Economy of East Africa

Last updated

Economy of East Africa Economy
Currency Kenyan Shilling, Ethiopian birr
Statistics
Population404,263,089
GDP Decrease2.svg $503.57B (nominal) Increase2.svg $1.589T (PPP) [1]
GDP growth
4.8%
GDP per capita
Decrease2.svg $1,153 (Nominal)
Increase2.svg $3,930 (PPP) [2]
27.07% (Average)
Public finances
27.07% (Average) $341.68B [3]
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.

The Economy of East Africa is characterized by diverse sectors, with agriculture playing a pivotal role, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. Key crops include coffee, tea, and horticultural products. East Africa is the fastest growing region in Africa. [4] The region has also seen rapid growth in tourism with Tanzania and Kenya pioneering tourism due to safari parks. Nairobi and Addis Ababa are the main financial hubs in East Africa. [5] Ethiopia and Kenya account for 55% of East Africa's GDP. East Africa accounts for 18% of Africa's GDP.

Contents

GDP PPP

GDP Purchasing Power Parity

Ethiopia and Kenya boast the highest GDP PPP in East Africa and boasts 46% of East African economy. [6]

No.CountryGDP (PPP)
1 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia434.44
2 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya375.36
3 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania269.67
4 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda170.61
5 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan123.48
6 Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar60.88
7 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda51.92
8 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius40.43
9 Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia30.43
10 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi13.17
11 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan11.79
12 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles4.14
13 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros3.44
14Total1,589.86
15EritreaNo data

Gross domestic product

Ethiopia and Kenya boasts the highest GDP in East Africa while the Seychelles and Mauritius has the highest GDP per capita. The total combined GDP of East Africa is $603 billion. [7]

East Africa Countries by GDP
No.CountryGDP (PPP) (USD 'billions)
1 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia145.03
2 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya116.32
3 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania79.87
4 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda55.59
5 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan29.79
6 Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar17.21
7 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius15.89
8 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda13.66
9 Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia12.73
10 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan5.27
11 Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti4.33
12 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi4.29
13 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles2.14
14 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros1.45
15Total503B
16EritreaNo data

Real GDP growth

East Africa is the fastest growing region in Africa. Rwanda, Ethiopia, Djibouti boast some of the fastest economic growth in the region. [8]

East African Countries by Real GDP Growth
No.Country and FlagReal GDP Growth (in billions USD)
1 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda 6.9
2 Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti 6.5
3 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia 6.2
4 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan 5.6
5 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda 5.6
6 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania 5.5
7 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya 5.0
8 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius 4.9
9 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi 4.3
10 Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia 3.7
11 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros 3.5
12 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles 3.2
13 Flag of Eritrea.svg Eritrea No data
14 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan -4.2

Per Capita PPP

GDP per Capita (Nominal) by Country [9]
No.CountryPer Capita (USD)
1 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles41,080
2 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius32,060
3 Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti8,600
4 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya7,160
5 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania4,130
6 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia4,050
7 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros3,860
8 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda3,750
9 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda3,640
10 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan2,510
11 Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar1,990
12 Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia1,840
13 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi986
14 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan Republic of763
15Average3,930

GDP per Capita

Seychelles and Mauritius are the richest countries in East Africa by per capita, followed by Djibouti and Kenya respectively. Burundi and South Sudan are the poorest in East Africa and in the world also. Only 6 of the 14 countries have a GDP per Capita less than $1,000. [10]

GDP (PPP) by Country
No.CountryGDP Per Capita (in USD)
1 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles21,290.00
2 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius12,600.00
3 Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti4,150.00
4 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya2,220.00
5 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros1,630.00
6 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia1,350.00
7 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania1,220.00
8 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda1,190.00
9 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda985.99
10 Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia771.45
11 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan606.29
12 Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar562.59
13 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan340.99
14 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi320.64
Total1,157

Government Debt

Nearly all East African countries have government debt to GDP percentage of more than 50%. Sudan has the highest (344%), 4 times larger than the following second country. This is due to the ongoing civil war. [11]

Debt to GDP of Selected African Countries
No.CountryDebt to GDP (%)
1 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan344.4
2 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius80.1
3 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya69.9
4 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi86.8
5 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda71.4
6 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles58.4
7 Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti32.7
8 Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar55.5
9 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda51.4
10 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan, Republic of56.9
11 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania47.3
12 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros34.9
13 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia33.6
14 Flag of Eritrea.svg Eritreano data
15 Flag of Somalia.svg Somaliano data
15East Africa69.00

Current Account Balance

Djibouti and South Sudan have the highest account balance, while Kenya and Ethiopia have the least account balance. [12]

