Host

Ashif Kassam

Executive Chairman, RSM Eastern Africa

Guest

Jas Bedi

Industrialist & Trade Policy Advocate

In this episode of The Insight Edge, we explore “Rethinking East Africa's Trade Competitiveness” looking at the region's export performance and trade imbalance, with focus on the role of Governments and the private sector in building a globally competitive manufacturing and export ecosystem.  

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Summary

East Africa’s market holds massive potential, but structural challenges continue to limit its growth. 

With exports at approximately USD 8.3 billion against imports of over USD 20 billion, the region continues to face a persistent trade imbalance. At the same time, manufacturing contribution to GDP has declined in key markets like Kenya, even as peer economies demonstrate what is possible with the right focus and competitiveness.

In this episode, we engage in a conversation on:

  • East Africa’s export performance and trade imbalance;
  • the structural drivers of competitiveness, including cost of power, logistics, and access to capital; and
  • the role of governments and the private sector in building a globally competitive manufacturing and export ecosystem.

This is a conversation for policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in the future of East Africa.

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