East African Leaders Vow Bold Economic, Political, and Security Reforms in 2026

January 2, 2026 (ENA)—East African leaders have pledged sweeping economic, political, and security reforms in 2026, signaling a decisive shift from the challenges that affected the region last year.

In their New Year addresses, the leaders outlined ambitious plans aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening stability in this geopolitically critical part of the world.

Each committed to promoting economic growth, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening democratic governance, and ensuring peace and stability within their nations.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended New Year greetings to the international community, emphasizing the shared hope for peace, cooperation, and prosperity in the year ahead.

He also highlighted Ethiopia’s unique calendar with a touch of humor, noting its potential to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and support sustainable development.

President William Ruto of Kenya focused on calming a restless youth population grappling with unemployment while presenting a performance scorecard ahead of planned development initiatives.

Speaking from Eldoret in the North Rift region, he said: “2026 marks the moment when our journey to transform Kenya into a first-world economy begins in earnest. We are committing to a measurable mission to cut the number of Kenyans living below the poverty line by half… and to cut unemployment by half, ensuring that millions of citizens are productive.”

He noted that four in every ten people live below the poverty line—over 20 million individuals struggling to meet basic needs.

To support these goals, the government plans to establish two development funds expected to hold Ksh5 trillion (38 billion USD dollars), financing projects while reducing reliance on borrowing and further taxation.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni struck a triumphant tone as he campaigned ahead of the January 15 elections under the National Resistance Movement banner.

Speaking at Nakasero State Lodge, he described Uganda’s economic performance as “spectacular”: “The economy is robust, the majority of the population are happy, the country is peaceful, and our armed forces are at their strongest. By June 2026, the economy will reach 68.4 billion USD dollars, with GDP per capita at 1,399 USD dollars, firmly placing Uganda in the lower-middle income bracket.”

Key growth sectors, he said, include coffee exports, tourism, and the knowledge economy—including the manufacture of electric vehicles and computers. Export earnings have exceeded imports, with 13.4 billion USD dollars in exports against 11.03 billion USD dollars in imports.

Museveni acknowledged persistent socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, unemployment among graduates, infrastructure gaps, and corruption.

“We still have poor people, unemployed graduates, and some bad roads due to underbudgeting and corruption. However, all these will be resolved—we have already moved 70 percent of homesteads into the money economy,” he said.

Emphasizing youth engagement, he added: “It is your task, as young Rwandans, to sustain what we have built and take it further. I hope you are prepared for that duty, even when it requires sacrifices.

On regional security, he thanked the United States and Qatar for facilitating the Washington Accords, aimed at restoring peace in eastern DR Congo.

“Any threat to the peace and security of our people is unacceptable. State-supported violent extremism remains a real threat,” he warned.

On her part, Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted economic progress, reporting 5.8 percent growth, contained inflation, and sustainable public debt. Speaking from Zanzibar, she stressed the implementation of Vision 2050, an ambitious development blueprint focused on youth.

“As we enter 2026 and begin implementing Vision 2050, our aim is a Tanzania with a strong economy and a better life for all,” she said, pledging to pursue national reconciliation, tackle chronic water shortages, and push forward stalled development projects.