Uganda's manufacturers are facing challenges such as high production costs, limited access to long-term capital, reliance on imported inputs, and fragmented supply chains. To address these issues, they are advocating for enhanced collaboration across supply chains, innovative financing solutions, and increased investment in value addition, according to The Independent.

According to TechTrends KE, South African firms have announced over Sh400 billion in acquisitions, raising questions about their investment focus on Kenya. This trend is attributed to Kenya's economic growth, as East Africa is reportedly outperforming many larger African economies. The recent transactions indicate a strategic interest in the region by South African companies.

The Private Sector Budget Review Dialogue has raised concerns about policy bottlenecks affecting Uganda's economic growth. Industry leaders argue that high operating costs and regulatory challenges hinder competitiveness, which is crucial for achieving the country's ambitious growth targets. They emphasize that enhancing business conditions may be as vital as increasing revenue mobilization to support Uganda's tenfold growth agenda.

In March 2026, clinics in Kenya experienced a sudden disruption in donor funding, leading to stalled supply chains and unanswered questions from programme coordinators. This incident highlighted the reliance of the country's public health infrastructure on external financial support, raising concerns about the implications of the Kenya-US health data deal, according to TechTrends KE.

A report from Soko Directory highlights that Kenyan families often prioritize immediate medical treatment over purchasing health insurance, leading to significant expenditures on healthcare. The article suggests that in medical emergencies, the first response is typically a phone call rather than considering financial investments. This behavior reflects a broader hesitation among Kenyans to invest in insurance despite the high costs associated with medical treatment.

The Kenyan government is emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and service delivery within the public sector, as stated by John Tanui, Principal Secretary. This initiative aims to reform public services through technological advancements.