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Africa’s trade map is being quietly redrawn. Across the continent, secondary cities are emerging as critical logistics, production, and consumption hubs, reshaping how goods move, where value is created, and how investors should think about location strategy in 2026 and beyond. 1. Introduction: The end of megacity dominance For three decades, Africa’s trade has been organised around a handful of congested coastal and capital cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Accra

The UK’s renewed engagement with East Asia in 2026 is not a cosmetic pivot but a structural repositioning of its trade strategy, centred on a pragmatic reset with China and a security-anchored deepening with Japan. For Safari International’s clients operating between the UK, East Africa and Asia, this “triple‑play” changes how routes are planned, contracts are structured, risks are priced, and currencies are chosen for settlement. 1. The China “Reset”: Pragmatism Over Posturi

Introduction As the dust settles on the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, one conclusion has crystallised across boardrooms, policy chambers, and trading floors: trade is no longer an economic endeavour. It has become a matter of sovereign survival. The stakes could not have been clearer. In mid-January, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs ranging from 10 percent escalating to 25 percent on eight European nations, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Uni

The global trade landscape of 2026 is unrecognisable compared to the start of the decade. As of January 19, 2026, the traditional reliance on singular, far-eastern manufacturing hubs has been replaced by a "multi-nodal" strategy. For British firms, this shift isn't just about diversification; it’s about survival in a world of volatile tariffs and carbon-border taxes. At Safari International Trade , we are witnessing a historic realignment. The United Kingdom’s newly solidifie

East Africa's Green Corridor: A blueprint for sustainable trade featuring clean energy infrastructure, an efficient logistics network, and digital trade growth. The new UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 update projects East Africa to grow by 5.8% in 2026, the fastest rate of any African sub‑region, with the outlook strongly linked to renewable energy expansion and improving macroeconomic stability. For UK and global investors, this combination of growth and green

This year is officially defined as a "watershed moment" for the region, characterised by three distinct national strategies: Kenya’s Sh5 trillion infrastructure mobilisation, Uganda’s $68 billion industrialisation leap, and Tanzania’s "Vision 2050" launch

The year 2025 has been a crucible for global trade, marked by persistent geopolitical shifts, evolving consumer demands, and a renewed focus on regional value chains. For East Africa, this period has been particularly transformative, solidifying its position as a dynamic hub within the intricate web of international commerce.

The global development paradigm is experiencing a fundamental shift. After decades of development assistance that often reinforced dependency rather than building capacity, the United States is pivoting toward a trade and investment-led approach to economic engagement with Africa [1] [ 2] . This transition, articulated most explicitly in recent policy statements and bilateral agreements, represents more than a change in tactics, it signals a philosophical realignment toward p

In March 2025, a moment that may reshape African trade finance forever went largely unnoticed by mainstream media. Global Tea and Commodities, one of Kenya's largest tea exporters, completed Africa's first digital bill of exchange transaction, cutting documentation time from seven days to just 24 hours [1]. What makes this breakthrough significant isn't the transaction size, but what it signals: the age of paper-based trade is ending, and a faster, cheaper, greener digital a

The announcement that Devki Steel Mills , Kenya’s largest steel producer, is establishing a major plant in Tororo, Uganda, has triggered huge debate in policy, business, and investment circles. Devki dominates Kenya's steel landscape, so why would it build a factory in a neighbouring country with growing industrial capacity and rising steel competition? At first glance, it looks risky. A deeper analysis shows that Devki’s move is both calculated and strategic, representing a

Introduction Uganda is among the most important coffee producers in Africa: a birthplace of Robusta, a home to fast-expanding Arabica regions, and a large contributor to Europe's coffee market. With shifting global demand towards more sustainably sourced, traceable, and high-quality coffees, partnerships between Uganda and the United Kingdom have become increasingly strategic. From farmer cooperatives in the Rwenzori mountains to roasters and retailers in London, a new wave o

On investment maps, East Africa is no longer a backwater. Eastern Africa is demonstrating robust growth and opening doors for UK investors with an eye toward the outside world, from Nairobi's "Silicon Savannah" to growing ports, renewable energy initiatives, and agribusiness modernization. In order to help UK businesses and investors go from interest to action, this guide outlines the macro picture, the post-Brexit trade and policy context, hot sectors, realistic entry routes

Introduction Across East Africa, a quiet but powerful shift is underway. More households are moving away from subsistence toward lives of greater security, education, and opportunity. This is the rise of the East African middle class , and it’s reshaping economies, cities, and aspirations across the region. The middle class matters because it drives consumption, entrepreneurship, and demand for better governance. It’s both a result  and a driver  of development. Yet this grow

East Africa is undergoing an exciting transformation in its food culture. While staple foods like maize, rice, beans, and fresh...

As East African avocado farming matures into a global industry, the path forward lies in marrying productivity with purpose, specifically...

In Part I, we examined the comprehensive journey of East African avocados, focusing on the region’s farming landscape, post-harvest...

Avocados, often called "green gold," have captured global attention, and East Africa is stepping up as a key contributor to this booming...

The pharmaceutical trade between the UK and Uganda is a fascinating blend of healthcare needs and business opportunities. This growing...

In an era where technology evolves daily, small businesses in emerging markets are presented with unique challenges and significant...

Emerging markets offer a blend of challenges and opportunities that can significantly impact small businesses. To succeed in these...