An article in this week’s East African highlights a number of issues which are likely to provide difficulties for East African countries in the coming year:
Food and water security: After this year’s drought, governments have the challenge of trying to ensure that sufficient food and water are available, and sufficient infrastructure is in place to ensure adequate distribution.
Economic shocks: Reliance on commodity exports makes the region highly susceptible to global economic fluctuations.
Terrorism and transnational crime: Al Shabaab have carried out attacks in Uganda and Kenya as well as in Somalia, and they have developed networks of sympathisers throughout the region.
Energy security: Reliance on hydro power has proved problematic during the drought. New sources of geothermal, wind and natural gas power generation are needed.
Regional geopolitics: The conflicts in Sudan and Somalia could pose a significant risk to the region if they escalate.
Climate change: Many commentators predict that actions to reduce carbon emissions are not proceeding fast enough to avoid catastrophic climate change, which are likely to affect developing countries severely.
Chronic diseases, pandemics and epidemics: Countries with high population growth rates and weak health systems are vulnerable to infectious diseases.
Low investment in infrastructure: Poor quality roads and other infrastructure make transport costs very high, and as a result most economic activity is uncompetitive.