Cautious optimism as economies in East Africa rise from Covid slump

Rwanda clothing company

Women work at a clothing company in Kigali, Rwanda. The country's economy is forecast to grow 7.8 percent in 2023. PHOTO | KRISTIN PALITZA | DPA

East African economies are forecast to grow in spite of global shocks, reflecting the diversified local sectors that have withstood external pressures.

A new report by the African Development Bank (AfDB) shows the region’s economies will grow by 5.1 percent this year, from 4.4 percent in 2022, and could rise to 5.8 percent in 2024.