Account Data for East African Countries
#CountryAccount Balance
1 Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti0.344
2 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan, Republic of0.259
3 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros-0.082
4 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles-0.815
5 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius-0.96
6 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi-0.539
7 Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar-1.046
8 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda-1.443
9 Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia-1.828
10 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania-2.74
11 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan-3.125
12 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda-3.616
13 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya-5.584
14 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia-5.247
15Eritreano data

Economic hubs of East Africa

East Africa is home to several key economic hubs that significantly contribute to the region's overall economic landscape. Below are five major economic centers in East Africa:

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is the economic powerhouse of East Africa, serving as the region's primary financial center and hosting major corporations and banks. Its robust infrastructure and growing technology sector significantly contribute to economic activities and innovations across the region.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa plays a vital role in East Africa's economy as a hub for trade and commerce. Its central location and development initiatives make it a key player in fostering economic integration and facilitating investments within the region.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Dar es Salaam is crucial to East Africa's economy due to its status as the largest port city in Tanzania. It serves as a primary transit point for goods entering and leaving the region, supporting trade and boosting economic growth.

Kampala, Uganda

Kampala contributes to East Africa's economy through its vibrant market activities and diverse industries. Its growth in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries enhances regional trade and investment opportunities.

Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa is essential to East Africa's economic landscape as a major port city facilitating maritime trade. Its economy is driven by shipping, tourism, and agriculture, significantly impacting trade flows within the East African community. It has the largest port in East Africa. [13]

Population

#CountryPopulation (Millions) [14]
1 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia 107.4
2 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania 65.23
3 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya 52.44
4 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan 49.14
5 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda 46.85
6 Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar 30.59
7 Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia 16.5
8 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan 15.45
9 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda 13.86
10 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi 13.37
11 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius 1.26
12 Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti 1.04
13 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros 1.03
14 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles 0.1
# East Africa 424.26

Inflation rate

Sudan has the worst inflation due to ongoing civil war, while South Sudan is due to decline in oil revenues due to factors such as currency depreciation. Although most countries in East Africa are recovering from inflation, Sudan and South Sudan are having hyperinflation. [15]

Inflation Data Table
No.CountryOct Inflation DataApril Inflation Data
1 Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan 200.1145.5
2 Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan, Republic of 120.654.8
3 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia 23.925.6
4 Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi 2022
5 Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar 7.47.8
6 Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya 5.16.6
7 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda 4.95.8
8 Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius 3.54.9
9 Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia 54.8
10 Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania 3.24
11 Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda 3.53.8
12 Flag of Comoros.svg Comoros 42
13 Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti 1.41.8
14 Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles 0.8-0.2
15Average 27.0720.66

Inter-country trade unions in East Africa

  1. Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) - COMESA is primarily an economic organization that facilitates cooperation among member states, including initiatives that address labor and trade issues. [16]
  2. East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) - EATUC represents trade unions from East African countries, advocating for workers' rights and promoting regional cooperation.
  3. International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) - ITUC is a global organization that includes many member unions from East Africa and addresses cross-border labor issues. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Djibouti</span>

The economy of Djibouti is derived in large part from its strategic location on the Red Sea. Djibouti is mostly barren, with little development in the agricultural and industrial sectors. The country has a harsh climate, a largely unskilled labour force, and limited natural resources. The country's most important economic asset is its strategic location, connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. As such, Djibouti's economy is commanded by the services sector, providing services as both a transit port for the region and as an international transshipment and refueling centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Ethiopia</span> Production and distribution systems in the East African country

The economy of Ethiopia is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. The government of Ethiopia is in the process of privatizing many of the state-owned businesses and moving toward a market economy. The banking, telecommunication and transportation sectors of the economy are dominated by government-owned companies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Kenya</span>

The economy of Kenya is market-based with a few state enterprises. Kenya has an emerging market and is an averagely industrialised nation ahead of its East African peers. Currently a lower middle income nation, Kenya plans to be a newly industrialised nation by 2030. The major industries driving the Kenyan economy include financial services, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, retail and energy. As of 2020, Kenya had the third largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, behind Nigeria and South Africa. Regionally, Kenya has had a stronger and more stable economy compared to its neighboring countries within East Africa. By 2023, the country had become Africa's largest start-up hub by both funds invested and number of projects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Per capita income</span> Average income of an economy

Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area in a specified year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Romania</span>

The economy of Romania is a developing high-income mixed economy, with a high degree of complexity. It ranks 12th in the European Union by total nominal GDP and 7th largest when adjusted by purchasing power (PPP). The World Bank notes that Romania's efforts are focused on accelerating structural reforms and strengthening institutions in order to further converge with the European Union. The country's economic growth has been one of the highest in the EU since 2010, with 2022 seeing a better-than-expected 4.8% increase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Senegal</span>

