Jessica Abrahams is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She specializes in covering topics around gender, global development and international affairs.

Devex Pro Insider: Humanitarian burnout, UNGA — and a brand new look!

16 Sept 2024  |  Devex  |  English  |  Asian Development Bank

The article discusses the revamp of Devex's Pro Insider newsletter and highlights key topics such as humanitarian burnout, the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA), and the race for the next Asian Development Bank (ADB) president. It explores the potential nomination of Masato Kanda as ADB president and the geopolitical implications of China's possible involvement. The article also addresses the issue of burnout in humanitarian organizations, citing oppressive workloads and toxic cultures as contributing factors. Additionally, it mentions the creation of a chief AI officer role at PATH and the closure of Crown Agents, with former employees finding new positions. The UNGA's agenda, including antimicrobial resistance and rising sea levels, is also covered, along with the Summit of the Future initiative by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

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International Committee of the Red Cross International Monetary Fund International Food Policy Research Institute International Rescue Committee Asian Development Bank PATH USAID French Development Agency Yidan Prize Foundation African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases United Nations

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Victor Amadala is an award winning business, agriculture and environment journalist with over 500 features in leading local and global publications

As a development journalist, I identify problems and search for solutions - that is the only way a story can make sense....the 'so what journalism ...

Costly loan as CBK raises base lending rate to 12.5%

05 Dec 2023  |  The Star  |  English  |  Monetary Policy

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has raised the base lending rate by two percent to 12.5%, the highest increase in five years, to combat high inflation. This move is expected to make loans more expensive, potentially reaching up to 28% for some customers due to risk loan pricing by top banks. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) aims to anchor inflationary expectations and achieve price stability, with plans to monitor the policy's impact and adjust as necessary. The higher loan costs may hinder business expansion and job creation.

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Monetary Policy Committee Central Bank of Kenya Kenya Bankers Association

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James Appleby is a journalist and author. His articles on the wildlife of the United Kingdom have been published in Euronews and New Nature.

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Inflation drop sparks rate cut speculation

02 Jan 2024  |  www.teeslaw.com  |  English  |  Retail Sales

The article discusses the unexpected drop in the UK's inflation rate and its potential impact on the Bank of England's interest rate decisions. Despite the Bank's caution against early speculation, the decline in inflation has led to investor expectations of a rate cut by May 2024. The UK's economic performance showed signs of improvement towards the end of the year, despite a contraction in the third quarter that could signal a technical recession. The S&P Global/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index indicated growth in private sector business activity. Global market indices ended 2023 positively, with the UK indices lagging behind those of Europe, the US, and Japan. The UK job market showed a softening, with a slight drop in payrolled employees and job vacancies, although wage growth is still above inflation. Retail sales in November exceeded expectations, driven by Black Friday sales and discounting, but the retail sector faces challenges ahead.

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Monetary Policy Committee Reuters S&P Global Market Intelligence OPEC+ CBI

Kerry Dimmer is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Winner of the Diageo Best Infrastructure Feature of the Year 2010, and 2013 SAPOA Property Feature Journalist of the Year. Focuses on current affairs in Africa.

The repo rate remains unchanged

01 Jul 2023  |  www.privateproperty.co.za  |  English  |  Inflation

The South African Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 8.25%, maintaining the prime lending rate at 11.75%. This decision was influenced by elevated inflation expectations and the need to anchor inflation around the target band's mid-point. Industry experts, including Adrian Goslett, Samuel Seeff, and Dr. Andrew Golding, welcomed the decision, noting its positive implications for debt holders, homeowners, and the property market. The stable rate is seen as a reprieve for the economy, with hopes for a downward rate cycle in 2024. However, challenges such as high food prices, electricity costs, and economic volatility remain.

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Monetary Policy Committee South African Reserve Bank SARB

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Rob Garver is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Amid Warning on US Debt Rating, Calls Mount for ‘Fiscal Commission’

20 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Government Shutdown

Moody's has downgraded its outlook on U.S. Treasury debt from 'stable' to 'negative,' signaling a potential future downgrade of its top rating. This move reflects concerns over the federal deficit, rising interest rates, and political polarization in Congress. The announcement has renewed calls for a 'fiscal commission' to address federal spending and tax policies. Experts suggest that the current fiscal environment, marked by high interest rates and significant debt, could be a turning point for U.S. fiscal policy. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed legislation to create such a commission, aiming to stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio and ensure the solvency of federal programs like Medicare and Social Security.

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Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy U.S. Congress Taxpayers for Common Sense Brookings Institution National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform

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Salma Islam is a British journalist based permanently in Cairo, Egypt since September 2013 and has seen the change the country has undergone since President Morsi was deposed. She was also present in Cairo in early 2013 and witnessed the huge demonstrations against Morsi in Tahrir Square and was ...

