Kenya

Kenya Becomes Fourth Biggest Recipient of AfDB Project Funds

Kenya has jumped five spots to become the fourth-largest recipient of project funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), securing approvals worth $577 million in 2024. This is a 52% increase from the previous year. The funding supports large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy, road, and water sectors. Key among them is the Kenya-Ethiopia electricity highway, which enhances regional power connectivity. Despite a mounting debt burden, Kenya continues to attract AfDB financing, trailing only South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco in total approvals. While the bank disclosed the value of approved projects, it did not reveal the actual disbursements made to Kenya.

(Business Daily)

Tanzania

Tanzania Takes the Lead at Geita Gold Mine

Geita Gold Mine has positioned itself as a model of responsible mining by placing Tanzanian talent at the core of its operations. As the mining sector cements its role as one of the country’s key economic pillars, the pressure to ensure local participation and regulatory compliance continues to grow. Rising to the challenge, Geita Gold Mine has rolled out initiatives aimed at developing a skilled national workforce, facilitating technology transfer, and aligning its operations with national laws and local content regulations. These efforts have translated into the direct employment of 2,293 Tanzanians, with an additional 4,671 working through contractors. Beyond employment, the mine has spurred local business growth, improved infrastructure, and attracted ancillary industries, giving a significant boost to the regional economy.

(Daily News)

Uganda

Transformative Power of DFCU Bank Vehicle and Asset Financing

For over six decades, DFCU Bank has led Uganda’s leasing and asset financing landscape, unlocking value for entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and corporate clients. Its legacy is rooted in creating access to tools that move goods, support livelihoods, and transform businesses. The bank offers a full suite of financing options designed to meet clients where they are, ranging from direct financing for vehicles and equipment, ideal for individuals and micro-businesses, to flexible leasing solutions that allow businesses to access income-generating assets without large upfront costs. It also offers innovative solutions, such as Insurance Premium Financing, which enables clients to spread out their insurance payments over time, ensuring uninterrupted protection. Vehicle and Asset Financing is DFCU Bank’s strategic response to the needs of a growing, ambitious Uganda.

(The Independent)

Rwanda

Ngirente to Address Nation on Government’s Achievements In Improving Citizens’ Welfare

Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente is set to address the nation on the government’s progress in improving the welfare of Rwandans. The update will highlight key achievements across critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, energy, and education. It also comes against the backdrop of increased investment in social protection, with a 13% budget boost in the 2025/26 financial year, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient economy.

(The New Times)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia Will Continue Investing in National Evaluation Systems

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Planning and Development has confirmed the government’s firm commitment to strengthening national evaluation systems and embedding evidence-based frameworks across all levels of policy and development programming. Speaking at the closing of the 25th anniversary of the Africa Evaluation Association (AfrEA) in Addis Ababa, State Minister Tirumar Abate emphasised that robust monitoring and evaluation are essential—not a luxury—in an era of constrained resources and high expectations. The government plans to build institutional capacity, integrate evaluation into ministry operations, and ensure lessons inform future development. This initiative aligns with both Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting Ethiopia’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

(ENA)