Kenya 

MPs Oppose Proposed Tea Export Levy Over Industry Concerns 

Members of Parliament have raised objections to a proposed new levy on tea exports, warning that it could reduce the competitiveness of Kenya’s tea industry in international markets. Legislators argue that the additional charge would increase costs for exporters and farmers at a time when the sector is already facing challenges from fluctuating global prices and rising production expenses. 

Critics contend that the levy could ultimately lower earnings for tea growers, who depend on export revenues for their livelihoods. They have urged the government to explore alternative revenue measures that do not place additional pressure on one of Kenya’s leading foreign-exchange earners. Supporters of the proposal maintain that the levy would help finance sector development and regulatory activities. However, the debate highlights growing concerns over balancing revenue generation with the need to protect the competitiveness and sustainability of Kenya’s tea industry. 

(Source: Business Daily) 

Tanzania 

CRDB Simplifies Loan Access for Tanzania’s Public Servants 

CRDB Bank has launched its “Kopa Kimpango” loan product, aimed at making it easier for Tanzanian public servants to access quick and flexible financing. The initiative is designed to reduce bureaucratic procedures and accelerate loan approvals, allowing eligible government employees to obtain funds more efficiently for personal and development needs. 

According to the bank, qualifying employees can access unsecured loans with competitive interest rates, extended repayment periods, and streamlined application processes. The product forms part of CRDB’s broader strategy to expand financial inclusion and provide tailored banking solutions for salaried workers. The move is expected to improve access to credit among public servants while supporting household investments, education, business ventures, and other financial goals. 

(Source: Daily News) 

Uganda 

NBL, NSSF and MTN MoMo Partner to Equip 1,500 Retailers with Business Skills 

Uganda’s private-sector players have launched a joint initiative to strengthen the capacity of small business owners, with more than 1,500 retailers set to benefit from structured training in financial literacy, business management, and digital tools. The programme brings together Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) as part of a broader effort to improve sustainability and growth in the retail ecosystem. 

The initiative, branded GRIT (Growing Retailers Innovatively Together), targets bar owners, stockists, and retail managers who form a critical part of Uganda’s informal and semi-formal economy. It focuses on practical skills such as stock control, financial planning, customer management, and responsible retail practices, all of which are considered key to improving business survival rates in a highly competitive market. 

(Source: The Independent) 

Rwanda 

Rusumo Hydropower Project Powers Rwanda’s Development Across Key Sectors 

The 80MW Rusumo Hydropower Project, jointly developed by Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi, is delivering wide-ranging benefits across Rwanda’s economy, extending far beyond electricity generation. The project supplies 26MW directly to Rwanda’s national grid and supports critical sectors including agriculture, transport, healthcare, water supply, housing, and regional trade. In Kirehe District, the project is expected to boost irrigation on more than 7,000 hectares of farmland by improving access to electricity, helping farmers increase productivity and reduce vulnerability to drought. 

The hydropower project is also supporting the future Bugesera International Airport through new transmission infrastructure, while creating opportunities for cross-border electricity trade between Rwanda and Tanzania. Beyond energy generation, the initiative has financed roads, water systems, health centres, markets, and a model village for displaced families. Through its Local Area Development Programme, communities in Kirehe and Ngoma districts have benefited from improved access to healthcare, rehabilitated feeder roads, clean water projects, and modern market facilities, demonstrating how regional energy investments can drive broader socio-economic transformation. 

(Source: AllAfrica) 

Ethiopia 

Investors Threaten Legal Action Over Ethiopia’s Eurobond Debt Dispute 

Investors holding Ethiopia’s Eurobond have threatened legal action in UK courts after negotiations with the government over debt restructuring collapsed. The dispute follows Ethiopia’s failure to service a US$33 million coupon payment in December 2023—its first default on external debt—and repeated unsuccessful attempts to agree on new repayment terms. Bondholders, represented by an ad hoc committee, rejected a recent proposal that included a 12 per cent haircut and staggered repayments through 2029. 

The standoff highlights continuing disagreement between private creditors and Ethiopia’s Official Creditors Committee over the restructuring framework under the G20 Common Framework. While talks have resumed at various stages, investors argue that the proposed terms are commercially inadequate, increasing the risk of prolonged legal and financial uncertainty surrounding Ethiopia’s Eurobond obligations and broader debt-resolution process. 

(Source: The Reporter) 

Sudan 

RSF Appoints Former Sudan Central Bank Governor in Nyala, Fuelling Parallel Currency Fears 

Sudan is facing increasing strain on its monetary system as the prolonged conflict continues to disrupt core economic and financial institutions, according to Sudan Tribune. The report highlights that ongoing fighting has weakened currency stability, reduced liquidity, and undermined the government’s ability to manage fiscal and monetary operations effectively. With key economic hubs affected by insecurity, normal financial activity has been significantly constrained. 

The disruption has also affected revenue collection, banking operations, and broader economic governance, deepening uncertainty in an already fragile economy. Analysts warn that continued instability risks further fragmentation of the monetary system, as war-related pressures limit policy effectiveness and weaken institutional capacity to stabilise financial conditions or support recovery efforts. 

(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia 

Hobyo Port Advances as Somalia Eyes Regional Trade Opportunities 

Construction of Somalia’s Hobyo Port is progressing despite security challenges and growing competition among ports in the Horn of Africa. Developers say key equipment and construction materials have arrived at the site, with work continuing on the strategically located seaport along Somalia’s central coastline. The project, led by the Hobyo Investment Company in partnership with a Turkish construction firm, is expected to expand Somalia’s maritime capacity and support economic development in the Galmudug region. 

The port is also being viewed as a potential gateway for regional trade, particularly for landlocked Ethiopia, which is seeking alternative access routes to global markets. Analysts note that Hobyo could help ease pressure on existing ports while strengthening Somalia’s position within regional logistics and trade networks. However, security concerns, including piracy risks and political competition surrounding trade corridors, remain key challenges that could affect the project’s long-term success. 

(Source: Ethiopanorama)