East Africa is expected to remain the continent’s fastest-growing region in 2027, supported by investment, domestic demand, services and infrastructure development. The AAfDB projects regional growth to recover to 6.4% in 2027, after easing from 6.6% in 2025 to 5.9% in 2026 as higher energy and import costs took their toll. Uganda (projected at 8% in 2027 as commercial oil production begins) and Rwanda (7.4%) lead the country forecasts, alongside Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya as key growth markets, although higher energy and import costs, constrained public finances, a regional development financing gap of US$119 billion a year and external shocks could weigh on the outlook.
The 2027 East Africa Regional Outlook Webinar will explore how the region can sustain its growth rebound in 2027 while mobilising capital for its next phase of development. Key topics of discussion include:
Infrastructure and regional connectivity: Investment in transport corridors, ports, energy networks and digital infrastructure to improve trade, reduce costs and connect landlocked economies to regional and global markets.
Energy transition and natural resources: Opportunities in renewable power, grid development, critical minerals and emerging energy projects, including Uganda’s move into commercial oil production, alongside the challenge of delivering reliable and affordable energy.
Agribusiness and industrial development: How investment in agricultural productivity, food processing, manufacturing and export-oriented value chains can create jobs and increase value captured locally.
Mobilising long-term finance: How governments and businesses can attract private capital despite debt pressures and financing constraints, including through blended finance, local capital markets and stronger project preparation.
The discussion will consider where opportunities are strongest across East Africa in 2027 and what policy, financing and partnership models are needed to turn rapid growth into more inclusive, productive and resilient economies.
Source: AfDB, East Africa Economic Outlook 2026 (28 July 2026): https://www.afdb.org/en/documents/east-africa-economic-outlook-2026