East African Community

Kenya lifts visa requirements for nearly all African countries

In a historic first for the continent, Kenya has officially abolished visa and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) requirements for citizens of nearly all African countries, exempting only Somalia and Libya due to ongoing security concerns. Under the new policy, eligible travellers from across Africa can now enter Kenya without pre‑approval, entry forms, or visa fees, and may stay for up to two months. The Standards reports that citizens of […]

14 July, 2025

Africa

SADC Chair Mnangagwa Calls for Ceasefire in DRC

Zimbabwean president and chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has urged a ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This follows reports of Rwandan-backed rebels capturing another town near Bukavu, despite their earlier ceasefire declaration. Heavy fighting continues, with Goma still under M23 rebel control. Mnangagwa's appeal comes ahead of the Sadec and East African Community summit in Tanzania this weekend:

7 February, 2025

Africa

Ruto Calls Urgent EAC Summit on DRC Crisis

Kenyan President William Ruto, in his capacity as chairperson of the East African Community, has convened an extraordinary summit to address the rising violence in eastern DRC. He stressed the importance of diplomacy over military intervention and called for dialogue to resolve the conflict. The emergency meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, will bring together Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi.

29 January, 2025

Africa

Fintech and energy illuminate DR Congo’s nascent startup ecosystem

By Conrad Onyango, via bird story agency The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the world’s most resource-rich countries, is carving out a new prosperity niche as it emerges on the global tech scene. Known for its green metals, cobalt and copper, and the world's second-largest rainforest, the newest member of the East African Community is having a moment in the startup ecosystem. In 2023 the country raised […]

23 January, 2024

Africa

UNEP report highlights potential surge in electric two-wheelers for motorcycle taxis in Africa

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Motorcycle taxis, a dominant transportation force in Africa, have substantial potential for electrification as electric two- and three-wheelers gain traction across the continent. These insights stem from a recently launched UNEP report focusing on the state of global electric two- and three-wheelers in emerging markets. At a virtual report launch on Wednesday, January 10, Tom Courtright, the Research Director at Africa e-Mobility Alliance, who […]

11 January, 2024