Kenya

Trump Administration Backs AGOA Renewal As Africa Faces Bleak Trading Future With US

The Trump Administration has offered support for an additional year to the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), according to a White House official. This has breathed life into the flailing trade framework, which has allowed qualifying Sub-Saharan African countries to export several products into the US at zero tariff. AGOA is a non-reciprocal US trade preference programme and law enacted in 2000, subsequently renewed at expiry by different administrations through the United States Congress.

 

(Source: Citizen Digital)

 

Tanzania

Dar Rivalry With Mombasa Over Free Storage Offer Turns Heated

Tanzania has initiated an extended free storage period for transit cargo to neighbouring countries, intensifying its efforts to capture a larger share of the regional market from competitors such as Kenya. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) said all transit cargo destined for Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will now receive 30 days of free storage, up from 15. 

 

(Source: The East African)

 

Uganda

World Bank Wants Govt To Increase Income Tax To 35%

The World Bank has called on the government to introduce a new 35 per cent income tax band for individuals earning between Shs5.82m and Shs120m annually as part of reforms to increase domestic revenue mobilisation. In its 25th Uganda Economic Update, the Bank noted that Uganda’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains stubbornly low at just over 13%.

 

(Source: Daily Monitor)

 

Rwanda

Rwanda and SpaceX Partner to Expand Starlink Satellite Internet Nationwide

Rwanda and SpaceX have reached a landmark agreement to accelerate the deployment of Starlink satellite internet within the country, with plans to install Rwanda’s first dedicated Starlink gateway by the end of 2025. The announcement followed a meeting between Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Yves Iradukunda, and SpaceX leadership. The discussions reviewed current Starlink operations in Rwanda, which already serve around 5,000 users, and focused on expanding access nationwide.

(Source: TechAfrica News)

 

Ethiopia

US Backs New $10Bn Airport In Ethiopia

The US announced support for constructing a new international airport in Ethiopia, marking President Donald Trump’s first major business venture in the country. Trump’s special envoy stated that Washington would provide substantial financial assistance for the airport at Bishoftu, located approximately 40 kilometres south of Addis Ababa. The airport aims to ease congestion at the overly busy Bole International Airport.

(Source: The East African)

 

Sudan 

Sudan to Review GERD Deal, Proposes $100Bn Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced on Wednesday his country’s intention to review the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with Ethiopia and Egypt, and said he had presented partnership projects worth $100 billion to Saudi Arabia. Speaking at a press conference in Port Sudan after returning from the U.N. General Assembly, Idris said he had proposed 100 partnership projects to Riyadh valued at $100 billion, focused on resources in the Red Sea.

(Source: Sudan Tribune)

 

Somalia

Somalia Eyes Oil Boom as First Offshore Drilling Set For 2026

Somalia is preparing to launch its first-ever oil drilling operation, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced, marking a significant milestone for the Horn of Africa nation. Speaking at the opening of the 7th session of the joint parliament in Mogadishu, the president described the move as a critical step towards harnessing Somalia’s natural resources and building a sustainable national economy. 

(Source: Africa Energy Insights)