Latest stories tagged “East Africa”
East Africa's tourism and hospitality industry is growing due to rising international visitor arrivals and increased tourism earnings. This growth offers opportunities for hotels, safari lodges, and tour operators, but many businesses still use fragmented operational systems that hinder efficiency. The article discusses how digital payments are influencing this transformation in the sector.
The Sunshine Development Tour is set to take place at Nyali next week, featuring the Absa Invitational, which is the fourth leg of the 2026 East Africa Swing. This event is part of a series aimed at promoting golf in the region.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed the Ugandan Government's commitment to hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), promising financial support, infrastructure development, and enhanced regional cooperation. This endorsement includes backing for a single East African visa to facilitate the tournament. The announcement was made during a meeting with the AFCON Local Organising Committee at State House in Entebbe.
Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve, located about 20 kilometres southwest of Dar es Salaam, spans approximately 48.8 square kilometres in the Pugu and Kisarawe districts. It, along with the adjacent Pugu Forest Reserve, represents one of the last remnants of the ancient East African coastal lowland forest ecosystem, which is significant for its biodiversity, including various species such as millipedes.
More than 50 investors and business leaders from Africa, Europe, and North America have gathered in Dar es Salaam for a five-day trade and investment mission led by Equity Group. This initiative highlights the bank's increasing role in facilitating cross-border investment opportunities in East Africa, with participants from countries including Kenya, Canada, Nigeria, and Poland.
A Tanzanian billionaire has transferred ownership of East Africa's last independent newsroom to a general who reportedly does not support free press, according to Kenya Insights. Investors expecting to capitalize on growth in African media are instead witnessing the ongoing process of media capture during meetings in Entebbe.
Jubilee Group is collaborating with BimaLab, an insurtech accelerator from FSD Africa, to create and test new insurance products specifically designed for low-income consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative aims to address one of the largest untapped segments in East Africa's financial sector, highlighting a trend of cooperation between established insurance companies and startup ecosystems.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto’s administration of a crackdown on journalists and media houses, claiming it threatens press freedom ahead of the 2027 General Election. At a press conference, he noted a pattern of intimidation against journalists, bloggers, and independent media in Kenya, which he linked to similar trends in other East African countries, particularly regarding coverage of corruption and abuse of power.
According to The Conversation Africa, East Africa is facing increasing climate shocks, making climate adaptation a priority for national and regional public policies. However, these policies often rely on threshold values and baseline data that are not specific to arid zones. To create truly useful local benchmarks, the knowledge accumulated by rural communities must be recognized as an essential source of data.
Historically, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting in East Africa was seen as a voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at showcasing good corporate citizenship. However, the perception and implementation of ESG practices are evolving, indicating a shift towards more structured and mandatory reporting frameworks in the region.
EdenCare, a digital health insurer based in Rwanda, has secured €250,000 from Proparco, a French development finance institution. This funding is intended to enhance access to affordable, technology-driven healthcare coverage in East Africa, particularly in Rwanda and Kenya, where there are significant gaps in insurance coverage. The investment will facilitate EdenCare's expansion into these markets.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed his desire to live to 100 years old and to see the establishment of a fully-fledged East African Federation in a birthday message to First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni. This ambition reflects what he considers a defining goal of his political career, as stated in a message on his official X account.
East Africans are increasingly dining out, leading to a shift in consumer expectations for healthier menu options, quicker service, and a more engaging dining experience. This change is prompting restaurants and supermarkets to reevaluate their menus and locations to meet the evolving demands of diners, according to Khusoko.
Java House is expanding its presence at Adams Arcade in response to a growing trend among East African diners who are increasingly eating out and seeking healthier menu options and enhanced dining experiences. This shift reflects a broader change in consumer preferences in the region.
According to Soko Directory, South Africa continues to play a significant role in Africa's wealth landscape, but its dominance is gradually decreasing. The report highlights that East and West Africa are emerging as key contributors to the continent's next wealth boom.
Young Lunya has released a new single titled ‘Mkuu Wa Majeshi’ featuring Harmonize, marking his first official release since his acclaimed 2024 project ‘Mbuzi’. This new track continues to showcase his status among East Africa’s elite lyricists, following a successful year in his music career.
A new biography titled "Salama Binti Rubeya" explores the life of a Swahili woman and its significance in understanding East African history. The book challenges conventional views on wealth, gender, and civilization, highlighting how personal narratives can reflect broader historical contexts.
Seacom has announced the launch of a new land-based fibre route that connects Nairobi, Kenya, to Kampala, Uganda, with a passage through Kisumu. This upgrade is expected to enhance the internet infrastructure across East Africa, significantly improving the capacity for internet traffic in the region.
Mogo, a prominent asset financier in East Africa, has reported financing over 500,000 smartphones in the region within 14 months, indicating a significant demand for affordable digital credit and flexible payment options. Notably, Uganda accounts for more than half of these financed smartphones during the same timeframe.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 48 teams, 12 groups, and a new Round of 32. East African fans will need to adjust to the time difference, as North America is 7 to 10 hours behind Kampala, affecting the kickoff times for all 104 games, according to Guru8.
According to Soko Directory, South Africa continues to play a significant role in Africa's wealth landscape, but its dominance is gradually decreasing. The report highlights that East and West Africa are emerging as key contributors to the continent's next wealth boom.
Young Lunya has released a new single titled ‘Mkuu Wa Majeshi’ featuring Harmonize, marking his first official release since his acclaimed 2024 project ‘Mbuzi’. This new track continues to showcase his status among East Africa’s elite lyricists, following a successful year in his music career.