Kenya 

Lenders Reap as Workers’ Appetite for Salary Advances Grows 

Lenders are increasingly benefiting from growing demand for salary advances as more workers turn to short-term credit to bridge financial gaps before payday. 

The trend is creating a growing market for banks and digital lenders as salaried workers seek quick access to funds for emergencies, bills, school fees and other financial obligations. Co-operative Bank, for instance, disbursed KSh41 billion through its short-term mobile credit platform between January and July 2026, highlighting the rising demand for salary-backed loans. 

(Source: Daily Nation) 

Uganda 

Uganda Seeks to Expand Regional Trade as EAC Market Opportunities Grow 

 Uganda is pushing to deepen regional trade and industrialisation as businesses seek greater access to the expanding East African market. However, the country continues to face a significant trade deficit with EAC partners, with imports rising faster than exports. In June 2026, Uganda recorded a US$520 million trade deficit with the region, even as exports increased by 10.5 per cent. Government and private-sector leaders are calling for the removal of non-tariff barriers, stronger regional value chains and increased domestic production to improve Uganda’s competitiveness. 

(Source: The Monitor) 

Tanzania 

Indonesia’s PT Pertamina Seeks to Invest in Tanzania’s Energy and Industrial Sectors 

 Indonesia’s state-owned energy company PT Pertamina is exploring expanded investment opportunities in Tanzania’s energy and industrial sectors. The discussions build on existing cooperation with Tanzania’s Petroleum Development Corporation and cover oil and gas exploration, natural gas development, and downstream industrial activities, including potential gas processing and manufacturing projects. Tanzania has also encouraged Pertamina to participate in new petroleum exploration opportunities as the two countries seek to deepen energy and investment ties. 

(Source: Daily News) 

Rwanda 

Rwanda Expands Trade Opportunities Through Regional and Global Markets 

 Rwanda is seeking to expand its export base by strengthening regional trade and opening new markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Recent efforts include promoting value-added products and supporting businesses to access larger African markets. Rwanda’s agricultural exports remain an important source of foreign exchange, with coffee, tea, horticulture and animal products among its key exports. In August 2026, Rwanda and India also agreed to deepen bilateral trade and investment cooperation, identifying sectors including critical minerals, healthcare and digital technologies for greater collaboration. 

(Source: The New Times) 

Ethiopia 

Ethiopia Moves Closer to Eurobond Debt Restructuring 

 Ethiopia has moved closer to resolving its US$1 billion Eurobond default after official creditors approved a preliminary restructuring agreement with private bondholders. The deal, endorsed under the G20 Common Framework, clears a major hurdle in Ethiopia’s efforts to restructure its debt and regain access to international capital markets. However, bondholders must still formally approve the agreement, while creditors have raised concerns over a new warrant that could give private investors additional benefits. 

(Source: Reuters) 

Sudan 

Sudan Seeks to Revive Trade Links as Regional Commerce Recovers 

 Sudan is working to revive trade with neighbouring and regional markets despite disruption from the ongoing conflict. Trade with Egypt has shown signs of recovery, with bilateral trade reaching US$759 million in the first half of 2026, up from US$570 million during the same period in 2025. Egyptian exports to Sudan rose by nearly 40 per cent, while Sudanese exports to Egypt increased by about 16 per cent. Sudan’s key export products include gold, sesame, livestock and petroleum, while the country remains heavily reliant on imports such as wheat, refined petroleum products and sugar. 

(Source: Sudan Horizon) 

Somalia 

Somalia Pushes to Expand Trade Through EAC and AfCFTA 

Somalia is accelerating efforts to expand regional and continental trade as it deepens integration with the East African Community (EAC) and prepares to participate more fully in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The government is working to improve customs systems, strengthen market access, and support Somali businesses in exporting to larger African markets. Somalia’s EAC membership has already helped deepen trade ties with Kenya, while AfCFTA officials are supporting the country’s preparations to increase exports, investment and private-sector participation. 

(Source: The EastAfrican)