PROJECTS
Due to confidentiality obligations, much of our work cannot be disclosed publicly until completion. The examples below highlight selected mandates across East Africa and adjacent markets, illustrating the types of opportunities East African Solutions has supported across feasibility, investment preparation, stakeholder engagement, and related advisory work.
MARKET ENTRY & FEASIBILITY STUDIES
1) Sweet Potato Value Chain Feasibility
Conducted a feasibility study for a sweet potato value chain spanning Kenya and Uganda, focused on smallholder production and agro-processing for export to the UK. The analysis identified structural yield constraints that limited commercial viability, leading to a reassessment of the proposed investment model. (Kenya, Uganda)
2) Retail Expansion — Location Analysis
Advised a Tanzanian business on market entry into Kenya through a structured location analysis across 15 potential retail sites in Nairobi. The work assessed commercial viability based on footfall, demographics, visibility, and cost, resulting in clear recommendations for site selection. (Kenya, Tanzania)
3) FMCG Market Entry Assessment — UK to Kenya
Conducted a market assessment for the introduction of UK FMCG products into Kenya, analysing pricing, competition, import duties, and distribution dynamics. The work included supplier engagement and commercial feasibility analysis to support market entry decisions. (Kenya)
4) Bamboo Production & Processing Feasibility
Assessed the commercial viability of bamboo cultivation and processing in Rwanda. The analysis covered yields, land availability, and production economics, concluding that structural supply constraints limited scalability and rendered the investment unviable under current conditions. (Rwanda)
5) Timber Value Addition Feasibility
Conducted a feasibility study for a cross-border timber value addition business processing Congolese hardwoods for regional and international markets. Whilst exploring processing in either Rwanda or Uganda, the analysis confirmed commercial viability and logistics feasibility via a Ugandan route, while identifying escalating security risks in eastern DRC as a key constraint to long-term supply stability. (Rwanda, Uganda, DRC)
6) Cassava-to-Ethanol Pre-Feasibility
Conducted a pre-feasibility study for ethanol production from cassava in Rwanda. While technically viable, the analysis showed that margins were insufficient to support commercial investment when accounting for financing costs and execution risks. (Rwanda)
7) Urban Development Projects
Supported the development of multiple projects linked to Tanzania’s administrative capital relocation to Dodoma, spanning residential, hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors. The work included land identification, concept development, partner sourcing, and engagement with government stakeholders, including the Prime Minister’s Office. (Tanzania)
8) Market Entry Strategy — Multinational Technical Services Company
Advised a Belgian multinational technical services company (c. $800m revenue) on market entry into Tanzania. The work included market analysis, competitive positioning, and regulatory assessment, and directly supported the company’s successful entry into the market. (Tanzania)
9) Timber Processing Feasibility
Conducted a feasibility study for a proposed timber processing plant in the Central African Republic, assessing resource availability, logistics, security risks, and regulatory constraints, including sanctions considerations. While the underlying resource opportunity was strong, the analysis concluded that the project was not commercially viable under prevailing conditions. (CAR)
10) Cocoa Supply Chain Assessment
Conducted an assessment of the cocoa sector in eastern DRC, focusing on supplier reliability, logistics routes, and risk management across the value chain. The work addressed key challenges including payment security, compliance considerations, and operating conditions in a volatile environment. (DRC)
11) Industrial Inputs Market Assessment — Mining Sector
Assessed the sulphuric acid market supporting copper production in Haut-Katanga, DRC, analysing supply and demand dynamics, key market participants, and logistics considerations to support commercial decision-making. (DRC)
INVESTMENT READINESS
12) Avocado Seedling Business — Access to Finance
Advised an organic avocado seedling business on structuring its growth strategy and investment case to support access to finance. The work enabled the business to scale production capacity and meet increasing demand. (Kenya)
13) Safari Camp Development
Supported a German–Tanzanian operator in developing a safari camp in Serengeti National Park. The mandate included market analysis, concept development, financial modelling, and debt structuring. The project resulted in the acquisition of a prime site and successful debt financing. (Tanzania)
14) Export Venture — Business Plan & Financing Support
