A Fall from Grace? The Unraveling of Makerere University
On the proverbial mantle of prestige, Makerere stands firm but seems to gather dust while sister universities contend and surpass its glory. Founded in 1922 as a technical school, Uganda's flagship institution has been a hub not only for Ugandans, but Africans to flock in search of quality education. Uganda’s education sector, modelled upon the British system, was one of the best in Africa until the early 1990s.
A Borderless Africa Beckons: Transforming Regional Integration through Visa Reform
African leaders have flirted with the idea of letting citizens move freely across the continent for years – some even daring to dream of a single African passport. However, the vision has often been easier to discuss than to implement. Some African countries have taken bold steps toward ‘borderless travel’ - turning talk into action in a way that could boost intracontinental trade.
Smart Cities and Bright Futures: Tech-Driven Transformation for East Africa’s Urban Landscape
In East Africa, the concept of smart cities offers an exciting opportunity to address the region's pressing urbanisation issues, such as inadequate infrastructure, inefficient public services, and environmental concerns. With East Africa experiencing an average annual urban population growth rate of 4.32% between 2020 and 2025, the adoption of smart city solutions can play a crucial role in shaping the future of these urban centres.
Facing the Fate of a Fiscal Reckoning: An Analysis of Ethiopia’s Debt Restructuring Efforts
Ethiopia’s recent debt restructuring aims to counterbalance mounting economic pressures. Once showing promises of unrelenting growth, Ethiopia's growth domestic product (GDP) slowed to an average of 6% from the 9% growth rates seen in 2017-2019.
Powering Progress: The Potential for Cross-Border Energy Trade in East Africa
East African nations continue to strive for better economic performance and increased citizen well-being, endeavouring to address major socioeconomic challenges that have gripped the region for decades. While improvements have been made, with Kenya, Mozambique and Rwanda all experiencing gains on the human well-being index since 2000, systemic shortcomings hinder technological advancement and impede quality of life.
Preparing for Peak Season: A Strategic Guide for the East African Tourism Industry
From early June to late September, East Africa enters its peak tourism season – a time when the region’s landscapes transform into a stage for nature’s most breathtaking spectacle, and travellers from around the world fill safari lodges and coastal resorts. For local businesses in the tourism industry, this annual surge presents both an incredible opportunity and a formidable challenge.
Caught in the Web: Using Machine Learning to Combat Scam SMS Messages
Aisha was mindlessly scrolling through her phone when an SMS pinged. The message announced a job vacancy at a well-known company, offering an attractive yet believable salary. It ended with, ‘Click this link to find out more.’
Deliverance or Damnation? The Fortunes and Fairytales Found Through Foreign Direct Investment for East Africa’s Economic Development
Given the economic potential of developing economies, foreign direct investment (FDI) is regarded as the private capital inflow of choice, as free capital flows seek the highest return on investment. East Africa is an attractive location for foreign capital inflows as international investors seek new opportunities and markets.
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.
