East African Monetary Union

2021 ◽  
pp. 175-194
Author(s):  
Louis A. Kasekende
Keyword(s):  
Economic Integration ◽  
Monetary Union ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
Central Banking ◽  
Fiscal Sustainability ◽  
East African ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Macroeconomic Shocks ◽  
The Common

This chapter highlights progress with the East Africa Monetary Union (EAMU) and the implications for the future of central banking in the Eastern African region. In 2013, East African countries committed to move to a monetary union by 2024. However, monetary unions offer benefits as well as challenges, given the experience in European Monetary Union. The chapter highlights four main important issues: the imperative of extensive economic integration in order to reap benefits from EAMU; the need for strong, enforceable, but feasible rules to ensure the fiscal sustainability of each partner state, given that once EAMU is established, they will no longer have the option of financing their public debt from their own central banks; the mechanism for alignment of the exchange rates in the period prior to the introduction of the common currency; and how to mitigate the adverse impact of asymmetric macroeconomic shocks within the EAC.

scholarly journals Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway Project in the Context of Theory and Practice of Regional Planning

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanard Otwori Juma ◽  
Fredrick Adol Gogo ◽  
Ahmed Abduletif Abdulkadr ◽  
Dénes Dávid Lóránt
Keyword(s):  
Regional Planning ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
East African ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Transportation Services ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
The Impact

Despite most African countries having immense natural and human resources potential, the continent has mostly been lagging on matters of economic development. This scenario could primarily be attributed to weak intra-regional and inter-country trade given the poor connectivity, quality, and diversity in transportation services and infrastructure. In this regard, the governments of the greater East African Region representing Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya, therefore, mooted a coordinated vision to develop interlinked regional infrastructure in road and rail transport to allow smooth movement of goods and services.  This paper aimed to critically review the impact of the SGR development on Kenya in the context of regional planning and development. The methodology of the study was a critical review of existing literature and secondary data. Study findings indicated that the development of the (Standard Gauge Railway) SGR is in tandem with the development strategies of other East African Countries. Its development is incorporated in national spatial plans with the rail route targeting regions with viable populations and sustainable economic activities. Criticisms, however, revolve around the ballooning debt to finance infrastructural development and lack of prioritization f mega projects. In conclusion, despite the financial constraints, the SGR is viewed to significantly influence the socio-economic spheres while presenting challenges in the management of landscapes where it traverses in Kenya and the Region.

scholarly journals Analysis of main risk factors contributing to obesity in the region of East Africa: meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 248-256
Author(s):  
Lenka Mařincová ◽  
Simona Šafaříková ◽  
Radka Cahlíková
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
East African ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Risk Ratios

Background: Over a few decades obesity has become a major global health problem. Its prevalence worldwide has more than doubled since 1980. The situation is expected to worsen in the future, especially in the developing countries that experience nutrition transition due to economic growth. It contributes to reduction in malnutrition which supports an increase in obesity prevalence. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the predictors of obesity in the region of East Africa. Methods: Meta-analysis of existing studies was used in order to find the different risk factors and their significance in obesity development. Data extracted from 16 published academic research articles described the situation in East African countries. The significance of the effect of each variable was tested by means of an asymptotic chi-square test, or Fisher's exact (factorial) test and the risk ratios were calculated. Results: Based on the chi-square test and the risk ratios of the aggregated data, three risk factors were found to be significant in the development of obesity – gender, type of residence and socio-economic status. In East African countries, women are significantly more likely to be obese. Living in an urban area and socioeconomic status are also positively associated with obesity. Because of insufficient data three other risk factors did not prove to be of any significance – alcohol consumption, smoking and education level. Conclusion: Conclusions of this meta-analysis confirm world trends but we also found results that are not in line with them (e.g. education). This meta-analysis confirms the huge existing research gap concerning obesity predictors in the East African region. Keywords: Obesity; meta-analysis; East Africa. 

scholarly journals An Analysis of Public-Private Partnerships in East Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Lukamba Muhiya Tshombe ◽  
Thekiso Molokwane ◽  
Alex Nduhura ◽  
Innocent Nuwagaba
Keyword(s):  
Developed Countries ◽  
Public Private Partnerships ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
East African ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Scientific Discussion ◽  
East African Region ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

The impact of the implementation of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the Sub-Saharan African region on infrastructure and services is becoming increasingly perceptible. A considerable number of African countries have embraced PPPs as a mechanism to finance large projects due to a constrained fiscus. At present, many financial institutions, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank, which finance some of the projects, have established a department or unit that mainly focuses on infrastructure development in developing countries. The private sector in Africa is equally seen as a significant partner in the development of infrastructure. African governments need to tap into private capital to invest in infrastructure projects. This scientific discussion provides an analysis of PPPs in the East African region. This article selected a number of countries to illustrate PPP projects in the sub-region. The analysis of this study illustrates that the East African region represents unique and valuable public-private partnership lessons in different countries. This study also traces the origins of PPPs to more than a century ago where developed countries completed some of their projects using the same arrangement. This paper further demonstrates that the application of PPPs is always characterised by three factors, namely a country, a sector and a project. Experts in the field often refer to these elements as layers, which usually precede any successful PPP.

