Meet the Ambassadors - East Africa

East Africa holds the greatest promise for growth in Africa at present and is a region of focus for the UK. Join us as High Commissioners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda share their insights on the potential this region holds and also present on the region’s response to the crisis as well as providing general political and economic updates on the region.  

Despite the disruption caused by Covid-19, East Africa remains the continent’s fastest-growing region. Although growth in Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania has slowed, it continues to be positive. With a population of more than 130 million, East Africa boasts one of the largest single-bloc regional markets in Africa. This market is made even bigger by a series of mutually beneficial partnerships with regional blocs such as COMESA and SADC, boasting a combined population well over 400 million. Across East Africa, there are significant opportunities in infrastructure, education, financial services, and agri- business.  

The Kenyan economy is projected to grow by 5.0% in 2021 and 5.9% in 2022. Opportunities in Tanzania for UK expertise include in the oil and gas exploration sectors. In Ethiopia, despite some level of instability, growth forecasts remain high, driven by high levels of foreign investment and the government’s reform agenda.  

Uganda is forecast to rebound strongly from COVID, driven by the Manufacturing, Construction and Retail sectors. Rwanda now aspires to reach Middle Income Country (MIC) status by 2035 and High-Income Country (HIC) status by 2050. This aspiration will be driven by a series of seven-year National Strategies for Transformation underpinned by detailed sectoral strategies

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All British Expertise International (BEI) events are open to UK Government civil servants and our strategic partners to participate at no cost. When registering please select “member” and follow the prompts. If you require registration assistance, please contact Matthew Gibbons.

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