Africa
Kenya set to surpass Ethiopia as East Africa’s largest economy in 2025 – IMF

Kenya is on track to become East Africa’s largest economy by 2025, overtaking regional rival Ethiopia, according to the latest projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF estimates Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) will reach $132 billion, surpassing Ethiopia’s projected $117 billion. The shift marks a significant change in the regional economic hierarchy, driven by contrasting policy choices and macroeconomic conditions in both countries.
Ethiopia’s recent move to devalue its currency, the birr, by more than 55% in 2024 helped the country unlock $3.4 billion in IMF support and $16.6 billion in World Bank funding, aiding efforts to restructure debt and stabilize its economy. However, the decision has led to a surge in inflation and import costs, placing additional strain on a country already grappling with the effects of internal conflict and climate disruptions.
In contrast, Kenya has demonstrated relative macroeconomic resilience. The Kenyan shilling appreciated by 21% in 2024, becoming the world’s best-performing currency, according to market analysts. The surge was supported by a successful $1.5 billion Eurobond issuance, record-high diaspora remittances totaling $4.94 billion, and robust growth in agricultural and manufacturing exports.
Despite strong fundamentals, Kenya has faced its share of domestic turbulence. The government’s controversial Finance Bill 2024, which introduced sweeping tax changes, sparked widespread public protests and led to significant investor losses. In response to the unrest, the government withdrew from a $3.6 billion, four-year IMF program, raising concerns over policy continuity.
Even so, Kenya’s economy remains relatively stable, thanks to its diversified structure and improved investor confidence. The country is weathering the global economic slowdown better than many of its regional peers, despite the IMF forecasting a dip in global growth from 3.3% in 2023 to 2.8% in 2024.
Ethiopia had long been seen as East Africa’s economic powerhouse, buoyed by its large population and ambitious infrastructure projects. But recent economic headwinds have exposed vulnerabilities in its development model. Meanwhile, Kenya’s open-market approach, diversified revenue streams, and currency stability have enhanced its regional position.
While both countries face ongoing economic uncertainty amid global trade tensions and inflationary pressures, Kenya appears better positioned in the near term.
If current trends hold, Kenya is set to officially become East Africa’s largest economy in 2025, marking a turning point in the regional economic landscape.
Africa
Visitors pay their respects at Pope Francis’ tomb

Roman Catholic faithful began visiting the tomb of Pope Francis on Sunday, filing past the simple white tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica a day after he was bade farewell by the powerful of the world and a crowd of hundreds of thousands.
A single white rose was placed on the tomb that said “Franciscus” — the pope’s name in Latin.
A light cast its warm glow over the tomb and a reproduction of the late pontiff’s pectoral cross on the wall above it.
People filed past, many crossing themselves or snapping photos with their phones.
Ushers urged them to keep moving to accommodate the thousands who flocked to the Rome basilica to see the tomb, forming a long line outside.
The tomb was opened on the second of nine days of official mourning for Francis, after which a conclave will be held to elect the next pope.
Meanwhile, a special Mass was held in St. Peter’s Square led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state.
Parolin is considered a possible contender to be the next pope due to his prominence in the Catholic hierarchy.
No date has yet been set for the conclave, but it must start by May 10.
Cardinals who traveled to Rome for Francis’ funeral will be meeting regularly this week ahead of the conclave as they start to chart a way forward for the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.
Pope Francis chose his place of burial in St. Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of the Madonna that he revered, because it reflects his “humble, simple and essential” life, the archbishop who administers the basilica said Friday.
Africa
Uganda declares end to Ebola outbreak

The announcement by the country’s health ministry came after the passage of 42 days without a single case of the disease.
“During this outbreak, 14 cases, 12 confirmed and two not confirmed through laboratory tests [probable], were reported. Four deaths, two confirmed and two probable, occurred. Ten people recovered from the infection,” The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement.
The outbreak was attributed to the Sudan strain. The variant has no licensed vaccine but Ugandan officials authorized a clinical trial for one under development to be given to health workers and contacts of cases.
The outbreak was confirmed in Uganda’s capital Kampala following the death of a male nurse.
It was the ninth time Uganda has detected cases of Ebola. Most outbreaks have been swiftly brought under control.
Ebola infections are frequent in Uganda which has many tropical forests that are natural reservoirs for the virus.
The first ebola outbreak in Uganda was declared in 2000.
The deadliest Ebola epidemic killed more than 11,300 people in West Africa between 2013 and 2016.
Africa
Iran: Death toll in port blast rises as crews scramble to stop blaze

A massive explosion and fire rocked a port Saturday in southern Iran purportedly linked to a shipment of a chemical ingredient used to make missile propellant, killing 28 people and injuring around 800 others.
Helicopters and aircraft dumped water from the air on the raging fire through the night into Sunday morning at the Shahid Rajaei port. The explosion occurred just as Iran and the U.S. met in Oman for the third round of negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.
No one in Iran outright suggested that the explosion came from an attack. However, even Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led the talks, on Wednesday acknowledged that “our security services are on high alert given past instances of attempted sabotage and assassination operations designed to provoke a legitimate response.”
State media offered the casualty figures, saying authorities identified only 10 of the dead, including two women.
Meanwhile, state TV reported the fire was under control and will be fully extinguished later Sunday. It also said activities have resumed at the port, showing footage of containers of a commercial ship being unloaded.
There were few details on what sparked the blaze just outside of Bandar Abbas, causing other containers to reportedly explode.
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