East Africa
Coverage of East Africa in the Nexus archive.
- Africa: Africa Has Faced a Rare Ebola Outbreak for Months. Here's What to Know.
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 Takes Control of Safaricom in a $2.1 Billion Deal
Vodacom completed a $2.1 billion purchase of 20% of Safaricom, taking 55% control. Safaricom is East Africa's most profitable company.
- East Africa Cements Its Place as the Continent’s Growth Engine
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 Intelligence Brief — Wednesday, July 1, 2026
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 Open the 2026 Season
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.
- East Africa Sets a June Deadline to Scrap Trade Barriers
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 drive a surge in Chinese electric vehicle sales, but charging networks lag behind
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 Bets $239 Million on Deeper Control of Its Kenyan Bank
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.
- Ebola outbreak could become worst on record, Africa CDC chief warns
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’s Nairobi Debut Signals the End of East Africa’s IPO Drought
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.
- Weather pattern El Nino is here and could reach historic intensity
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.
- Filling global data gap, Israeli team trucks roving climate lab across East Africa
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.
- East Africa wants to curb imports of used clothes. But it's not easy
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.
- Ebola treatment tent set ablaze again in Congo, with 18 suspected cases leaving
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.
- Africa’s richest man plans new Mombasa oil refinery: Why this matters
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.
- Macron tours East Africa amid push to redefine France’s role in Africa
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 to Sell East African Headquarters as Footprint Shrinks
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 redefines marathon limits as Sabastian Sawe leads historic charge
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 redefines marathon limits as Sabastian Sawe leads historic charge
East Africa has rewritten marathon history with Sabastian Sawe's historic breakthrough at the London Marathon, redefining limits over the marathon distance.
- Scientists just discovered Africa is closer to breaking apart than we thought
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 Agrees to Help East Africa Build Refinery in Tanzania
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.