Rwanda and Burundi are set to join the East African Community. The EA Heads of State will make a final decision when they meet in Tanzania’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam on November 30. This is expected to be a formality because the Rwanda and Burundi applications have been on the table for several years and the two countries have observer status at the EAC. Rwanda completed signing all the necessary documents on October 9 and Burundi on October 11. The two countries will boost trade and investments.

EA Losing Out on FDI

A report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says that East Africa is one of the least attractive destinations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) despite reforms in the regulatory and taxation environment. Though FDI inflows to the continent shot up from 17 billion pounds in 2004 to 31 billion last year, inflows to the sub region fell to 1.7 billion pounds from 1.9 billion in 2004.

Sudan Government Orders UN Envoy to Leave

The Sudanese government ordered the chief U.N. envoy, Jan Pronk, to leave the country within three days after writing that the Sudanese army had suffered serious losses in fighting with rebels in northern Darfur. Sudan's government has been at odds with Pronk over Western efforts to get Sudan to allow a U.N. force of 20,000 troops to take over peacekeeping in Darfur.

Fishermen Record Income Growth 

Fishermen in Lake Victoria have recorded an income growth despite a decline in water levels. According to the fisheries department latest survey, the amount of fish stocks rose significantly in the last year. The number of fishermen rose from 37,348 two years ago to 44,263 this year due to more investment in construction of vessels in the industry. Over 15, 280 vessels were built this year representing a 24 percent increase from 12,284 in 2004. The survey recommended increased surveillance on beaches to prevent the use of inappropriate fishing gear.

State to Create Regulator for Jua Kali 

According to the proposals made in the micro and small enterprise bill 2006, a 14 member council to regulate operations of small businesses will be established next month and a Ksh. 2 billion fund will be set up in the next six months to help small investors access credit facilities. The sector currently employs over six million people accounting for over 74 percent of the total labor force in the country and contributing about 18.4 percent to Kenyans economic growth. 

Mauritius Economy to Grow

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) latest report, Mauritius is on track to achieve a 4.6 economic growth this year supported by the finance, transport and communications sectors, despite a contraction in the key sugar industry. The GDP growth rate forecast for 2006 is maintained at 4.6 per cent the same as the forecast made in June 2006. The projected 4.6 percent expansion will push the country’s GDP to 178.4 billion rupees (5.4 billion pounds). 

Villagers Return Treated Mosquito Nets

A District Commissioner in Coast Province-Kenya was ordered to investigate the rejection of mosquito nets by expectant mothers. The recipients allege that they see ghosts at night when they use the nets. Mr Munyi, the Provincial Commissioner, told Kilifi DC, Mwindia Gitonga, to visit affected villages and educate people on the importance of the nets, saying the rejection hampered government efforts to fight malaria.

Uganda Parliament Purchases IREN Books 

The Uganda Parliament has purchased three titles of the IREN books:  Agricultural Investment in Eastern Kenya by James Shikwati and Stella Amuhaya, Reclaiming Africa and The Economic Burden of Health in Kenya both edited by James Shikwati. This is the first time IREN has had its books purchased by an African government.