The Insight Edge

Can East Africa become a truly integrated market?
In Episode 6 of The Insight Edge, host Ashif Kassam sits down with Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of the East African Business Council, to explore the progress, opportunities and challenges shaping East Africa's journey towards deeper regional integration.
With 26 years of the East African Community journey behind us, how far has the region really come? Farah Ahmed shares insights on intra-regional trade, barriers to doing business across borders, regional value chains, investment opportunities and the role of the private sector in turning East Africa's integration ambitions into reality.
In this episode, we explore:
How far East Africa has come towards becoming a single market
The untapped potential of intra-regional trade
Barriers holding back cross-border business
Regional value chains and competitive advantage
What AfCFTA means for East African businesses
The role of SMEs in regional trade and investment
Creating a more attractive investment destination
Why removing friction at borders matters for business competitiveness
The role of the private sector in driving regional integration
The conversation also explores the economic cost of trade barriers, the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the need to scale businesses across borders and why East Africa must think beyond individual markets to unlock its full potential.
🌐 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 legal and regulatory environment can either accelerate investment or create barriers to growth. But how is East Africa's evolving employment landscape shaping business confidence, talent management and the future of work?
In this episode of The Insight Edge, our Executive Chairman Ashif Kassam, sits down with leading employment lawyer Anne Babu, Founder of Anne Babu & Co. Advocates, to discuss the employment law trends every business leader, HR professional and employee should understand.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why employment disputes are becoming more common
How labour laws influence investor confidence
The impact of restructuring and redundancies on organisations
Alternative dispute resolution in employment matters
Performance management best practices that reduce legal risk
The future of remuneration, flexible work and employee value
What young professionals need to know to build sustainable careers
Practical advice for employers navigating compliance and people management
This conversation is meant for you whether you are business owner, CEO, HR leader, investor, legal professional or employee, and offers insights into managing workplace relationships while remaining compliant in a rapidly evolving business environment.
If you enjoyed this episode, remember to Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe for more conversations on business, leadership, governance and the trends shaping East Africa's future.
 
🌐 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/

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 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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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