The World Bank has identified several challenges facing Uganda's construction sector, including weak regulation, insufficient political commitment, a lack of skilled labor, and bureaucratic procurement processes. These issues are hindering the sector's potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, despite its contribution of 12 to 17 percent to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In April, Uganda's private sector showed increased activity, with the headline purchasing managers' index rising to 55, its highest in five months, according to the Bank of Uganda's business tendency survey. Financial services experienced their strongest growth ever, indicating strong confidence in the sector, despite ongoing fuel-driven cost pressures. However, the survey also suggested that the underlying momentum may be losing some of its earlier strength.

South Africa's private sector experienced marginal growth in June, despite a significant decline in business optimism, which has reached its lowest point in five years. This indicates a contrasting trend between economic activity and the sentiment of business leaders in the country.

Uganda Clays Limited reported a net profit of Shs142 million ($39,453) for the year ending December 2025, marking a recovery from a loss of Shs4.9 billion in 2024. This turnaround is attributed to improved efficiency and lower production costs, despite increased finance costs. The company faced operational disruptions and high costs in previous years, but revenue increased by 10% during this period, according to Uganda Business News.

According to the latest Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), Kenya's private sector activity improved in June, rising to 50 from 46.6 in May. This increase indicates a stabilisation in business conditions, attributed to rising sales.

Sasol has experienced a 20% drop in its stock value, but analysts suggest that the company's improving operational performance presents a potential buying opportunity for investors. They believe that this positive trend extends the investment case beyond the current energy geopolitical premiums, according to The Citizen Business.