The State of East Africa

The Society for International Development (SID), an international network of individuals and organizations that promote social justice and foster democratic participation with a headquarters in Rome and regional office in Nairobi, just released its State of East Africa 2012: Deepening Integration, Intensifying Challenges. It looks at the people of the East African Community (EAC)--Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda--, the natural resource base, human development, infrastructure, the economic profile and politics and government.

A few of the findings include: East Africa's population is expected to reach 237 million by 2030. Malnutrition and poverty remain among of the most difficult challenges facing the region. The telecom revolution is leading to an emerging mobile economy. The majority of residents are connected to the internet through mobile phones. An estimated 95 percent of East Africa's cargo is carried by road. This presents a significant challenge as 91 percent of East Africa's road network is unpaved. Intra-EAC trade expanded from $2.2 billion in 2005 to $4.1 billion in 2010. The region is also globalizing rapidly. East Africa is enjoying growth in foreign direct investment attracted by its natural resource endowment, growing economies and integrating markets.

Click here to read the entire report.