Kenya 

Gov’t Signals Fresh Diesel Price Cut to Ease Business Costs 

The government has announced plans to reduce diesel prices within the next three days, citing improved fuel reserves and assured supply coverage through the end of June. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the move is intended to ease pressure on businesses facing high operating costs. 

Speaking after talks with manufacturers under the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), he noted that diesel remains a critical economic input and that further price reductions are expected in the next monthly review, supported by stable petroleum supplies through July despite global market volatility. 

The announcement comes as industry players continue to push for lower energy costs, including electricity tariffs, to improve competitiveness. Manufacturers have welcomed the anticipated reduction as a positive step towards lowering production and logistics costs. 

(The Star) 

Tanzania 

Gov’t Unveils TSh1.72T Tax Shake-Up as New Budget Rewires Economy 

The Finance Bill 2026 signals a significant shift in Tanzania’s tax policy, with the government seeking to raise an additional Sh1.72 trillion through a combination of targeted incentives, expanded tax coverage and enhanced enforcement. 

While the Bill extends VAT relief to sectors such as clean energy, local manufacturing, agriculture and aviation, it also narrows selected exemptions. It brings more economic activity into the tax net. Key measures include changes to the presumptive tax regime, higher withholding tax on digital services, a new levy on agricultural and livestock value chains, and broad-based excise duty increases on consumer goods, betting services, motorcycles and imported used vehicles. 

Higher customs processing fees and increased use of digital and AI-driven tax administration systems further support the reforms. Overall, the proposals reflect a broader effort to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, formalise previously untaxed sectors and improve compliance, rather than relying solely on direct tax rate increases. 

(Daily News) 

Uganda 

Equity Bank Uganda and GIZ Boost Detra Energy’s Clean Cooking Drive 

Uganda’s clean cooking transition is gaining momentum as innovative technologies and financing partnerships make energy-efficient stoves more accessible to households. 

Through a partnership involving Detra Energy, Equity Bank Uganda, and GIZ, subsidised clean cooking solutions have enabled consumers to significantly reduce charcoal consumption and household energy costs while improving convenience and reducing environmental impact. 

The initiative highlights the role of affordable financing and technology in expanding access to sustainable energy, supporting household savings, reducing pressure on forests and advancing Uganda’s broader energy access and climate resilience objectives. 

(The Independent) 

Rwanda 

Government Targets 50 % Sugar Self-Sufficiency 

Rwanda is seeking to reduce its heavy reliance on sugar imports by attracting a new large-scale investor expected to meet up to 50 % of national demand. 

According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, the government is in discussions with investors, including a Kenyan firm, to establish a major sugar project in Nyagatare District alongside large-scale sugarcane farming. 

The move comes amid concerns over declining output from the country’s only major producer, Kabuye Sugar, whose share of national consumption has fallen significantly due to limited expansion. The proposed investment, which is expected to take at least four years to materialise, aims to boost local production, reduce import costs, create jobs and support by-products such as ethanol and green energy as part of broader efforts to strengthen industrial self-sufficiency. 

(The New Times) 

Ethiopia 

Coordinated Economic Reforms Drive Rapid Growth and Sharp Inflation Decline, Says Finance Minister 

Ethiopia’s coordinated fiscal and monetary reforms are delivering strong growth and improved price stability, with GDP expanding from an average of 6.8 % between 2018/19 and 2023/24 to 9.2 % in 2024/25, with growth projected at 10.2 % this year despite global economic uncertainty. 

Inflation has eased significantly from 34.5 % in 2021 to 9.4 % by March 2025, supported by tighter control of money supply, the end of central bank deficit financing, and supply-side gains in agriculture and food production. 

The government says these reforms, anchored in the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, are strengthening macroeconomic stability and laying the foundation for sustained investment and long-term growth. 

(ENA) 

Somalia 

Somalia Advances Bilateral Economic and Diplomatic Strategy as New Ambassador Presents Credentials in Pretoria 

Somalia has formally launched a new phase of diplomatic engagement with South Africa following Ambassador Adam Issak’s presentation of credentials in Pretoria, officially activating his mandate to strengthen bilateral relations. 

The mission will focus on expanding economic cooperation, promoting trade and investment, and deepening Somalia’s integration into regional economic frameworks, alongside a strong emphasis on supporting and protecting the Somali diaspora in South Africa. 

The ambassador also conveyed a diplomatic message from Somalia’s Foreign Minister, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to closer cooperation and sustained high-level engagement. 

(SONNA) 

Sudan 

Sudan Fuel Shortage Worsens as Local Currency Hits Record Low 

Sudan is facing a worsening fuel shortage alongside a sharp currency depreciation, prompting emergency intervention by the Transitional Sovereign Council as long queues form at filling stations across several states. 

Authorities say the crisis, driven by damage to key oil infrastructure, including the shutdown of the Al-Jaili refinery, has forced the country to rely entirely on imports and placed additional pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The Sudanese pound has consequently fallen to a record low on the parallel market. 

Officials have announced measures to ease supply constraints, including faster fuel offloading, stricter enforcement of import compliance requirements, and the reactivation of a joint pricing committee to stabilise pump prices. The government has also begun reviewing updated import regulations for 2026 as it seeks to restore fuel availability and contain broader economic instability. 

(Sudan Tribune)