Environment Assembly Bureau is expected to strengthen access to future projects and reinforce resilience in key tourism areas. 

(Source: The African Travel & Tourism Association) 

Rwanda 

Capital Markets Integration Push Gains Momentum 

Rwanda’s financial sector is positioned to benefit from renewed efforts to integrate East African capital markets. Regional stock exchange leaders recently revived the Capital Markets Infrastructure project to link exchanges across East Africa electronically. The initiative is expected to enhance cross-border trading, expand investment opportunities, and deepen market liquidity. Rwanda’s bourse, already among the region’s more developed markets, stands to gain from increased foreign listings and investor participation. The project, backed by development partners and regulators, is considered central to advancing regional financial integration and reducing settlement costs for cross-border securities trading. 

(Source: The EastAfrican) 

Ethiopia 

Debt Disputes and Investment Deals Shape Financial Landscape 

Ethiopia is navigating a complex financial transition marked by challenges in debt restructuring and new infrastructure investments. Private bondholders are preparing legal action over a US$1 billion debt default after disagreements with official creditors stalled restructuring plans. The dispute highlights tensions under the G20 Common Framework designed to coordinate sovereign debt relief. At the same time, Ethiopia has secured major foreign investment, including a US$400 million electricity transmission project backed by a UK government-owned investor. The investment supports energy infrastructure, renewable integration, and economic growth, reinforcing the country’s broader liberalisation agenda and projected economic expansion of over 10 per cent in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. 

(Sources: Reuters; Financial Times; The EastAfrican) 

Sudan  

Trade and Financial Recovery Remains Constrained 

Sudan’s trade and financial environment continues to be disrupted by prolonged instability and weakened economic institutions. Analysts note that the ongoing conflict has limited formal trade flows, disrupted financial systems, and reduced foreign investment. Regional economic discussions increasingly highlight Sudan’s potential reintegration into African trade blocs once stability improves. Broader continental trade frameworks, including increased intra-African financing initiatives, are expected to provide recovery pathways if governance and security conditions improve. Economic observers emphasise that rebuilding financial institutions and restoring trade corridors will be essential for Sudan’s long-term economic revival. 

(Sources: African Trade Report (Afreximbank); Africa.com) 

Somalia 

Securities Exchange and Energy Trade Drive Financial Modernisation 

Somalia’s financial sector is undergoing structural transformation, driven by the expansion of capital markets and regional energy integration. The newly launched National Securities Exchange is preparing to attract up to US$2 billion in diaspora investment and support initial public offerings in telecommunications and energy sectors beginning in 2026. The exchange aims to formalise capital markets and stimulate investment-driven growth. Concurrently, Somalia is prioritising energy cooperation, including plans to increase electricity imports from Ethiopia to support industrial expansion and regional integration. These developments signal growing investor confidence and Somalia’s gradual reintegration into regional financial networks. 

(Sources: The EastAfrican; Dawan Africa; Tralac Daily News)