The economy of Senegal is driven by mining, construction, tourism, fishing and agriculture, which are the main sources of employment in rural areas, despite abundant natural resources in iron, zircon, gas, gold, phosphates, and numerous oil discoveries recently. Senegal's economy gains most of its foreign exchange from fish, phosphates, groundnuts, tourism, and services. As one of the dominant parts of the economy, the agricultural sector of Senegal is highly vulnerable to environmental conditions, such as variations in rainfall and climate change, and changes in world commodity prices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World economy</span> Economy of the world

The world economy or global economy is the economy of all humans in the world, referring to the global economic system, which includes all economic activities conducted both within and between nations, including production, consumption, economic management, work in general, financial transactions and trade of goods and services. In some contexts, the two terms are distinct: the "international" or "global economy" is measured separately and distinguished from national economies, while the "world economy" is simply an aggregate of the separate countries' measurements. Beyond the minimum standard concerning value in production, use and exchange, the definitions, representations, models and valuations of the world economy vary widely. It is inseparable from the geography and ecology of planet Earth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of Africa</span>

The economy of Africa consists of the trade, industry, agriculture, and human resources of the continent. As of 2019, approximately 1.3 billion people were living in 53 countries in Africa. Africa is a resource-rich continent. Recent growth has been due to growth in sales, commodities, services, and manufacturing. West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa in particular, are expected to reach a combined GDP of $29 trillion by 2050.

An emerging market is a market that has some characteristics of a developed market, but does not fully meet its standards. This includes markets that may become developed markets in the future or were in the past. The term "frontier market" is used for developing countries with smaller, riskier, or more illiquid capital markets than "emerging". As of 2006, the economies of China and India are considered to be the largest emerging markets. According to The Economist, many people find the term outdated, but no new term has gained traction. Emerging market hedge fund capital reached a record new level in the first quarter of 2011 of $121 billion. Emerging market economies’ share of global PPP-adjusted GDP has risen from 27 percent in 1960 to around 53 percent by 2013. The ten largest emerging economies by nominal GDP are 4 of the 9 BRICS countries along with Mexico, South Korea, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Poland. The inclusion of South Korea, Poland, and sometimes Taiwan are questionable given they are no longer considered emerging markets by the IMF and World Bank If we ignore those three, the top ten would include Argentina and Thailand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy of the Middle East</span>

The economy of the Middle East is very diverse, with national economies ranging from hydrocarbon-exporting rentiers to centralized socialist economies and free-market economies. The region is best known for oil production and export, which significantly impacts the entire region through the wealth it generates and through labor utilization. In recent years, many of the countries in the region have undertaken efforts to diversify their economies.

The economy of the Arab League is the economy of the member states of the Arab League. The economy has traditionally been dependent on exports of oil and natural gas; however, the tourism sector has grown rapidly, becoming the fastest-growing sector in the region. The Greater Arab Free Trade Area, founded in 1997, is the league's free trade area which removed customs taxes on 65% of trade between counties in the Arab World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">African Free Trade Zone</span> Free trade zone

The African Free Trade Zone (AFTZ) is a free trade zone announced at the EAC-SADC-COMESA Summit on 22 October 2008 by the heads of Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC). The African Free Trade Zone is also referred to as the African Free Trade Area in some official documents and press releases.

ZEP-RE is a specialised institution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) created under charter. The Company is currently headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Djibouti–Ethiopia border</span> International borders

The Djibouti–Ethiopia border was formed during the 19th century via the formation of French Somaliland corresponding to the Ethiopian Empire in 1897. In 1950s, the frontier received significant demarcation from joint French–Ethiopian boundary commission. The modern Djibouti was bounded by 375 kilometers from tripoint of Eritrea on the mountain of Mousa Ali to the tripoint with Somalia, thus has favorable relations with Ethiopia. The border is essential for trading system for both countries where 97% import and export conducted and the Ethio-Djibouti corridor dominated the trading system of IGAD region with other routes such as Port Sudan, Berbera and Mombasa being of limited importance.

References

  1. "Gdp PPP". 2024.
  2. "Per Capita PPP". 2024.
  3. "government debt". 2024.
  4. "Fastest growing region in africa". 2024.
  5. "Financial hub". 2024.
  6. "Gdp PPP". 2024.
  7. "East Africa by gdp". 2024.
  8. "Real gdp growth". 2024.
  9. "Per Capita PPP". 2024.
  10. "East Africa gdp per Capita".
  11. "government debt". 2024.
  12. "Account Balance". 2024.
  13. "Mombasa port". 2024.
  14. "East Africa Population". 2024.
  15. "EA inflation rate".
  16. "Comesa". 2024.
  17. "ituc". 2024.