Kenya

Kenya’s coffee exports nearly doubled in January on demand

Kenyan coffee exports nearly doubled to 2,685 tonnes in January on demand for the larger quantities of quality crops from the main October-December production season in Kenya.

The performance marks a rebound in the performance of exports of the commodity, which had fallen to 1,478 tonnes in December, the lowest monthly level since January 1999.

Kenya’s coffee is marketed through the direct exports window or the main Nairobi Coffee Exchange channel.

(Business Daily)

Tanzania 

Tanzanian police nab mineral traders trying to smuggle gold worth TSh 1.5 billion

Police in Mbeya are holding 10 mineral traders suspected of smuggling gold worth TSh 1.5 billion. The Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, announced the arrests at a press conference, stating that the traders were arrested on March 16 at 10.27 a.m. in the Ilomba neighbourhood of Mbeya City. 

(The Citizen)

Uganda

Farmers halt supply of sugarcane to mills

Sugarcane farmers have stopped supplying sugarcane to mills due to low prices. The chairperson of the Uganda Sugarcane Outgrowers Association, Mr. Isaac Budhugo, said the decision was informed by the low purchase prices of sugarcane offered by the millers given the high cost of production. Farmers cite several challenges they face in sugarcane growing, including high labour costs. 

(The East African)

Rwanda 

Pan African export fund starts operations in Rwanda

The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), on Wednesday, March 20, launched its permanent offices in Rwanda, officially kicking off its operations in the country and committing to play a key role in advancing investments on the continent. FEDA is the investment platform of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

Officials say its Kigali office is set to become a cornerstone in promoting industrialisation and driving intra-Africa trade.

(The New Times)

Ethiopia

Ethio-Djibouti Railway gears up for growth

The Ethio-Djibouti Railway Company (EDR) is chugging full steam ahead in 2024, aiming for a significant revenue increase while expanding its services and solidifying its role in regional development.

(2Merkato)

Somalia

Egypt airlines to launch direct Cairo-Mogadishu flight

Somalia and Egypt are actively seeking to establish new aviation ties, as both nations recognise the importance of enhanced connectivity and cooperation in the airline industry.

A delegation from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) recently visited Mogadishu, sparking discussions on potential direct flights between the two capitals.

(Radio Dalsan)