Uganda (together with Tanzania and Rwanda) are currently subject to an out-of-cycle review of eligibility for preferential trade terms with the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The eligibility review has been brought about by the decision to ban the import of used clothing by member states of the East African Community, in their struggle to protect local producers and supply chains from cheap imported goods. Trading...

Sierra Leone was designated Ebola free at the end of 2015 and although a few new cases have emerged since then the authorities with the support of the international community appear to have finally got the outbreak under control. Attention is turning to the post-Ebola recovery plan that could see substantial domestic and external finance flow into agriculture, education, healthcare and social protection programmes, as well as essential...

Uganda is considering its route-to-market options for the construction of an oil pipeline from oilfields in the Lake Albert basin to the East African coastline. Until recently, Kenya was convinced that it had secured the pipeline deal through to Lamu port, which would form an integral part of its northern corridor development plans. However, Tanzania has entered the fray and put forward an attractive option to route the pipeline to its northern...

Zambia is at the forefront of African countries that are suffering from the downturn in globally traded metal prices over the past few years. Government finances are under immense stress as revenue flows have contracted and international financing options have become much more limited and more costly. Severe drought conditions, chronic electricity shortages and the fast approaching August presidential and legislative elections are adding to the...

Accessing adequate and reliable power supplies in DR Congo is problematic and costly for firms operating in the country. The government and international development partners have dedicated large amounts of time, effort and finance on hydropower mega projects but these projects have been subject to repeated delays and setbacks, thwarting attempts to increase domestic electricity supplies. For instance, the Inga I and Inga II dams were completed...

Sierra Leone has suffered heavily in terms of loss of life and lost economic activity since the deadly Ebola virus took hold in early 2014. However, the country has not recorded any new cases of Ebola since mid-September this year and expectations are high the outbreak is finally coming under control. Sierra Leone could be declared Ebola free if no new cases emerge through to mid-November. Attention will soon shift to the post-Ebola environment...