Central bank of Nigeria raises interest rates

This decision marks a continuation of the bank’s efforts to combat surging inflation.

Uganda launches first-ever interest-free Islamic banking

Islamic banking has potential to significantly contribute to development of Uganda’s financial sector.

US boosts African food imports: $300 million target

Looking to expand African food offerings in the US, USAID launches a project to increase imports by 10%.

Africa launches new energy bank for oil, gas projects

The African Energy Bank, a partnership to fund oil and gas projects in Africa despite environmental concerns, is expected to launch this year with $5 billion in capital.

Kenya Airways takes off: First profit in 7 years

The airline secured its first operating profit in seven years, driven by a 53% revenue increase and a 43% jump in passengers.

Nigeria central bank raises interest rates to 24+ pct to curb inflation

Nigeria’s central bank raised interest rates to a record high to combat inflation exceeding 30%, following government reforms that caused price pressures.

Ghana seeks faster bond deal for $13 billion

Struggling Ghana seeks to accelerate debt restructuring negotiations with bondholders for over $13 billion in international bonds.

Binance executive detained in Nigeria 

The Binance executives were due to appear in court on April 4.

Bamboo farming in Uganda on the rise

In Uganda, bamboo has government’s backing as a crop with real growth potential

Bitcoin breaks $70,000 barrier, surges 11.7 pct again

Geopolitical tensions and Russian production cuts are causing jitters in the oil market, leading to rising prices.

Zambia strikes $3 billion debt restructuring deal with creditors

Zambia’s government strikes a crucial deal, restructuring $3 billion of international bonds in an agreement with private creditors to address its debt burden.

Ethiopia plans legislation allowing foreigners to own real estate

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announces plans to introduce legislation allowing foreigners to own real estate in the country as part of broader economic reforms aimed at attracting investment.

Disease, smuggling cut Ghana’s cocoa output

Ghana’s cocoa production decline is hurting its economy, reducing exports, weakening the currency, and threatening an IMF loan program.

Egypt increases fuel prices following depreciation of currency

The Egyptian government raised fuel prices in a move that is bound to exacerbate inflationary pressures on an already struggling population.

IMF mission visits Ethiopia as Abiy pushes for loan deal

In December, Ethiopia failed to pay a $31 million coupon, effectively entering default status.

Binance execs held in Nigeria for another two weeks

The legal battle continues for Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, detained in Nigeria for allegedly violating cryptocurrency regulations.

Zambia restarts talks with bondholders on $3 billion debt

After a previous rejection, Zambia restarts talks with bondholders to find a solution for its $3 billion debt burden.

Nigeria plans 300MW solar project, starts with 20MW

Nigeria’s sovereign fund is taking a step towards cleaner energy with a 20MW solar plant, the initial phase of a 300MW project.

China, Angola announce comprehensive strategic partnership

President Xi Jinping and President Lourenco announced this upgrade during a meeting, aiming to enhance cooperation across trade, investment, and other sectors.

South Africa: Govt deal to sell stake in SAA crumbles

A deal to sell a majority stake in the troubled South African Airways (SAA) has fallen apart.

Ghana starts talks to restructure $13 billion in debt

Ghana kicks off formal talks to find a solution for its $13 billion debt with international bondholders.

African Development Bank urges end resource-backed loans

The head of the African Development Bank argues resource-backed loans are unfair, leave African nations in debt, and benefit countries like China.

Nigeria’s cryptocurrency crackdown will have consequences

Nigeria has 13 million cryptocurrency holders, more than any other African country. Kenya is next with 4.4 million.

Algeria decide to import beef to meet high demand during Ramadan

Algeria is importing massive amounts of beef and lamb to confront an explosion in demand for meat expected during Ramadan.

$100 Billion investment pledged in India-EFTA trade agreement

India signed a trade agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (EFTA) for increased trade, investment, and job creation.

Egypt says land sale, IMF deal to ease budget woes

Egypt has taken significant measures to address its budget deficit, as revealed by the finance minister on Sunday. In a press conference, Finance Minister Mohamed Maait announced that Egypt is set to increase its primary budget surplus to over 3.5% in the upcoming fiscal year starting in July. The primary surplus, excluding interest payments, is a key indicator of fiscal health. Interest payments, constituting more than half of total expenditure in the seven months leading to January, have contributed significantly to Egypt’s persistent deficit. In a recent projection, the finance ministry anticipated a primary general budget surplus equivalent to 2.5% of the gross domestic product for the current fiscal year (2023/24). To bolster its finances, Egypt finalized a deal in February, selling development rights to the Ras al-Hikma Mediterranean resort to Abu Dhabi for $24 billion. Additionally, the country anticipates over $20 billion from an International Monetary Fund (IMF)-led support package inked last Wednesday, which includes a $3 billion contribution from the World Bank. Finance Minister Maait highlighted the positive impact of the Ras al-Hikma deal on the general budget, stating that it would contribute a substantial amount in local currency. This development is expected to result in a deficit lower than the targeted amount. Maait acknowledged challenges faced by the budget, including reduced revenue from the Suez Canal and other sources. Factors such as a depreciating currency and higher interest rates on Egypt’s debts have contributed to increased expenditures. As part of the IMF package, Egypt devalued its currency, adjusting it to around 50 Egyptian pounds per dollar from 30.85 pounds, and raised overnight interest rates by 600 basis points. The finance minister emphasized the government’s commitment to a program of budgetary restraint, ongoing sales of state assets, and the goal of maintaining the country’s debt below 90% of the gross domestic product. The strategy aims to mitigate the impact of a chronic dollar shortage, which has caused significant delays in the release of goods from ports since January. To date, Egypt has released goods totaling $13 billion in value.

IMF to assess impact of drought on Zambia’s economy

IMF said that it will visit Zambia, tentatively mid-April, to assess the adverse impact of the ongoing drought on growth and the country’s budget.

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