Egyptian economist arrested after criticizing Sisi's policies

05 Apr 2023  |  Los Angeles Times  |  English  |  Human Rights

The article discusses the arrest of Egyptian economist Abdel Khalek Farouk after he published a book critical of President Abdel Fattah Sisi's economic policies. Farouk was accused of spreading 'fake news,' a charge increasingly used against journalists, bloggers, and social media users in Egypt. The article highlights the broader crackdown on media freedom under Sisi's government, including the jailing of journalists on fake news charges, the blocking of websites, and the ratification of laws targeting social media. It also mentions the influence of President Trump's rhetoric on 'fake news' and its adoption by autocrats worldwide. Despite the risks, Farouk intends to continue his work, defending the notion that Egypt is a wealthy nation.

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International Monetary Fund Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy Committee to Protect Journalists Amnesty International HuffPost Arabi Supreme Council for the Administration of the Media Reporters Without Borders

Bayo Lawal is a journalist based in Lagos, Nigeria.
He has a wide skill and experience in Businesses, Finance, Telecommunications, Politics, Manufacturing , Processing , Eatery, Entertainment and investigation works.

He worked with Onward Paper Mills Limited at Ikeja - Lagos ,Nigeria and Later ...

Improving access to mortgage penetration in Nigeria

01 Oct 2023  |  Businessday NG  |  English  |  Economic Challenges

The Nigerian housing sector faces numerous challenges, including a weak legal framework, high costs, and a lack of investment. Only 10% of Nigerians can afford to own a home, exacerbated by high inflation and a depreciating naira. The housing gap has grown to 28 million units, and rural-urban migration is increasing demand. The mortgage system is inaccessible and expensive, with high interest rates driven by the Central Bank's monetary policy. To close the housing deficit, Nigeria needs to reform its mortgage and consumer credit systems, potentially requiring government intervention. The Federal Mortgage Bank's National Housing Fund is inefficient and needs improvement. Immediate collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to create an efficient mortgage system.

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Monetary Policy Committee Central Bank of Nigeria Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria

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Welcome to my paydesk profile I am an experienced journalist based in (F.c.t.), Nigeria, feel free to contact me for any media work, report, research etc on various aspects of the media. Connect with me on paydesk as well as twitter. ✍️

CBN increases interest rate to 16.5%

22 Nov 2022  |  www.okay.ng  |  English  |  Interest Rate Hike

The Central Bank of Nigeria's Monetary Policy Committee increased the benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points to 16.5%, the highest since 2001, to combat rising inflation and bolster investor confidence. The decision was announced by CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele on November 22, 2022. Other monetary policy tools such as the asymmetric corridor, Cash Reserve Ratio, and Liquidity Ratio remained unchanged. This rate hike follows three consecutive increases from an initial rate of 11.5% earlier in the year, in response to an inflation rate that reached 21.09% in October 2022.

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Monetary Policy Committee Central Bank of Nigeria

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Felix Matasva is a journalist.

Government sabotaged de-dollarisation plan: Biti

01 Oct 2023  |  The Standard  |  English  |  Currency

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti criticizes the Zimbabwean government's forceful policies for adopting the Zimdollar, arguing that these actions sabotaged plans to de-dollarise the economy. He highlights the lack of confidence in the local currency and the failure of Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019. Biti asserts that the government's actions have led to a collapse in the local currency's value, making de-dollarisation a losing battle. Persistence Gwanyanya, a member of the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee, acknowledges the challenges of moving away from the US dollar, emphasizing its global dominance.

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Monetary Policy Committee Government of Zimbabwe

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Kent Mensah has 18 years of experience as a journalist. He is the Ghana correspondent for AFP and Thompson Reuters Foundation (Context). He strings for VOA and a contributor for The Africa Report. His bylines are in several international outlets including Al Jazeera English, The Guardian (UK), The ...

Ghana is a major cocoa and gold exporter, so why is the West African nation battling its worst economic crisis in decades?

31 Dec 2022  |  Al Jazeera  |  English  |  Investor Confidence

Ghana, once hailed as Africa's shining star, is now facing its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation at a 21-year high. Despite being a major exporter of cocoa and gold, the country's economy is struggling due to a variety of factors, including government complacency and a lack of investment in key sectors like agriculture. The government's decisions, such as implementing a free education program and cutting taxes, have led to a significant revenue shortfall, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. The local currency, the cedi, has depreciated, and public debt has soared. The government has taken measures such as a banking sector cleanup and a freeze on public sector hiring, but these have not been enough to prevent the need for an IMF bailout. The article discusses the impact of these economic challenges on ordinary Ghanaians and the government's efforts to stabilize the situation.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) Public Interest and Accountability Committee Policy Initiative for Economic Development World Bank United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization New Patriotic Party Andrews University Arise Ghana Moody's Bank of Ghana

Peter Noronha is a journalist based in Goa Velha, India.

RBI Monetary Policy Today: Will The RBI Maintain Status-Quo Yet Again?

