Included in the June edition of our Africa newsletter: Four pivotal elections in Africa will keep democracy watchers busy for the rest of 2017; Drought takes centre stage in Kenya's election campaign as food prices rise and more...
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These four pivotal elections in Africa will keep democracy watchers busy for the rest of 2017
This year, there’ll be four pivotal elections across the continent—namely, in Kenya, Rwanda, Angola (all in August), and Liberia (October). These general and presidential elections could reshape not only the political institutions in these nations but are also likely to have an impact on peace and security, governance, development and economic growth.
The fear of ethnic-induced violence in Kenya, the angst around the succession plan in Rwanda, the end of the world’s longest running presidencies in Angola, and the task of replacing Africa’s first female president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia will all be significant milestones, indicative of where Africa’s electoral politics goes from here.
Drought takes centre stage in Kenya's election campaign as food prices rise
The spiralling cost of basic commodities has taken centre stage in the campaign for elections on 8 August, with the opposition attacking President Uhuru Kenyatta’s record in office.
“In Kenyan politics, the electorate – who are majorly poor – don’t care about mega projects. They are concerned with the cost of living. Whoever is elected must convince Kenyans how they are going to tackle this,” said Hezron Ochiel, a Nairobi-based communications and governance expert.
Angola: Constitutional Court Validates Candidacies for Election
Luanda — The Constitutional Court of Angola concluded on Thursday the validation of the candidacies of five Angolan political parties and an electoral coalition for the general election, to take place on August 23 of this year.
Kenya - Kipsigis Vote a Key Factor in Narok Senate Race
Narok Senator Stephen ole Ntutu will exit the political stage in a tactical move aimed at bolstering his brother Patrick Ntutu's campaign to topple Governor Samuel ole Tunai. His move has paved way for the position in a high-stakes battle for the Senate, with political re-alignments in Jubilee and ODM parties already taking shape. The race is clouded by clannism and party politics that are seen to be the fault lines along which the battle for control of Narok will be fought.
Kenya - Josephat Nanok Elected Council of Governors Chairman
Josephat Nanok is the new Council of Governors (CoG) chairman. Mr Nanok, the Turkana County governor, will take over from his Meru counterpart Peter Munya. During the elections held Monday, Taita-Taveta Governor John Mruttu was re-elected CoG vice-chairman. Kiambu Governor William Kabogo is the council's whip. Speaking after the elections, Mr Nanok said he "will do everything possible to push the devolution agenda forward." Mr Munya said Mr Nanok has been on the forefront defending devolution.
Namibia - Parliament Launches User-Friendly Website
Parliament on Friday unveiled a new website designed to provide faster and easier public access to information on the political decisions taken by the elected representatives of the country's citizens. The new website, designed in a colourful and user-friendly format, was launched by Speaker of the National Assembly Professor Peter Katjavivi, who said the new website contains a comprehensive legal database, that holds all annotated laws of parliament.
Rwanda & Kenya Prepare for Elections with a Peace Marathon
The Rwandan government has prepared a raft of activities aimed at peace-building ahead of the elections, including the Kigali International Peace Marathon held yesterday where First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and her Rwandan Counterpart Jeanette Kagame ran the 7-km special non-competition ‘run for peace” race. The peace marathon is an annual event organized on the 3rd Sunday of May every year during the hundred days of commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against some targeted populations to contribute to the journey of peace building process in Rwanda and abroad.
Kenyan bishops fear violence during election campaign
The Catholic bishops of Kenya have expressed their fear of violence during the country’s election campaign this year, and lodged a plea for “clean and transparent” polling.
Female Candidate Joins Presidential Race
Diane Shima Rwigara on Wednesday declared her interest to run for the Rwandan presidency, becoming the first female independent candidate. In her manifesto, the 35-year-old said she will work to eradicate poverty, champion free speech, and provide health insurance for all Rwandans.
Ms Rwigara joins a growing list of independent candidates including former journalist Phillipe Mpayimana, and controversial Catholic priest Thomas Nahimana who have expressed interest to run against President Kagame in the August 4 polls.
Business Council for Africa news and country spotlights
- The Dangote answer to Nigeria’s oil crisis
- Bidco unveils expansion plan as it seeks to grow turnover to $986 million (Kenya)
- Bioko Oil Terminal Project attracts new interest from Nigeria (Equatorial Guinea)
- Dusit Thani’s $150 million resort coming to Ethiopia
- Zimbabwe launches $1 billion Harare-Beitbridge dualisation project
- Africa requires $100 billion for big projects
- $2.5 billion World Bank facility targets Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Ghana private sectors
- African investors take over as Barclays reduces Africa stake to 16.4% in Africa
- Uganda and Tanzania oil pipeline deal unlocks more funding options
Established 60 years ago, our extensive membership base consists of more than 400 companies ranging from different sectors that are committed to doing business on the continent. Through our 30 plus events each year and In-Country Representative network, BCA members benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities with prominent business leaders, high-level government officials and visionary entrepreneurs.
For further information please contact George Arnold.
The Eastern Africa Association analysis and country spotlights
- Commentary
- Oil – Where next
- The future
- Kenya
- Politics
- The economy
- Conclusion
- Uganda
- Politics
- Outlook
- Tanzania
- Politics
- Infrastructure
- The Economy
- Business
- Regional round-up
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- South Sudan
- Somalia
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
The EAA was established in 1964 on the initiative of a number of prominent, mainly British based companies with business interests in East Africa and it now has over 400 member companies from more than 25 different countries. The EAA aims to facilitate successful participation in the economic development of Eastern Africa by member companies. The EAA exists to support the business activities of its members in the countries covered by providing channels of communication and lobbying on common issues, either through the various diplomatic missions, the international financial institutions or directly with the respective national government.
For further information please contact: Karen Taylor or John Small.
Andrew Rosling
Co-Head of Retail & Consumer Sector, Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions London
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