East Africa defies odds, tops economic growth in Africa

Chinese-built electric train in Addis Ababa. Continued investment in public infrastructure will bolster Ethiopia’s growth. FILE PHOTO | AFP

East Africa recorded the continent’s best economic performance in 2017, with a GDP growth of 5.9 per cent — above the continental average of 3.6 per cent.

This growth was achieved in a year that saw the region’s economic fortunes dip, as several companies keen to lower costs and post profits turned to staff cuts.