insert_link Business / Economics Egypt raises fuel prices as part of IMF-backed reforms Egypt announced Thursday a 15-percent increase in petrol prices, part of a reform package requested by the International Monetary Fund to proceed with a $5 billion loan to the cash-strapped government. The Egyptian petroleum ministry said the price hike would come into effect on Friday. The announcement comes ahead of an IMF meeting on Monday to review the April payout package, unlocking $820 million in funds after […] todayJuly 25, 2024 8
insert_link Business / Economics IMF projects Namibia’s GDP growth to slow to 3.6% in 2024 The International Monetary Fund forecasts that real GDP growth in Namibia will slow to 3.6% in 2024, owing to global macroeconomic headwinds and tight monetary conditions. The fund released its World Economic Outlook Update on 16 July 2024. Similarly, the African Development Bank forecasts a decline in GDP to 3.3% for both 2024 and 2025, driven by weak global demand and a contraction in agriculture. todayJuly 17, 2024 6
insert_link Africa The IMF is failing countries like Kenya: why, and what can be done about it By Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria The recent Kenyan protests are a warning that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is failing. The public does not think it is helping its member countries manage their economic and financial problems, which are being exacerbated by a rapidly changing global political economy. To be sure, the IMF is not the only cause of Kenya’s problems with raising […] todayJuly 3, 2024 5
insert_link Africa Mauritius’ next growth phase: a new plan is needed as the tax haven era fades By Pritish Behuria, University of Manchester Mauritians will head to the polls by November 2024 and politicians are considering the economic direction of the island country. For the last two decades, the country’s economic growth has depended heavily on its offshore sector – the provision of financial services by banks to foreign firms. As an isolated country located in the south-western Indian Ocean, Mauritius has […] todayJune 18, 2024 15
insert_link South Africa South Africa will be president of the G20 in 2025: two much-needed reforms it should drive By Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria South Africa will play an important international role in 2025 as president of the G20. The G20 is a group of 19 countries as well as the African Union and the European Union. Between them they represent 85% of global economy, 75% of world trade and 67% of global population. The G20 defines itself as the premier multilateral forum […] todayMay 15, 2024 16
insert_link Africa Zambia begins debt restructuring process Zambia’s international bondholders should quickly complete the restructuring of the notes after the government announced the start of the process, says International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Bloomberg Africa reports that the government of Africa’s first pandemic-era sovereign defaulter will meet eurobond investors on June 4th to ask them to approve exchanging what’s grown to almost $3.9 billion of debt for new instruments. todayMay 14, 2024 5
insert_link Africa African countries can’t resolve their debt crisis under a system rigged against them By Carlos Lopes, University of Cape Town The debt situation in many African countries has escalated again to a critical juncture. Twenty are in, or at risk of, debt distress. Three pivotal elements significantly contribute to this. Firstly, the rules governing the international banking system favour developed countries and work against the interests of African countries. Secondly, multilateral financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund […] todayMay 6, 2024 11
insert_link Business / Economics International Monetary Fund predicts stronger US growth in 2024 The U.S economy is expected to help boost global growth over the coming year, according to the latest International Monetary Fund forecast. The stronger-than-expected US growth comes at a time when inflation remains high. Nick Harper reports from Washington. todayApril 17, 2024 5
insert_link Business / Economics IMF Ukraine / Commercial Real Estate Risks / Zambia The IMF praised the Ukrainian authorities for implementing anti-corruption measures in a new law, spokesperson Julie Kozack told reporters Thursday (March 7) in Washington, DC. “On the corporate governance law, the approval of what we would consider a landmark corporate governance law is a very important step towards strengthening state owned enterprises (SOEs) in Ukraine,” said Kozack. “The law enhances the role of supervisory boards and brings Ukrainian […] todayMarch 11, 2024 10
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.