VenturesNow

Ethiopia gets $1.72 billion from World Bank to improve power, water supplies

Published

9 months ago

April 6, 2024

According to the finance ministry on Friday, Ethiopia and the World Bank have inked loan agreements worth a combined $1.72 billion to improve the country’s water and energy supplies and to make it easier for food to reach markets.

According to a statement from the ministry, the bank would provide $523 million to improve the generation of renewable energy and develop the country’s electrical grid in the Horn of Africa.

According to the agreement, an extra $500 million would fund two initiatives that will increase access to food markets by enhancing rural road networks.

In addition to facing shortages of foreign currency, Ethiopia is still dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic, a two-year conflict in the northern Tigray region, and droughts, floods, and locust invasions in some areas of the nation.

The remaining funds from the World Bank will be used to support initiatives in towns that hire underprivileged youth and to upgrade the water supply.

World Bank loans typically have repayment terms of 30 to 40 years and low to nil interest rates.

Related Topics:Ethiopia Featured World Bank

Click to comment

VenturesNow

Moroccan annual inflation rises to 0.8% in November

Published

24 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.

VenturesNow

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.”