East Africa in July 2026: the most important developments in economy
East Africa's economic news in July 2026 was dominated by Kenya's sale of government shares in the telecoms company Safaricom. The deal concluded in early July, with the Treasury expecting about 244 billion Kenyan shillings. President Ruto and Kindiki defended the sale of the government's stakes in Safaricom and Kenya Pipeline, while Kalonzo called the Safaricom sale a "national abduction".
Other Kenyan business news pointed to outside interest and trade activity. Reports said Nigeria's Dangote group had picked Lamu for a large refinery serving East Africa. On July 15 a Swedish company named Kenya the focal point of its regional expansion, and Kenya sought Chinese investment for its clean energy transition. Shekel Mobility was reported to be digitising vehicle imports and financing for dealers. Tea farmers urged the Tea Board of Kenya to withdraw a new levy. South Sudan moved to end a Kenyan oil marketer's exclusive fuel deal.
Across the wider region, the East African Community repeated its plan to launch a single currency by 2031, with central banks turning to gold as part of the effort. On July 28 Zambia announced plans for a pan-African metals exchange to raise more revenue from its mining sector, and NMG Uganda was set to resume operations after President Museveni approved it.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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