East Africa

Greece is attempting to stop boats crossing from North Africa to the Greek island of Crete amid an ongoing migration crisis. Separately, five European Union countries achieved a breakthrough in efforts to deport migrants across the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, Uganda in East Africa agreed to accept these migrants, although that deal has yet to be signed.

INTERPOL has identified Kenya as one of East Africa's most targeted digital economies due to organized cybercriminal threats against mobile money services, telecommunications networks, and government systems, according to its 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report.

East and West Africa are establishing a new growth corridor with GDP growth rates of 5.8–6.1% and 4.1–4.3% respectively, creating a US$1 trillion trade opportunity for Latin America.

President Yoweri Museveni authorised the reopening of Nation Media Group's operations in Uganda, ending a month-long shutdown of the media company. The group is described as one of East Africa's largest independent media companies.

Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, secured $2.5 billion to expand its capacity beyond 650,000 barrels per day, aiming to become the world’s biggest facility. The funding supports broader African efforts to enhance energy self-sufficiency, alongside plans for a $4 billion IPO and projects in East Africa.

A record-strength El Niño is threatening to cause flooding and hunger across East Africa and Asia, from Somalia to Pakistan, according to aid groups.

Dangote Industries plans to build a massive refinery in Kenya, which could reshape fuel supply, trade, and economic growth across East Africa.

Chinese investors are funding Africa's shift from petrol-powered motorcycle taxis like boda-bodas and okadas to electric bikes. They supply components, batteries, and infrastructure such as battery-swapping networks to support this transition.

Africa faces potential economic and political instability from renewed US-Iran tensions, with sub-Saharan oil-importing nations at risk. The IMF warns of disrupted energy and fertilizer markets exacerbating food insecurity, while Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote's proposed $17 billion refinery in Kenya aims to reduce regional reliance on imported petroleum.

A rare Ebola strain is rapidly spreading through Central and East Africa, challenging local public health authorities and raising concerns about global health security.

Vodacom completed a $2.1 billion purchase of 20% of Safaricom, taking 55% control. Safaricom is East Africa's most profitable company.

East Africa is projected to be the fastest-growing region in Africa by 2026, driven by Ethiopia and Rwanda, with regional trade reaching $46 billion in a single quarter.

Africa began a new half-year, and East Africa started a new fiscal year with fresh budgets taking effect. The article highlights regional fiscal developments but does not specify further details.

East Africa's distance runners, including Ethiopian athletes and Kenya's Faith Kipyegon, have started the 2026 season strongly with notable performances such as an Ethiopian sweep in the 1,500m event in Doha.

The East African Community has set a 30 June 2026 deadline to eliminate non-tariff barriers, aiming to improve intra-regional trade flow.

High oil prices due to the Iran war and Hormuz Strait disruption have boosted Chinese electric vehicle (EV) exports to developing nations like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Brazil. Chinese EV sales surged in 2026, but charging infrastructure struggles to keep pace, creating a 'chicken-and-egg' challenge for adoption.

South Africa's Absa is offering $239 million to increase its stake in Absa Bank Kenya to 85%. This move is part of a broader South African banking expansion into East Africa.

The Africa CDC chief warned that the Ebola outbreak in East Africa could become the worst on record, potentially lasting a year and infecting thousands if transmission rates remain unchanged. The outbreak is already one of the largest, primarily affecting Congo, where distrust is a challenge.

Family Bank is set to debut on the Nairobi Securities Exchange on 23 June 2026, marking a potential end to East Africa's IPO drought. The event is highlighted as a significant development in the region's financial landscape.

El Nino has arrived and could reach historic intensity by late 2023, according to NOAA. Scientists warn it may exacerbate extreme weather events, including droughts and floods, and combine with fossil fuel-driven climate change to push global temperatures to record levels. Governments in Central America and East Africa are preparing for potential food crises.

An Israeli team from the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot is deploying a mobile climate lab across East Africa, starting in Kenya, to measure the impact of land use changes on climate. The initiative aims to fill a global data gap using mobile towers and sensors.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aim to reduce imports of used garments from the West and China, but face challenges in implementing restrictions. East African nations are seeking to curb reliance on second-hand clothing markets.

An Ebola treatment tent in Congo was set on fire, causing 18 suspected Ebola patients to escape. This follows a similar incident in another community the previous day, as the outbreak worsens in East Africa.

Dangote plans to build a new oil refinery in Mombasa, modeling his recent project in Lagos, Nigeria. The refinery will be located in East Africa. This project is expected to have significant economic implications.

French President Emmanuel Macron is touring East Africa to redefine France's role in the continent. The visit aims to repair economic and security ties amidst rising anti-French sentiment. Paris seeks to strengthen its position in Africa.

Standard Chartered Plc is selling its East African headquarters as part of a plan to shrink its footprint. The move is likely a response to changing market conditions and business needs. This decision may impact the company's operations in the region.

East Africa has rewritten marathon history as Sabastian Sawe achieved a historic breakthrough at the London Marathon, redefining marathon limits. The event highlighted a stunning performance that pushed the boundaries of what was previously considered possible in long-distance running.

East Africa has rewritten marathon history with Sabastian Sawe's historic breakthrough at the London Marathon, redefining limits over the marathon distance.

Scientists discovered that the crust beneath East Africa’s Turkana Rift is thinning to a critical point, indicating the continent is nearing a breaking apart stage. This process, called 'necking,' could eventually form a new ocean millions of years from now and may explain the region’s rich fossil record, suggesting Turkana preserves humanity’s story rather than being its birthplace.

Dangote Industries has agreed to assist in building an oil refinery in Tanzania, East Africa. The company, known for its Lagos refinery, aims to expand its operations into the region.