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] East Africa has a total GDP of $511.96 Billion contributing to around 18% of Africa's GDP. Kenya and Ethiopia lead in GDP contributing 25% and 22% respectively to regional GDP while Seychelles and Mauritius lead in Gdp per capita.
Nairobi City, KenyaAddis Ababa , EthiopiaDar es Salaam, Tanzania
GDP
As of 2025, Kenya is the largest economy in East Africa with a nominal GDP of $131.67 billion, followed closely by Ethiopia at $117.46 billion. Seychelles leads in GDP per capita at $21,630, with Mauritius second at $12,330. At the bottom, South Sudan and Burundi have the lowest GDP per capita at $251 and $490 respectively, reflecting significant income disparities across the region. East Africa has a total GDP of $511 Billion at Nominal and $1.7 Trillion at PPP , Kenya and Ethiopia accounts for close to half of the GDP each contributing 25% and 23% respectively.[6]
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.[3]
Debt to GDP of Selected African Countries
No.
Country
Debt to GDP (%)
1
Sudan
344.4
2
Mauritius
80.1
3
Kenya
69.9
4
Burundi
86.8
5
Rwanda
71.4
6
Seychelles
58.4
7
Djibouti
32.7
8
Madagascar
55.5
9
Uganda
51.4
10
South Sudan, Republic of
56.9
11
Tanzania
47.3
12
Comoros
34.9
13
Ethiopia
33.6
14
Eritrea
no data
15
Somalia
no data
15
East Africa
69.00
Current account balance
Djibouti and South Sudan have the highest account balance, while Kenya and Ethiopia have the least account balance.[8]
Account Data for East African Countries
#
Country
Account Balance
1
Djibouti
0.344
2
South Sudan, Republic of
0.259
3
Comoros
-0.082
4
Seychelles
-0.815
5
Mauritius
-0.96
6
Burundi
-0.539
7
Madagascar
-1.046
8
Rwanda
-1.443
9
Somalia
-1.828
10
Tanzania
-2.74
11
Sudan
-3.125
12
Uganda
-3.616
13
Kenya
-5.584
14
Ethiopia
-5.247
15
Eritrea
no data
Oil and gas in East Africa
East Africa untapped crude oil is seen as considerable and giant with Tanzania gas production with Norway's Equinor with exports of natural gas in sea basin regions, Mozambique with TotalEnergies in gas fields with pipeline towards southern Africa country's such as south Africa , Somaliland SL10/SL13 near Exploration /Production in Qishn fault regions with Genel Energy Somaliland estimates of crude around 30 Bn barrels with recent oil discovery in southern Somaliland, new oil installations such as refinery's planned in Berbera port regions . Uganda and major crude oil pipeline towards Tanzania ports with concession company TotalEnergies.
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 centres 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.[9]
Berbera, Somaliland
Berbera is set to serve eastern Africa country's such as Ethiopia and Djibouti in Somaliland with major DP World redevelopment of Berbera port , and creation of Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ) New silk refinery construction of 30,000 barrel per day refinery opening in 2028 in Berbera , Berbera opened data centre By Wingu Africa linked to submarine cables of Africa and Asia that would serve the region
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.[11]
Inflation Data Table
No.
Country
Oct Inflation Data
April Inflation Data
1
Sudan
▲ 200.1
145.5
2
South Sudan, Republic of
▲ 120.6
54.8
3
Ethiopia
▼ 23.9
25.6
4
Burundi
▼ 20
22
5
Madagascar
▼ 7.4
7.8
6
Kenya
▼ 5.1
6.6
7
Rwanda
▼ 4.9
5.8
8
Mauritius
▼ 3.5
4.9
9
Somalia
▲ 5
4.8
10
Tanzania
▼ 3.2
4
11
Uganda
▼ 3.5
3.8
12
Comoros
▲ 4
2
13
Djibouti
▼ 1.4
1.8
14
Seychelles
▲ 0.8
-0.2
15
Average
▲ 27.07
20.66
Inter-country trade unions in East Africa
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.[12]
East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) - EATUC represents trade unions from East African countries, advocating for workers' rights and promoting regional cooperation.
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) - ITUC is a global organization that includes many member unions from East Africa and addresses cross-border labor issues.[12]
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$1.72 T (PPP) 
