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World Bank approves $400m for Egypt to improve logistics in transportation sectors

Published

2 years ago

October 3, 2022

The World Bank has approved Egypt’s request for a loan of $400 million to develop its logistics and transportation sectors, as well as support the shift towards lower carbon emissions, the international group said in a statement on Monday.

According to the World Bank, the loan was approved on the basis that the “project will focus on developing a railway bypass in Egypt’s congested Alexandria-the 6th of October-Great Cairo Area railway corridor, which would allow for increased freight capacity and decongesting areas with high demand for passenger trains.”

The group said with the project, Egypt’s transportation sector which is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the country at around 19 percent, will reduce emissions by 965,000 tonnes over 30 years.

“The Egyptian government’s effort to promote private sector participation in improving its railways by creating a system similar to road tolls, permitting privately-owned trains to operate on national tracks for a fee is worth investing in,” the World Bank said.

Egypt’s Ministry of International Cooperation also said on Monday that the ongoing development finance portfolio between Egypt and the World Bank includes 15 projects worth $5.7 billion with initiatives in healthcare, social security, enterpreneurship, and transportation.

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Moroccan annual inflation rises to 0.8% in November

Published

23 hours 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.”