East Africa economy defies climate shocks, conflict to triple growth

People going about their business at the famous Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. PHOTO | THE MWANANCHI | NMG

East Africa’s economy is projected to grow at 4.9 percent, more than triple the 1.5 percent growth rate recorded last year, defying the impact of the recently experienced floods and war in Sudan.

The African Economic Outlook report published by the African Development Bank (AfDB) this week shows that East Africa is on course to topple West Africa as the fastest growing region on the continent, despite multiple headwinds.