Addis Ababa, February 20, 2026 (FMC) — Eastern Africa is registering growth rates above the continental average, yet widening economic disparities among countries are posing new challenges to regional integration, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
At a high-level briefing convened by the ECA’s Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Rwanda were presented with a detailed assessment of the region’s economic outlook. The central message was clear: while Eastern Africa is advancing, progress remains uneven across countries.
Speaking at the session, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Ozonnia Ojielo, underscored the deep interdependence of African economies, noting that economic shifts in one country inevitably reverberate across the region. Disruptions in trade corridors, he said, have cross-border consequences that affect markets far beyond their origin.
Andrew Mold, Director of the ECA Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, outlined the region’s recent performance, pointing to robust expansion in several key economies. He cautioned, however, that rising disparities, mounting social pressures, and growing dependence on mineral exports could undermine long-term stability.
According to the ECA briefing, Eastern Africa is currently recording growth rates of nearly 6 percent, comfortably surpassing Africa’s average of 4.1 percent. Forecasts from international financial institutions further indicate that Africa’s economy in 2026 is projected to grow faster than Asia’s for the first time in recent history.
Strong performances in several countries have driven the regional momentum. Rwanda posted quarterly growth exceeding 11 percent in its most recent results. Tanzania recorded 6.4 percent growth in the third quarter of 2025, while Kenya maintained steady expansion at 5 percent during the same period. Uganda experienced a sharp surge early in 2025, peaking at 8 percent in the first quarter before moderating to 4.8 percent by the third quarter.
In contrast, smaller and more isolated economies faced more constrained conditions. Burundi registered growth of 2.6 percent. The Seychelles, despite being the region’s wealthiest nation with a per capita income of approximately 15,000 US dollars, continued to experience volatility linked to its heavy reliance on tourism and fishing.
Warning Over Growing Economic Divergence
Despite encouraging headline figures, ECA officials warned of a troubling shift in the region’s growth dynamics. Between 2010 and 2020, poorer African countries generally grew faster than their wealthier counterparts, contributing to a period of economic convergence. However, from 2020 to 2024, this pattern reversed. In Eastern Africa, the divergence has been particularly pronounced, raising concerns about the sustainability of inclusive regional development.
The briefing also highlighted preparations for the 58th ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, scheduled for 2–3 April in Tangier. This year’s conference will be held under the theme, “Growth Through Innovation: Harnessing Data and Frontier Technologies for Africa’s Transformation,” with member states encouraged to ensure strong participation, particularly from Ministers of Finance and ICT.
ECA reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality analytical support and working closely with governments and diplomatic missions to bolster resilience, advance regional integration, and unlock the continent’s economic potential.