ASSESSING AFRICAN REGIONAL INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND INVESTOR–STATE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-232
Author(s):  
Mmiselo Freedom Qumba
Keyword(s):  
Dispute Settlement ◽  
East African ◽  
African Countries ◽  
East African Community ◽  
Domestic Courts ◽  
African Community ◽  
The Common ◽  
Local Courts ◽  
Eastern And Southern Africa ◽  
Investment Agreements

AbstractThis article examines the rejection of the International Investor–State dispute (ISDS) system across the African continent and its replacement with a range of domestic and regional alternatives. It assesses the advantages of the two principal options for African countries: retaining the current ISDS system, or using local courts and regional tribunals. To this end, the dispute resolution mechanisms proposed in the Pan-African Investment Code, the 2016 Southern African Development Community Finance and Investment Protocol, the SADC model BIT, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Economic Community of West African States and East African Community investment agreements and domestic approaches are critically examined. The argument is then advanced that African countries should not abandon ISDS because replacing it with isolated domestic or regional mechanisms does not reduce any of the risks. In particular, for foreign investors, the risk associated with the adjudication of investment disputes in potentially biased, politically influenced domestic courts may prove too high. African host nations, in turn, risk sending out the wrong message concerning their commitment to the protection of foreign investments. Instead of veering off course, perhaps the time has come for African States to display the political will to remain within the ISDS system and contribute to its reform from within.

The State of Publishing in East Africa

LOGOS ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiarie Kamau
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Publishing Industry ◽  
Book Publishing ◽  
Digital Publishing ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
The State ◽  
East African ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
East African Region

The main aim of this paper is to examine the state of publishing in East Africa. It also attempts to review the situation in Malawi and Zambia, where the author has had practical experience in publishing and marketing. The paper focuses on the growth of the publishing industry in the East African region and how this growth has impacted on access to textbooks and trade publications. It demonstrates that there has been significant growth in the industry, especially in Kenya and Uganda. However, this growth has largely been in the area of publishing of textbooks. Funding for the rollout of curricula in the East African countries has been a blessing to publishers because the funding includes allocations for textbook purchases for both primary and secondary schools. However, this kind of publishing has sounded something of a death knell for the publication of general books such as novels and biographies. The paper also demonstrates that indigenous book-publishing firms have gained a stronger foothold in East Africa in the last ten years and edged out the multinationals. It concludes by indicating that unless the publishing model changes, general publishing will continue to be relegated to the back-burner. At the same time, publishers are challenged to embrace digital publishing, since that is where the future of publishing lies.

Welfare gains, risk-sharing and Africa’s monetary union projects

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-430
Author(s):  
John Bosco Nnyanzi
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Union ◽  
Risk Sharing ◽  
East African ◽  
Welfare Gains ◽  
Monetary Unions ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
East African Community ◽  
Total Potential ◽  
Or Groups

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the welfare gains from risk sharing among African countries and regional groupings in Africa that are planning to establish monetary unions either in the short or longrun. Design/methodology/approach – The paper empirically tested two hypothesis; potential welfare gains and unexploited welfare gains. It uses a utility-based measure to quantify the gains that would accrue from joining a risk sharing arrangement such as a monetary union. The regional groupings considered include the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). Findings – The results provide support for both hypotheses. Overall, the average potential welfare for AU, EAC, ECOWAS and SADC groups under full risk sharing are found to be 1.9, 2, 3.4 and 1.6 percent, respectively, each higher than the 1 percent estimated for the OECD countries and 0.6 percent for the 14-EU countries. The average unexploited gains are, however, even bigger for AU at 3.5 percent, ECOWAS at 8.6 percent and for SADC at 2.6 percent. Practical implications – The finding of enormous potential welfare gains could partly reinforce the desire of the African countries to establish monetary unions. On the other hand, the paper provides insights to policy makers in designing policies to promote risk sharing given the finding that the unexploited welfare gains are on average still too low – implying that many African countries or groups still have very low risk sharing. Originality/value – Previous studies on welfare gains and risk sharing have basically left out the African regional groupings and never related the issue of gains to the monetary union projects. Besides, previous studies focus on unexploited welfare gains at the expense of total potential welfare gains. Considering the two types, however, presents a more complete picture of total gains from joining any risk sharing arrangement such as a monetary union.

