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East Africa's political landscape is dominated by high-level international diplomacy, with Mamdani and Trump engaging directly while Kenya confronts Russia, as regional security deteriorates with South Sudan on the brink of war and economic activity focuses on cross-border integration and privatization debates.
February 2026
Week of Feb 16, compared to 12-week average
Top sources covering East Africa
Economic activity is focused on cross-border integration and corporate consolidation. Egypt launched a joint maritime venture to strengthen trade with East Africa, while a deal between Pesalink and PAPSS aims to cut currency barriers for Kenyan cross-border payments. The period also saw debates on privatization in Kenya and the closure of EAC customer service centers due to a work stoppage.
High-level international diplomacy is the dominant political feature, with Mamdani meeting Trump at the White House. Kenya's government is actively confronting Russia over the illegal recruitment of its nationals for the war in Ukraine, as indicated by its Foreign Minister's planned visit to Moscow. Domestically, Zimbabwe's cabinet backed a bill to extend Mnangagwa's rule, which is being challenged in court by war veterans.
Regional security is deteriorating, with the UN warning that South Sudan is on the brink of full-scale war. Kenya is taking action against networks trafficking its citizens to fight in Ukraine, arresting a key suspect. Concurrently, Kenya has moved to reopen its border with Somalia after a 15-year closure.
The dominant societal tension is between public welfare and governance, highlighted by a crippling strike at Kenya's international hub airport that delayed flights. This labor action coincides with critical reporting on government spending juxtaposed with public hardship. A major natural disaster, Cyclone Gezani, caused significant death and displacement in Madagascar.