Sunday, August 30

Countries

With African Development Bank backing, Egypt is tapping Chinese capital markets to drive inclusive growth, including supporting micro and small enterprises.

Egypt has emerged as the first African country to issue a Sustainability Panda Bond, tapping into the rapidly expanding Chinese debt capital markets. The three-year Panda Bond, valued at $478.7 million, signifies Egypt’s commitment to driving economic growth through an inclusive and environmentally responsible approach, as outlined in its Sovereign Sustainable Financing Framework.

Coal Smuggling South Africa

Over and above the graft and management woes gripping South Africa’s power utility Eskom, a brazen coal-smuggling gang has been operating under the authorities’ nose, worsening the electricity crisis that could lead to a nationwide blackout.
However, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) says it is closing in on the gang. SARs is working with law enforcers to conduct searches and seizures across five provinces where the coal-smuggling gang operates.

A High Court in Kenya has stopped Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) from taxing tithes and offering, a move that was vehemently opposed from the onset by religious bodies. www.theexchange.africa

Africa is a continent of diverse religions, cultures, and intricate histories. Christianity is one of the major faiths that has shaped the lives and identities of millions of Africans. The continent has also evolved beyond its spiritual dimension to encompass a thriving business aspect.

Numerous churches and religious organizations have ventured into various economic activities, generating income and wielding significant influence. Consequently, some churches have become mega-churches with thousands of members and millions of dollars in revenue. They often own businesses such as schools, hospitals, media outlets, and real estate investments.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic outlook remains bleak amid an elusive growth recovery, World Bank now says.

The latest Africa’s Pulse report by the World Bank presents a somber economic outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa. Escalating instability, lackluster growth within the region’s major economies, and persistent global economic uncertainties collectively overshadow the region’s economic resurgence prospects.

In its comprehensive analysis, the World Bank anticipates a slowdown in economic growth across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a projected rate of 2.5 per cent for 2023, compared to the 3.6 per cent recorded in 2022. This assessment underscores the multifaceted challenges currently facing the region’s economic landscape.

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