East Africa remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing regions, with GDP projected to expand by 5-6% in 2025. This robust growth is underpinned by large-scale infrastructure investments, expanding manufacturing sectors, and recovering global demand for export-driven industries. Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania continue to lead this trajectory, while Uganda and Rwanda sustain steady progress through economic diversification and development initiatives.  

While growth prospects are strong, East Africa also faces significant hurdles. High inflation across the region has eroded purchasing power and stressed public finances, while depreciating currencies, high costs of living, and debt sustainability also pose problems.  

In this session, speakers will provide insights into East Africa’s 2025 economic outlook, highlighting strategies for managing inflation and debt while capitalising on investment opportunities. Special attention will be given to the impact of Ethiopia’s financial liberalisation, including the entry of international banks, on its growth prospects, as well as Kenya’s mobile money ecosystem and technological innovations, which continue to position it as a regional fintech hub.