Demystifying Central Bank Digital Currencies: The East African Opportunity
Money is more than coins and paper; it is the language of trade and a reflection of sovereignty. And, as we enter an increasingly digital era, the very nature of money is changing. At the heart of this transformation lies the idea of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
From Savings to Securities: A Case For Tax-Free Investment Accounts
In 2024, MTN Uganda’s mobile money platform recorded a daily transaction volume of UGX 435 billion – approximately $123.1 million. On the other hand, in August 2025, the Uganda Stock Exchange recorded a daily trading volume of just UGX 17.63 million – approximately $5,000. The gaps highlight a disconnect in East Africa at large.
From Silos to Scale: How Cross-Border Capital Markets Could Shape East Africa’s Financial Future
A thriving financial future for East Africa is not a distant dream; It could be what we build today. East Africa’s combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) presently stands at around $512 billion. Kenya leads at $131.7 billion, and Ethiopia follows closely at $117.5 billion. However, capital markets in the region remain microscopic.
Unlocking County Capital: Why Subnational Bonds Could Reshape Kenya’s Fiscal Future
In 2021, Laikipia issued Kenya’s first county infrastructure bond, raising KSh 1.16 billion from private investors. It was a test of law, process, and public trust. Imperfect, yes, but proof of concept all the same. It showed that with structure, transparency, and resolve, counties can access capital markets on their own terms.
Brick by Brick: Evaluating The Merit Of Real Estate As East Africa’s Favourite Asset
Across Uganda and Kenya, real estate is more than just an investment – it’s a symbol of identity, security and legacy. From gated communities in the suburbs of Kampala to Airbnb rentals on Kenya’s coast, the region’s property boom has been fuelled by a perfect storm of demand from demographics, tourism and the diaspora.
Beyond the Shoreline: Building East Africa’s Blue Finance Ecosystem
East Africa’s extensive aquatic capital, from its Indian Ocean coastline to its Great Lakes, represents a monumental opportunity to drive climate-resilient growth and socioeconomic transformation. However, this potential is constrained by a significant financing gap.
When Lifelines Become Nooses: East Africa’s Battle Against Predatory Digital Lending
Throughout East Africa, a financial revolution is unfolding, one that promises liberation but too often delivers bondage. East Africa's dramatic surge in digital lending has transformed the financial landscape with remarkable speed, creating a paradoxical reality where access to capital coexists with meticulous exploitation.
Domiciliation of Private Investment Vehicles in East Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Establishing Private Investment Vehicles Across East African Jurisdictions
Private capital funds, or investment vehicles (IVs) – spanning private equity, venture capital, and private debt – play a pivotal role in the region’s economic growth and job creation, especially for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Yet, fund managers and investors often face questions about where best to domicile their vehicles for optimal regulatory compliance, tax efficiency, and investor confidence.
Fragmented Funds, Untapped Futures: East Africa’s Informal Sector Pension Puzzle
The current pension landscape within East Africa can be akin to a small square blanket during a cold winter night – little coverage and unsatisfactory returns. While formal sector workers can access pension schemes, the vast majority employed in the informal sector are excluded, missing out on the benefits of retirement savings and leaving much of the economy untapped for collective resource pooling.