What debt threshold hampers economic growth in Africa?

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lord Mensah ◽  
Divine Allotey ◽  
Emmanuel Sarpong-Kumankoma ◽  
William Coffie
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Distributed Models ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Debt Levels

Purpose This paper aims to test whether a debt threshold of public debt has any effect on economic growth in Africa. Design/methodology/approach The authors applied the panel autoregressive distributed models on 38 African countries with annual data from 1970 to 2015. It was established that the threshold and the trajectory of debt has an impact on economic growth. Findings Specifically, the authors found that public debt hampers economic growth when the depth is in the region of 20 to 80 per cent of GDP. Based on debt trajectory, this study established that increasing public debt beyond 50 to 80 per cent of GDP adversely affects economic growth in Africa. The study also finds that the persistent rise in debt also has adverse effect on economic growth in the African countries in the sample. It must be known to policymakers that the threshold of debt in developing countries, and for that matter African countries, are less than that of developed countries. Practical implications This study suggests threshold effects between 20 and 50 per cent; this should be a guide for policymakers in the accumulation of debt stock. Interestingly, the findings suggest some debt trajectory effect, which policymakers might consider by increasing efforts to reduce debt levels when they fall between 50 to 80 per cent of GDP. This implies that reducing such debt levels can help African countries increase their economic growth. Originality/value The study is unique because it seeks to add new evidence on the relationship between public debt and growth in the African region, by considering the impact of the persistent growth of public debt on economic growth.

E-Government

2010 ◽  
pp. 80-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirkku Kristiina Hellsten
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Ethical Framework ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
East African ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Local Justice ◽  
User Skills

E-government and other applications of information technologies can provide powerful means for global, national and local justice, increased democracy, decentralized decision-making, and more efficient service delivery. In general, e-government initiatives are aimed at modernizing governmental agencies in their dealings with the public and extending services into online environments. In various African countries, e-government initiatives have begun; they have allowed citizens easy access to public services and lobbying opportunities at policy level decision-making. This chapter identifies prospects and challenges in e-government and e-governance in the East African region. The author sketches harmonizing strategies for the development of an ethical framework for their implementation and argues that the challenge of e-governance in developing countries resides in the challenge of “good governance” as well as issues of accessibility and user skills.

scholarly journals The Impact of Renewable Energy, Economic and Population Growth on CO2 Emissions in the East African Region: Evidence from Common Correlated Effect Means Group and Asymmetric Analysis

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 312
Author(s):  
Jean Pierre Namahoro ◽  
Qiaosheng Wu ◽  
Haijun Xiao ◽  
Na Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
East African ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Renewable Energy Consumption ◽  
The Impact

This study aims to examine the asymmetric nexus between CO2 emissions and renewable energy and economic and population growth in seven East African countries (EACs) at the regional level and country levels. Common correlated effect means group (CCEMG), nonlinear autoregressive distributed lagged (NARDL), and causality tests were employed for the panel data from 1980 to 2016. The main findings are as follows: (1) Renewable energy consumption negatively affects CO2 emissions, while economic and population growth positively affect CO2 emissions at the regional level. (2) The findings of asymmetric and symmetric linkages between CO2 emissions and its determinants (economic and population growth and renewable energy) are very volatile across the country levels. (3) The causality hypotheses are different across the country and regional levels. (4) This study shows the renewable energy growth nexus, wherein renewable energy positively affects economic growth at the regional level. Lastly, the study suggests potential policy implications for effectively reducing CO2 emissions as well as growing the economy at the regional level.

Evolution of Central Banking

2021 ◽  
pp. 68-85
Author(s):  
Federica Branca ◽  
Ixart Miquel-Flores ◽  
Francesco Paolo Mongelli
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Policy ◽  
Euro Area ◽  
Exchange Rate Volatility ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Central Banking ◽  
East African ◽  
Fiscal Discipline ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Policy Frameworks ◽  
Domestic Prices

This chapter provides some observations regarding the evolution of central banking. It is noted that the practice of monetary policy and the scope of central banks have changed over time. The chapter reflects on the path to East African Economic and Monetary Union (EA-EMU). First, how does East Africa stand in terms of economic and financial convergence? Second, what are the milestones of central banking that all central banks of the EA-EMU should master? Third, which monetary lessons could the euro area offer? Fourth, what worked, and has not, in the euro area, what is being fixed? It is noted that East African countries have differences in income per capita, exchange rate volatility, domestic prices, and fiscal discipline. To support sustainable convergence, they should align their monetary policy frameworks and have solid fiscal arrangement.

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