Aid-less Future? How USAID Cuts are Reshaping the Greater East Africa
The aid sector has been rattled to its core facing increasing pressure from the United States move towards cutting down government expenses by decreasing their foreign aid spending. It began with a 90-day pause on all US foreign aid a day after President Trump’s inauguration to office when an audit of the expenses was called for.
Flirting with Tropical Urbanism: Green Building Design for Tropical Climate in East Africa
Each year, East Africa's urban population grows by 20 million people, a demographic surge that demands a rethinking of the region’s urban infrastructure. With new urban construction expected to double by 2050, East Africa has an opportunity to pioneer green building designs that blend historical climate-responsive methods with environmentally conscious principles.
Left Alone to Work from Home: Opportunities and Obstacles Within Kenya’s Remote Work Revolution
Like much of the world, East Africa witnessed an unprecedented shift towards remote work after the COVID-19 pandemic, as organisations adapted to restrictions and health concerns. Another crucial driver of remote work adoption in East Africa is the region’s expanding digital infrastructure.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Uniting East Africa Through Digital Inclusion
The digital divide in East Africa represents a critical challenge that extends beyond mere access to technology. The digital divide broadly captures the inequalities in access to modern information and communication technologies (ICT) across different demographic and geographic lines, in addition to digital illiteracy, which is the ability to effectively use them.
Fight or Flight: Seeking Remedies in Retaining East Africa’s Infrastructure Sovereignty
East Africa’s infrastructure financing is taking a dramatic turn. Once heavily reliant on foreign debt, the region is now drawing interest from Indian conglomerates and Dubai-based firms, signaling a pivot toward diversified strategies. Yet, as the players change, the risks remain the same.
Rwanda’s Healthcare Revolution: A Blueprint for Universal Coverage in Africa
Imagine needing urgent medical care but hesitating because of the cost. For millions around the world, this is a harsh reality—but in Rwanda, things are different. Before the 1999 reforms, healthcare was largely inaccessible and unaffordable for many. In the wake of the 1994 genocide, the country faced immense challenges, yet it emerged with a vision: healthcare for all.
Green Guardians: How Agroforestry is Transforming East Africa's Carbon Footprint
According to the IPCC, average global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C over the past century and a half, spurring adverse effects across the globe. Rising sea levels, heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and tropical cyclones leave up to 3.6 billion people living in highly vulnerable climate contexts. These vulnerabilities are amplified for low-income individuals, who constitute 42% of East Africa’s population.
Cultural Catalysts: Unlocking the Potential of East Africa’s Creative Sector
The artistic landscape in East Africa is marked by cultural flavour in industries such as music, fashion, film, art, and digital content creation, all of which play a crucial role in social development and shaping national identities. Nairobi, Kenya has emerged as a focal point for digital content and the arts with startup culture fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship.
Build or Buy? Implementing AI Solutions for East African Organisations
The approach to implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions can vary significantly with specific use-cases. One of the critical decisions for organisations to consider is whether to develop bespoke AI solutions or integrate off-the-shelf products into their IT estate. This decision is key for large-scale digital transformation projects requiring substantial investment, as the limited resources within the East African region leave little room for failure.
