Yuan Express: What Kenya’s Ditching of the Dollar on its Chinese-Built Railway Means
Kenya has made a bold and unprecedented financial move by converting its multi-billion-dollar Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) loan from the Export–Import Bank of China from US dollars to Chinese Yuan. What might appear to be a mere accounting adjustment is, in fact, a decision that might save Kenya hundreds of millions of dollars annually while drawing Kenya closer into China’s financial orbit.
A Fragile Victory: How New Threats and Old Inequalities Jeopardise Africa's Progress towards HIV Control
In 2024, the global fight against HIV reached a pivotal moment. According to UNAIDS, the world saw an estimated 1.3 million new infections. The epicentre of the pandemic, however, remains Eastern and Southern Africa which accounted for 490,000 of these cases.
Twice Removed, Still Home: The Evolution of South Asian Identity in East Africa
The question of identity in East Africa has always been a layered one: shaped by colonialism, migration, and a plethora of cultural influences. Within this complex tapestry, South Asians form one of the most distinctive yet contested diasporas. What does it mean to be both South Asian and East African?
Biomass To Balance: Building Resilience Through Law, Policy and Energy Transition in Uganda
Uganda, like many sub-Saharan African countries, remains susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Rising global temperatures have intensified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events with floods, unpredictable rainfall and drought disrupting the Uganda’s agriculture dependent economy.
Beyond the Blueprint: 3D Technology as a Catalyst for East African Enterprises
East Africa’s technology ecosystem continues to flourish, with cities like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, and Kampala emerging as dynamic regional innovation hubs. As the continent embraces digital transformation, 3D technology is becoming a global disruptor, offering solutions that merge physical and digital design processes.
Turning Minerals into Fiscal Muscle: The Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds in Debt Financing
Across the world, countries have turned their natural resources into financial strength through Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs). Built from oil, gas, or mineral revenues, these funds provide stability during commodity price swings, safeguard savings for future generations, and create cushions that help governments manage debt more sustainably.
Tongues of Identity: Post-Colonial Language Dynamics in East Africa
East Africa stands at a critical linguistic crossroads, where the legacies of colonialism continue to shape communication, education, and identity. With over a hundred languages spoken across the region, the linguistic landscape reflects both immense diversity and enduring inequalities.
Making CO2 an Ally: The Road to Harnessing Carbon Capture Technologies in East Africa
East Africa’s climate landscape indicates a drastic change in climate patterns due to the effects of global warming. In response to the severity of the situation, the 2015 Paris Agreement was adopted by world leaders to ensure net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, aiming to minimise the rise in the Earth's temperature to 1-2 °C…
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.
