Somaliland in Purgatory: The Dynamics of State Development Amidst Legitimacy Struggles
Somaliland is a paradox. Not only is it the Horn of Africa’s most democratic territory, but also the most diplomatically isolated. Since declaring its independence from the country of Somalia in 1991, the country has managed what few in the region can achieve; reasonable peace, functioning institutions and credible elections.
Consumable Goods Market in East Africa: Scoping A Solution to Tame the Region’s Vulnerability
This report examines the evolution and current state of the consumer goods market in East Africa, focusing on how the structure, sourcing, and consumption of essential goods such as food, beverages, and clothing have transformed the region’s landscape. It aims to assess the factors and dynamics that have shaped the current consumer goods market in East Africa.
The Pen and the People: East Africa’s Literary Legacy
From folktales passed around firesides to novels that have reshaped global publishing, African literature has always been about more than art but rather a way of making sense of who we as Africans are and how we are perceived by others. Equally important are the systems put in place to support these voices.
Beyond Words: Languages and Culture, and their Preservation in Africa
Africa is the most linguistically diverse continent on Earth. With over 2,000 languages and dialects, the continent is home to a significant portion of the world’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Unfortunately, the survival of this collection of linguistic and cultural wealth, is threatened by globalisation, the marginalisation of minority communities, and regional assimilation efforts.
Tourism at a Tipping Point: Navigating Conservation, Community, and Capital in Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara, a globally renowned safari destination in Kenya, stands at a critical juncture where its unparalleled biodiversity and rich cultural heritage intersect with the burgeoning demands of global tourism. However, this natural jewel now faces mounting pressures: changing climate, wildlife preservation needs, and the difficult balance between economic gains from tourism and the traditional livelihoods of local communities.
A New League of Nations? What a Nairobi Relocation Could Mean for the UN’s Future
As it stands, the global community is witnessing an unprecedented geopolitical recalibration with the United Nations moving a substantial part of its operations from New York to Nairobi, Kenya. Since 1974, Nairobi has long played a pivotal role for the United Nations, after its expansion in the country with the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Bridging the Gap: The Rise of Digital Lending Platforms in East Africa
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms have transformed global shopping, expenditure and credit access patterns. In East Africa, the impact of these platforms is most clearly illustrated by the purchasing power they have unlocked: from financing the purchase of modern-day essentials like airtime and smartphones to enabling the acquisition of solar panels and electric bikes.
The Cost of Corruption: Navigating Risk and Opportunity in East Africa’s Business Landscape
East Africa is rapidly emerging as one of the continent’s most promising economic frontiers. With a young and growing population, increasing urbanization, and regional integration efforts like the East African Community (EAC), the region is attracting attention from global investors seeking growth beyond saturated markets.
Mitumba at a Crossroads: Balancing Trade, Industry and Sustainability in East Africa’s Clothing Sector
Across East Africa, markets like Gikomba in Nairobi and Owino in Kampala hum with early-morning bargaining and the crackle of plastic-wrapped bales of second-hand clothing. Known locally as mitumba, these garments, sourced from donation bins and unsold stock in the Global North, have become indispensable to traders and consumers.
