Uchumi360 Author Archive

Author: Karia Sekumbo

Karia Sekumbo is an economist and researcher with more than five years of experience working across East Africa, with expertise in economic analysis, policy research, development economics, and global value chains. He holds an MA in International Economics and Finance and a BA in Economics and International and Global Studies from Brandeis University. His professional experience includes work with the World Bank, Economic and Social Research Foundation, Financial Sector Deepening Trust, PwC, and the Tanzania Air Operators Association.

His research experience spans public finance, taxation, digital financial services, trade, economic development, and the use of data for policy analysis. At the World Bank's Development Impact Measurement Unit, he worked on administrative revenue data, large scale field research, impact evaluation, reproducible research, and analytical reporting for government and development partners. He has also conducted research on Tanzania's economy, aviation sector, and financial services, including an AERC funded study on digital financial services in East African Community economies.

At Uchumi360, Karia contributes economic research and analysis examining the forces shaping East Africa's economies, including trade, investment, financial systems, production, public policy, and regional integration.

1 article Latest: October 7, 2026
Markets 7 October 2026

China's Zero Tariff Deal -Why It Matters

The article pits China's Zero Tariff Deal against other major trade agreements and platforms that African countries have interacted with China's recent opening of its vast domestic consumer market to African improts represents Beijing's attempt at further solidifying its position as Africa's leading trade partner and more consequentially, develop a trade relationship fundamentally different from existing ones. However, the outcome of such a partnership is entirely contingent on how African economies reposition themselves to take advantage of this market opening.