KENYA

Petrol, diesel, and Kerosene prices to remain unchanged in EPRA’s May review

The prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene will remain unchanged in the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). “The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act, 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020,” said the authority.

The current prices have been attributed to a decrease in the landed cost of imported super petrol by 2.95% from US$606.06 per cubic metre in March 2025 to US$588.16 per cubic metre in April 2025. The landed cost of diesel decreased by 6.62% from US$636.75 per cubic metre to US$594.60 per cubic metre, while kerosene decreased by 4.52% from US$628.22 per cubic metre to US$599.84 per cubic metre over the same period.

(Citizen)

UGANDA

Stanbic, agriculture ministry to fast-track Uganda’s agro-industrialisation agenda

To accelerate Uganda’s transition from subsistence agriculture to a modern, industrialised agro-economy, Stanbic Bank Uganda, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), hosted the inaugural Consumer Convention 2025 in Kampala under the theme “Accelerating the Momentum of Agro-Industrialisation.”

The high-level forum attracted stakeholders from government, agribusiness, financial services, and the development community to discuss scalable solutions for transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector into a driver of jobs, investment, and economic growth. State Minister for Agriculture Bright Rwamirama described Stanbic’s approach as a powerful example of private sector alignment with national priorities under the National Development Plan IV (NDPIV).

 (Business Times Uganda)

TANZANIA

Tanzania to establish international financial services centre to attract investment 

The National Business Council (TNBC) is preparing to launch an International Financial Services Centre in Tanzania to mobilise capital for major investment projects. The initiative is part of broader efforts to position the country as a regional financial hub and achieve long-term economic targets.

Speaking during the group’s second session held over the weekend, TNBC Executive Secretary Dr. Godwill Wanga explained that the proposed centre is designed to mobilise capital for major development initiatives inside and outside the country. Deputy Governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Sauda Msemo, stated that the centre aligns with the government’s long-term objective of increasing the gross national income to USD 1 trillion by 2050.

 (Tanzania Invest)

RWANDA

Rwandan miner Trinity Metals to export tin to US

Rwandan mining company Trinity Metals is seeking to establish a new supply chain of tin from Rwanda to the United States. This follows a letter of intent signed between Trinity Metals and Nathan Trotter, the largest manufacturer of tin and tin alloys in North America, at the US Department of State, on Tuesday, May 14.“This type of critical minerals project supports U.S. onshoring, strengthens our national security, and advances economic prosperity,” the Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources, said in a post on X on Tuesday.

(The New Times)

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia secures over $1.6 billion in investment deals amid bold economic transformation push

The Invest in Ethiopia High-Level Business Forum 2025 concluded on May 13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to attract foreign investment and promote private sector growth.

The two-day event, which brought together global investors and key stakeholders, highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing comprehensive economic reforms and resulted in the signing of five major investment deals totalling over $ 1.6 billion.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a cohesive environment for private sector growth, ensuring macroeconomic stability, and advancing comprehensive reforms, including the recently launched Macroeconomic Reform Programme.

(All Africa)

SUDAN 

Sudan extends Chad border crossing for Darfur aid, WFP convoy heads to El Fasher

Sudan’s government on Wednesday extended the opening of a key border crossing with Chad for three months to allow humanitarian aid to reach the conflict-ravaged Darfur region, the foreign ministry said.

The Adre crossing, located in West Darfur state, which is under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), was initially opened on August 15, 2024, for a period of three months. This marks the fourth such extension.

(Sudan Tribune)

SOMALIA

Somalia, Turkey deepen ties in fisheries and blue economy cooperation

Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, held a high-level meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktas, in Mogadishu to advance bilateral cooperation in the fisheries and maritime sectors.

 The two officials discussed expanding joint efforts in sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, capacity building, and investment opportunities in Somalia’s vast marine resources. They emphasised the importance of technical exchange, infrastructure development, and combating illegal fishing in Somali waters.

Hassan expressed gratitude for Turkey’s ongoing support to Somalia’s fisheries sector, noting that there are substantial opportunities for Turkish investors in fish processing, cold storage, and coastal development. Ambassador Aktas reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Somalia in the blue economy, pledging to share Turkish expertise and invest in Somalia’s maritime development to help unlock the country’s economic potential.

 (Hiiraan Online)