Eastern Africa

Harmonization of ICTs Policies and Programmes in Eastern Africa subregion and Prospects

Developing the sector of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) remains a crucial element in socio-economic development in general and in the process of regional economic integration in particular. In addition, it constitutes a strategic priority for States in the sub-region in the fight against poverty and in promoting education at all levels.

Special report on the “The ICGLR Regional Initiative against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources (RINR) and other Certification Mechanisms in the Great Lakes Region

Several African countries are endowed with considerable amounts of mineral resources. These resources play a crucial role in the economy, as they account for a significant share of exports. Indeed, mineral resource exports contribute to merchandise exports in almost half of Africa’s 54 countries.

About the office

The Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) is located in Kigali (Rwanda). The office covers the following countries: Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

SRO-EA is headed by a Director who reports to the Executive Secretary. Its core objective is to contribute to achieving structural transformation for inclusive and sustainable development in the subregion, with a focus on deepening regional integration.

Building Capacity for Cross-Border and Transit Transport Management in Eastern Africa

Addis Ababa, 5 February 2014 (ECA) - High transport costs remain a challenge for many African countries, particularly those that are landlocked. ECA studies show that landlocked countries have disproportionately high trade-related costs, mainly due to significantly higher costs of inland transport. Indeed, in the case of countries such as Burundi and Rwanda, inland transport costs account for over 70% of the total import/export costs. Landlocked countries depend on transit countries for their international trade and they are linked by transit transport corridors.

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Experts in Kinshasa discuss how to create and foster “National Champions”

Kinshasa, 18 February 2014 (ECA) - The Intergovernmental Committee of Experts meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this year is on the topic of National Champions, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Structural Transformation in Eastern Africa.

“The term ‘national champions’ refers to large-scale companies which are potentially competitive in national, regional, or international markets and are owned either by the state or predominantly by nationals or citizens from the region”

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Africa’s transformation agenda needs to be led by Africans

This story was written by Antonio Pedro, the director of UN Economic Commission for Africa, Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa. It was published in “The EastAfrican Newspaper” Saturday 22 February 2014

Eastern Africa is confronting major economic and social challenges resulting from accelerating processes of urbanisation, population pressures, and high degrees of income inequality.

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