This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
November 17, 2019, marked the 25th anniversary of The EastAfrican. As the publication looks back on its past, it's also essential to consider the future of the region. What kind of story will East Africa tell in 2045?
Over the past 50 years, the region's elite have been shaped by the 'Big Three' universities: Makerere, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi. However, with the expansion of the East African Community to six members and the growth of nearly 400 universities, the landscape is changing.
Today's students are inspired by different literary heroes, and their educational experiences are vastly different from those of their predecessors. As the population grows to 500 million, the region's universities will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders.
East Africa's 'Big Three' universities have not only educated the region's elite but have also influenced the region's politics, culture, and values. However, with the rise of new universities and the growth of the East African Community, the region's future leaders will be drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Looking ahead to 2045, Rwanda is likely to become a hi-tech city-state, while Uganda will emerge as a major agricultural power, driven by oil money. Kenya will see its counties rise, making it the closest thing to the USA in the region. Tanzania will become the EAC's logistics hub, eclipsing the Northern Corridor.
As the region undergoes significant changes, it's essential to consider the implications for East Africa's future. What kind of story will the region tell in 2045? Only time will tell.
