VenturesNow

Creditors to commit $1.4 billion for Zambia’s debt relief after IMF’s intervention

Published

2 years ago

July 21, 2022

Sources in Zambia says creditors are expected to commit to debt relief needed to unlock $1.4 billion from the IMF on Wednesday or Thursday.

Zambia, has been on a trail to have its debt restructured, the country and its lenders seek to end a drawn-out restructuring process.

IMF spokesperson, Gerry Rice last week revealed that that the same prerequisites are also necessary for Zambia since the Southern African nation wishes to unlock IMF funding. Yet again, Lusaka’s creditor’s committee has agreed.

The IMF spokesperson said, “if official creditors can succeed in providing the financing assurances to Zambia within the next few weeks, we can then take that to our Board for consideration of a program; and, that could happen very soon after our Board recess, which is the first couple of weeks in August.”

Presidential spokesman Anthony Bwalya told newsmen on Wednesday, “The president is eager to see that Zambia’s debt issue is quickly resolved and is happy that progress is being made.

“I’m hopeful that Zambia may be able to get debt relief in the next few days,” World Bank President David Malpass told Bloomberg TV on Tuesday. “There was just a creditor meeting yesterday so that gives some sign of hope.”

Zambia opted to bow out of a $42.5 million eurobond repayment in 2020, becoming the first African nation to default on its debt in the Covid-19 era. The country was struggling with a debt burden of almost $32 billion, around 120% of its gross domestic product.

Meanwhile, the Africa Union in its 5th Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration is currently ongoing in Zambia with focus on “improving Africa’s access to Capital: Debt Management and the Rising Influence of Credit Rating Agencies.”

VenturesNow

Moroccan annual inflation rises to 0.8% in November

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Morocco’s statistics office has confirmed that the country’s annual inflation rate, as determined by the consumer price index, increased from 0.7% in October to 0.8% in November.

Monthly, consumer prices decreased by 0.2% from October.

The primary driver of inflation, food costs, grew by 0.8% compared to the previous year, while non-food inflation climbed by 0.7%. Core inflation, which does not include more erratic items like food, increased 2.6% annually and 0.2% monthly.

According to the central bank, inflation is expected to average 1% this year, down from 6.1% last year.

Despite the Al-Haouz earthquake, a spike in inflation, and worldwide economic challenges, Morocco’s GDP grew by 3.4% in 2023.

A recovery in tourism, robust industrial exports, and rising private consumption—all bolstered by prudent macroeconomic policies—were the main drivers of growth.

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Nigeria’s $42bn foreign reserves enough for 9 months’ imports— Central Bank

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the nation’s $42.01 billion in foreign reserves can cover imports of goods and services for almost nine months.

Cardoso promised Nigerians improved economic fortunes in 2025 while addressing the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions yesterday in Abuja at the presentation of the performance index report.

Cardoso stated: “External Reserves rose from $ 38.35 billion it was on September 30, 2024, to $ 42.01 billion as of December 12, 2024”.

He clarified that third-party receipts in Q3 2024 and revenues from taxes connected to crude oil were the main drivers of the rise in foreign reserves during the specified time.

“We saw remarkable improvements in our trade balance and maintained a current account surplus,” he added.

“Our external reserves level can finance over 9.09 months of import of goods and services or 13.91 months only, higher than the international benchmark of 3.0 months and a robust buffer against shocks”.

On cash shortage, the CBN boss reiterated the N150 million fine against any branch of banks caught illegally distributing new Naira notes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous elements and said the Nigerian economy will improve in 2025 through policies and measures.

He predicted a stronger economic future: “Despite our economy’s challenges, there are clear reasons for optimism.

“The gradual stabilization of the forex market, ongoing banking sector recapitalization, and positive growth trends in key sectors, especially the services sector, indicate a path toward recovery and stability.”