The Insight Edge

The Insight Edge | Episode 4: Role of Accountants in Driving Regional Prosperity

Economic growth spans beyond capital and policy. At the heart of every strong economy are professionals who protect transparency and build confidence, ensuring progress is not only possible but sustainable.  
In Episode 4 of The Insight Edge, our host Ashif Kassam sits down with CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda, Chairperson of ICPAK, to explore the role of accountants in shaping sustainable economic growth and regional prosperity. From strengthening public trust and supporting SMEs to advancing ethical leadership and nurturing the next generation of finance professionals, they examine how the accounting profession contributes far beyond financial reporting.  
In this episode, we discuss:  
How accountants help build trust in economies and institutions  
The profession's role in supporting business growth and investment  
Strengthening SMEs through financial expertise and governance  
The importance of ethical leadership and accountability  
Developing future-ready finance professionals for a changing world  
This conversation is essential for business leaders, policymakers, finance professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the drivers of sustainable economic development. Watch the full episode, share your perspective, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, leadership, and economic transformation.🌐 Connect with us:
🎧 Website Podcast Page: https://www.rsm.global/kenya/the-insight-edge
🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsmeasternafrica
📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rsmeasternafrica/
📘 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RSMEasternAfrica/

The Insight Edge | Episode 3: Role of Agriculture - The Road to National Prosperity

The agricultural sector remains one of East Africa’s strongest economic pillars, but unlocking its full potential will require deeper collaboration, innovation, and sustained long-term investment.
In Episode 3 of The Insight Edge, Ashif Kassam engages Dr. Bimal Kantaria to examine the current state of agriculture in East Africa and the opportunities shaping the sector’s future.
From food security and soil productivity to agricultural value chains and policy alignment, they explore what it will take to strengthen the sector and position agriculture as a key driver of sustainable growth across the region.
In this episode, we discuss:
The outlook for agriculture and what will shape its next phase of growth
Strengthening agricultural value chains in an evolving global environment
The role of technology and innovation in improving productivity and sustainability
Why long-term investment and stronger partnerships matter for the future of agriculture
This discussion is essential for business leaders, policymakers, investors, and professionals interested in agriculture, and economic development.
Watch the full episode, share your perspective, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, policy, and regional transformation.
 
🌐 Connect with us  
🎧 Website Podcast Page: https://www.rsm.global/kenya/the-insight-edge 
🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsmeasternafrica 📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rsmeasternafrica/ 📘 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RSMEasternAfrica/ 

The Insight Edge | Episode 2: Rethinking East Africa’s Trade Competitiveness

East Africa’s market holds massive potential, but structural challenges continue to limit its growth. 
With exports at approximately USD 8.3 billion against imports of over USD 20 billion, the region continues to face a persistent trade imbalance. At the same time, manufacturing contribution to GDP has declined in key markets like Kenya, even as peer economies demonstrate what is possible with the right focus and competitiveness. 
In this episode, we engage in a conversation on: 
East Africa’s export performance and trade imbalance; 
the structural drivers of competitiveness, including cost of power, logistics, and access to capital; and 
the role of governments and the private sector in building a globally competitive manufacturing and export ecosystem. 
This is a conversation for policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in the future of East Africa. 
Watch the full episode, share your perspective, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, policy, and regional transformation.  
🌐 Connect with us  
🎧 Website Podcast Page: https://www.rsm.global/kenya/the-insight-edge 
🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsmeasternafrica 📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rsmeasternafrica/ 📘 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RSMEasternAfrica/ 

The Insight Edge | Episode 1: East Africa: A Rising Giant or a False Dawn?

East Africa is one of the most closely watched economic regions on the continent, and for good reason. 
 
In this episode of The Insight Edge, we unpack one of the most important questions facing the region today: Is East Africa truly driving its own story? 
 
It is set to be Africa’s fastest-growing sub-region, while the wider Sub-Saharan Africa outlook points to growth strengthening to an average of 4.0% in 2026–2027. At the same time, EAC (East African Community) data shows regional trade has grown, but barriers to integration and execution still limit how much value the region captures. 
 
In this episode, we discuss: 
the realities behind the East African growth narrative; 
the region’s policy and execution gaps; and 
the role of entrepreneurs, professionals, and the private sector. 
 
This is a conversation for policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in the future of East Africa. 
 
Watch the full episode, share your perspective, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, policy, and regional transformation. 
🌐 Connect with us  
🎧 Website Podcast Page: https://www.rsm.global/kenya/the-insight-edge
🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsmeasternafrica 📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rsmeasternafrica/ 📘 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RSMEasternAfrica/ 

The Insight Edge | Official Trailer | RSM Eastern Africa Podcast

Welcome to The Insight Edge, a podcast by RSM Eastern Africa.
Hosted by Ashif Kassam, this series explores the insights shaping the future of business, economic policy, finance, and industry across East Africa and globally.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, staying informed is not enough. You need insight. You need perspective. You need an edge.
On our monthly podcast episodes, you can expect:
In-depth discussions on economic trends and policy shifts
Practical guidance on navigating tax and regulatory environments
Industry insights across manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, and beyond
Conversations with leaders, innovators, and changemakers
Subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation that could give you the edge.
🌐 Connect with us 🎧 Website Podcast Page: https://www.rsm.global/kenya/the-insight-edge 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsmeasternafrica 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsmeasternafrica/ 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/RSMEasternAfrica