Trade and Financial Services Round-Up

Kenya 

Gov’t Maintains Sugar Import Ban and Import Licence Freeze for Traders 

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has reaffirmed the government’s ban on sugar imports to protect farmers and boost local sugar production. Speaking during a consultative meeting at Kilimo House, CS Kagwe said Kenya has sufficient sugar to meet domestic demand without disrupting the local market and that imports should therefore not be encouraged. He added that the government’s priority is to protect local production as Kenya prepares to become a sugar exporter. 

(Source: Citizen) 

Uganda 

Stanbic Uganda Launches Direct Yuan Payment System to Boost Trade with China 

Stanbic Bank Uganda has become the first financial institution in the country to integrate with China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), a move expected to simplify cross-border transactions, reduce foreign exchange risk and strengthen trade between Uganda and China. The new payment platform enables Ugandan businesses to settle directly in Chinese yuan (RMB), eliminating the need for intermediary currencies and improving the speed and efficiency of international payments. 

(Source: The Independent) 

Tanzania 

Tanzania Signs Health and Energy Public-Private Partnership Deals at Africa50 Forum 

Tanzania has signed agreements covering public-private partnership (PPP) investments in electricity transmission, expanded renal healthcare services and increased industrial use of natural gas as the country seeks to accelerate infrastructure development and economic transformation. The agreements were signed on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, during the Africa50 General Shareholders’ Meeting and Infra for Africa Forum in Dar es Salaam. The forum brought together government institutions, development financiers and private sector partners. 

(Source: The Citizen) 

Rwanda 

BRALIRWA Profit Jumps 37.6% to Rwf25.3 Billion in First Half of 2026 

BRALIRWA PLC has announced its unaudited financial results for the period ended 30 June 2026. The company’s revenue increased by 20%, driven by higher volumes of beer and soft drinks, price adjustments to mitigate inflationary pressures, and continued strong portfolio performance, supported by resilient consumer demand. 

“During the first half of 2026, BRALIRWA delivered solid top-line growth, driven by excellence in sales execution and disciplined implementation of our mix and pricing strategy. While high input costs persisted, our operating performance remained resilient, supported by disciplined cost management and operational efficiency efforts,” said Managing Director Ethel Emma-Uche. 

(Source: The New Times) 

Ethiopia 

Central Bank Expands Social Investment Drive with Housing and Environmental Initiatives 

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has reaffirmed its commitment to community development through a series of social initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable communities, expanding access to education and promoting environmental sustainability. The Bank laid the foundation stone for housing for internally displaced families in the Awi Zone of the Amhara Region, distributed educational materials to students, and participated in a large-scale tree-planting campaign. 

(Source: ENA) 

Sudan 

Sudan Projects 9% Economic Growth in 2026 Despite War and Power Crisis 

Sudan’s Finance Ministry has projected 9% gross domestic product growth this year as inflation slows, according to state media, offering an optimistic outlook for an economy devastated by ongoing conflict. The projection by Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim contrasts sharply with United Nations estimates, which forecast annual economic growth of no more than 1.2% through 2043 following a 12% contraction in 2023. Ministry of Culture and Information Undersecretary Graham Abdel Qadir said the government expects growth to accelerate from 1.7% last year, driven by efforts to broaden the tax base without increasing tax rates. 

(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia 

President Mohamud Opens the First Somalia Maritime Summit in Mogadishu 

President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, formally opened the First Somalia Maritime Summit in Mogadishu. In his opening remarks, the President highlighted Somalia’s vast investment and development potential in the maritime and blue economy sectors. He noted that Somalia’s maritime domain is a strategic national asset capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening regional connectivity. 

“Somalia is reclaiming its place not only as a secure nation, but also as a leading maritime nation in the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean,” the President said. 

(Source: SONNA)