Trade and Financial Services Round-Ups
Kenya
Kenya Offers KQ to Foreign Investors for KSh258 billion
The Treasury intends to seek a foreign strategic investor to inject between KSh154.8 billion and KSh258 billion (US$1.2–US$2 billion) into Kenya Airways (KQ) to rescue the debt-laden national airline, which has liabilities of KSh309.9 billion exceeding its assets, resulting in negative equity. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that an international expression of interest will be issued, with the government contemplating converting part of its KSh63.1 billion debt into equity and potentially bundling other assets to make the offer more attractive. This initiative follows ongoing losses and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) urging to find a turnaround partner, with analysts emphasising the importance of an equity investor to stabilise and restructure the airline.
(Source: Business Daily)
Uganda
Ratio of Uganda’s Public Debt Has Surged to 52%, Says IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) states that Uganda’s public debt has increased to about 52 per cent of GDP, up from roughly 50.6 per cent a year earlier, emphasising mounting fiscal pressures as the government increasingly relies on domestic borrowing to fund widening budget deficits. Although the IMF considers the debt level still manageable, it has warned that the growing dependence on more costly domestic loans has raised debt servicing costs, occupying a larger share of government revenue and raising fiscal risks amid declining external financing and ongoing revenue challenges.
(Source: Monitor)
Tanzania
Tanzania Banks on TZS 590B Mtwara Port Upgrade to Boost Southern Corridor’s Economy
The Tanzanian government has announced an investment of over TZS 590 billion in upgrading Mtwara Port and constructing the new Mgao Island Port, aimed at strengthening the Southern Corridor. This initiative is expected to boost trade and economic growth in southern Tanzania and neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile, during an inspection visit, stated that the upgrades will enhance efficiency, reduce transport costs, and attract investors in key sectors such as industry, agriculture, and mining. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has confirmed that construction of the Mgao Island Port is 33 per cent complete and progressing on schedule, with the project set to expand bulk cargo capacity and position the region as a major trading hub.
(Source: Daily News)
Rwanda
Gov’t Revises Down 2025/2026 Fiscal Budget by Rwf 80B
The Government has revised the 2025/26 budget down by Rwf 80.4 billion to Rwf 6,952.1 billion after securing cheaper concessional financing, particularly for the New Kigali International Airport, and rescheduling a RwandAir loan repayment. Finance Minister Yusuf Murangwa said improved World Bank loan terms significantly reduced borrowing needs, while recurrent spending was cut and capital and development expenditure increased to prioritise infrastructure projects. External financing and domestic revenues were revised upward, and Parliament unanimously approved the adjusted budget.
(Source: New Times)
Ethiopia
Ethiopia, World Bank Group Reaffirm Strong Partnership in High-Level Talks
Ethiopia and the World Bank Group have reaffirmed their strong partnership after high-level talks in Addis Ababa between Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and senior World Bank officials, including Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde and Regional Vice President Ndiame Diop. The discussions reviewed progress under Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform programme, highlighting improvements in monetary policy, inflation control, and foreign exchange management, while outlining priorities to foster private-sector growth and inclusive development. Both sides pledged to deepen cooperation in areas such as job creation, energy, agriculture, digital transformation, and climate resilience, with ongoing support from the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to maintain reform momentum and economic stability.
(Source: ENA)
Somalia
UK Minister for Africa Announces £6M Drought Relief Package During High-Level Talks with President Mohamud
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted a United Kingdom (UK) delegation led by Baroness Jenny Chapman, who announced over £6 million in humanitarian aid to address Somalia’s drought, part of a broader £61 million package for 2025/26. The visit highlighted a shift towards an investment-focused partnership, with both sides reaffirming cooperation on security, development, and long-term stability.
(Source: SONNA)