08 Oct 2021  |  NDTV Profit  |  English  |  Interest Rates

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee, led by Governor Shaktikanta Das, is expected to maintain the current repo rate to support economic growth, with a slim possibility of a reverse repo rate increase. Market participants are focused on the RBI's guidance on liquidity withdrawal and potential additional bond purchases. All forecasters in a Reuters poll predict no change in the repo rate, with an increase expected only in April-June 2022. The RBI has kept the repo rate at a record low of 4% since May 2020. India's services industry expanded for the second consecutive month in September, and Moody's upgraded India's rating outlook to stable, indicating economic recovery.

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Monetary Policy Committee Reserve Bank of India IHS Markit

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Desmond Okon is a journalist based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Buhari: CBN’s interest rate hike will insulate economy from global uncertainties

01 Oct 2022  |  TheCable  |  English  |  Interest Rates

President Muhammadu Buhari asserts that the Central Bank of Nigeria's recent interest rate hike will protect the economy from global uncertainties by curbing inflation. The adjustment, which raised the monetary policy rate from 14% to 15.5%, is part of a series of measures aimed at economic stability. Buhari highlights the administration's success in exiting two economic recessions and improving transparency in the oil and gas sector through the Petroleum Industry Act. He also emphasizes the importance of non-oil exports and the agricultural sector in enhancing foreign exchange earnings and job creation. The administration aims to address economic challenges such as debt burden, inflation, and unemployment through robust fiscal and monetary policies.

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Monetary Policy Committee Central Bank of Nigeria

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Yeshiel Panchia is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

South African Reserve Bank Holds Rates Amid Close Call: Temporary Sigh Of Relief For Those In Debt

21 Jul 2023  |  Forbes Africa  |  English  |  Inflation

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has decided to maintain interest rates at 8.25%, providing temporary relief for debt-laden households. The decision, which was closely contested within the Monetary Policy Committee, was influenced by a recent dip in inflation and an optimistic economic forecast. However, SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago cautioned that this pause does not mark the end of the rate hiking cycle, citing ongoing economic uncertainties. The maintained rate offers a brief respite from rising borrowing costs but may impact the property market by increasing home buying costs.

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Monetary Policy Committee South African Reserve Bank Efficient Group Statistics South Africa

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I am a multimedia journalist based between Catania, Italy and in Geneva, Switzerland. After obtaining a master's degree from City, University of London. I've worked at CNN and the World Economic Forum, where I honed my skills in breaking news, long-form features, and corporate communications. My ...

Turkey increases minimum wage by 49%

28 Dec 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Economic Policy

Turkey's government will raise the minimum wage by 49% to ₺17,002 (€520) per month next year to address high inflation, which reached 62% in November 2023. This increase aims to alleviate the cost of living and may influence voters ahead of the March 2024 municipal elections. The central bank has raised its benchmark rate to 42.5% to combat inflation, with expectations of completing the tightening cycle soon. Experts believe the central bank will halt rate hikes before the local elections.

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Monetary Policy Committee Turkey's government Central Bank

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Derrick Silimina is a journalist based in Lusaka, Zambia.

Inflationary pressures worry BOZ

22 Nov 2023  |  solwezitoday.com  |  English  |  Economic Stability

The Bank of Zambia (BOZ) has raised the Monetary Policy Rate by 100 basis points to 11.0 percent in response to persistent inflationary pressures, which have risen to an average of 11 percent in the third quarter of 2023. BOZ Governor Denny Kalyalya highlighted factors such as increased retail fuel prices, high international crude oil prices, and a weaker exchange rate as major drivers of inflation. The Kwacha has depreciated significantly against the US dollar, prompting the BOZ to sell a large proportion of foreign exchange from mining taxes to moderate volatility. Despite these pressures, there has been a modest build-up in gross international reserves. Inflation is expected to remain high over the forecast horizon, driven by global economic conditions, elevated food and fuel prices, and geopolitical tensions. The economy is projected to grow faster than previously forecasted, supported by sectors such as ICT, education, transport, and tourism.

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Monetary Policy Committee Bank of Zambia IMF

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I'm a Journalist and work as Designer, illustrator for "Sach Ki Dastak" a monthly national magazine in India. I have more than 14+ years experience in this field. I also know multiple language i.e. Russian, German.

Should you invest in longer-duration debt funds?

11 Jan 2024  |  www.rediff.com  |  English  |  Financial Markets

Longer-duration debt funds may yield low double-digit returns in 2024 if anticipated rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India materialize. Experts predict possible rate cuts due to lower core inflation and a potential easing of the global rate hike cycle. The inclusion of Indian government securities in global bond indexes could also boost bond prices. However, rising commodity prices, a poor monsoon, or geopolitical issues could pose risks. Investors are advised to consider longer-duration debt funds for potential mark-to-market capital gains but are cautioned against excessive exposure and to match investment horizons with fund durations. Dynamic bond funds are suggested as an alternative if rate cuts do not occur.

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Monetary Policy Committee Reserve Bank of India (RBI) US Federal Reserve

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