Developed a business plan and financial model for an export-focused venture sourcing products from East Africa for international markets. The work included supply chain structuring across multiple countries and support in sourcing financing for the business. (Tanzania)
15) Boutique Hotel Development
Supported the development of a boutique hotel on a major coffee estate in Tanzania, working alongside architects on concept design, market positioning, and financial modelling. The project included full business planning and resulted in successful approval and financing from lenders. (Tanzania)
16) Integrated Grain Storage & Trading Platform
Conducted a feasibility study and developed a business plan for a grain storage and trading platform in Uganda, positioned to serve regional food supply imbalances. The work included market analysis, financial modelling, and business model optimisation, alongside engagement with local partners and government stakeholders to support project development. (Uganda)
17) Highway Retail & Service Hub
Developed a business plan for a highway retail and service hub along the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway, working alongside architects and government stakeholders. The plan was used to validate the concept and support internal government funding decisions for the project. (Uganda)
INVESTOR, GOVERNMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNER ENGAGEMENT
18) Technology Venture — Market Expansion Support
Advised a Ugandan technology venture on refining its business model and structuring regional expansion into Kenya. Support included partnership development and introductions to potential investors and strategic collaborators. (Kenya, Uganda)
19) Sustainable Timber Supply Chain Development
Supported a US buyer in establishing a sustainable timber supply chain from Gabon, following multiple unsuccessful attempts over five years. The work included supplier identification, oraganiation of site visits, commercial negotiations, unlocking inventory finance from Kenya, and organising end-to-end logistics, including licensing and export processes. (Gabon, Kenya)
20) Cashew Supply Chain Development
Structured and facilitated a cross-border supply chain for cashew nuts between Tanzania and Uganda, including contract negotiation and logistics planning to enable regional trade flows. (Tanzania, Uganda)
21) Alternative Protein Supply Chain Development — Animal Feed
Structured and implemented an alternative supply chain for insect-based protein used in animal feed, supporting a UK wholesaler wanting to diversify supply due to logistics and consistency issues elsewhere. The work included supplier identification across Africa, contract negotiation, and logistics structuring eventually selcting suppliers in South Africa and Tunisia. (South Africa, Tunisia - not on map)
MISCELLANEOUS
22) Cross-Border Trade & Revenue Risk Analysis
Produced a regional analysis of cross-border smuggling across East Africa, identifying key routes, goods flows, and associated economic risks. The work included evaluating technology-led solutions to strengthen revenue collection and reduce leakages within national trade systems. (Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia)
23) Technology-Enabled Conservation & Security Strategy
Developed an integrated solution combining radar, drone technology, and electric mobility to support wildlife protection and monitoring across East Africa. The work identified priority national parks where deployment would generate the strongest return on investment and assessed operational readiness for implementation. (Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia)
24) Financial Centre Structuring Assessment — Kigali (KIFC)
Assessed the Kigali International Finance Centre (KIFC) as a jurisdiction for regional headquarters, holding companies, and investment structures. The report analysed regulatory requirements, cost structures, and operational considerations to support location and structuring decisions. (Rwanda)
25) Organisational & Funding Support — Healthcare NGO (Pro Bono)
Provided pro bono advisory support to a Rwanda-based organisation producing prosthetic limbs for victims of conflict. The work focused on improving operational efficiency and strengthening engagement with funding partners. (Rwanda)
26) Programme Strategy Support — Environmental Initiative (Pro Bono)
Provided pro bono strategic support to an East Africa-focused environmental initiative, advising on programme structuring, partnerships, and funding strategy. (Tanzania)
27) Business Environment Assessment
Produced a report on Zambia’s business environment ahead of the 2021 elections, analysing sector dynamics and policy conditions affecting key industries. The work provided stakeholders with insights into operating conditions during a period of economic and political transition. (Zambia)
28) Sovereign Risk Assessment — Zambia Debt Crisis
Analysed Zambia’s sovereign debt situation and associated political and economic risks during the 2021 election period. The work informed investment decision-making by clarifying key risks affecting market entry and capital deployment. (Zambia)