Shahira Amin is a journalist based in Cairo Governorate, Egypt. Print journalist - Feature stories, interview, research .  Broadcast Journalist _Interview, Live Phoner for Radio or TV , documentary film maker , fixer.  Speaks / writes fluent English.  Mainly reports on current affairs (politics, ...

Egypt’s economy is submerged in an economic crisis

18 Jan 2023  |  Atlantic Council  |  English  |  Gulf States Aid

Egypt is grappling with an economic crisis characterized by soaring inflation, currency devaluation, and increased living costs. The inflation rate hit 22% in December 2022, the highest since 2017. The Egyptian pound's value has dropped, prompting a third devaluation within a year. The IMF has agreed to a $3 billion loan to help stabilize the economy, which requires economic reforms including reducing the military's economic role. Analysts cite global disruptions and government misspending as causes for the crisis. The military's economic dominance is a concern, with the IMF pushing for privatization to enhance competitiveness. Gulf states have invested heavily in Egypt to prevent regional instability, but sustainable economic development remains a challenge. The article suggests that Egypt needs to create a favorable investment climate for local businesses to achieve long-term stability.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) Ahram Online Central Bank of Egypt

Ignatius Annor is an International TV broadcast journalist. He has a wealth of experience cutting across news anchoring, production, reporting and digital news. This Ghanaian born journalist holds a master's degree in International Journalism from Swansea University in the UK. He worked with ...

Did the 78th UN General Assembly Meet Today's Challenges?

28 Sept 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Reparations

The article discusses the United Nations General Assembly's focus on rebuilding trust and addressing the climate crisis. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Oxfam International's Africa director, Fati N’Zi-Hassane, emphasized the need for global solidarity and financing for climate action. The failure of developed nations to fulfill their financial pledges to less developed countries was highlighted. E3G's Alden Meyer pointed out the lack of leadership among major countries and the need for policy support to scale up clean energy in developing nations. The article also touches on political instability in Africa, with recent coups and the call for reparations for colonial exploitation by leaders like Ghana's Nana Akufo-Addo. The challenges of high-interest rates for clean energy projects in Africa and the contentious debate over fossil fuel reduction were also mentioned.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) Oxfam International E3G

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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UK inflation rate declines

01 Aug 2023  |  www.teeslaw.com  |  English  |  Market Indices

The article discusses the UK's inflation rate, which fell to 7.9% in June, lower than the previous month and below economists' expectations. Core CPI also dropped, leading to predictions of a less aggressive rise in interest rates by the Bank of England. The IMF upgraded its global growth forecast for 2023, despite ongoing risks, and predicted a modest growth for the UK economy. UK public sector finance data showed lower-than-expected government borrowing, with the Chancellor ruling out immediate tax cuts. Retail sales in the UK saw an unexpected rise due to hot weather. Market data indicated positive movements in various stock indices, with the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and Euro Stoxx 50 seeing gains, while the Nikkei 225 experienced a slight decline. The article also mentions Tees Financial Limited, a financial advisory firm, and provides general financial advice.

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International Monetary Fund Office for National Statistics Bank of England Reuters S&P Global/CIPS S&P Global Market Intelligence TOMD FTSE NASDAQ Dow Jones Euro Stoxx Nikkei Office for Budget Responsibility British Retail Consortium Tees Financial Limited

Ezaldeen Arbab is a seasoned journalist based in Khartoum, Sudan, with a keen focus on the myriad political and economic challenges facing his country. His reporting has provided in-depth coverage of the transitional government's struggles with reforms, the persistent economic hardships, and the ...

Adrian Blomfield is available for comment and analysis on developments in eastern, central and the horn of Africa, the Middle East and the former Soviet Union. Over the past 16 years he has been based in Nairobi, Baghdad, Moscow and Jerusalem. Adrian held the following positions over that time:

...

Uganda’s president calls for total debt cancellation for Africa amid pandemic

07 May 2020  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Economic Impact

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has urged wealthy nations to cancel all of Africa's debt to aid in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. He emphasized that the pandemic was not caused by Africa and that total debt forgiveness would demonstrate genuine global support. While institutions like the IMF and World Bank have previously reduced Africa's debt, a complete cancellation is unprecedented. Africa's debt has reached a new high of £230bn, with China holding a significant portion. China has been criticized for the lack of transparency in its lending and for allegedly requiring asset stakes in exchange for debt relief. The G20 has suspended debt collection from the world's poorest countries until year-end, but it's uncertain how this will affect payments due to China. African finance ministers indicate they need £80bn to combat COVID-19 effectively. The pandemic's economic impact on Africa is expected to be severe, despite the continent having relatively low infection and death rates so far.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank Glencore

Lassana Cassama is a journalist based in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau may receive an additional three million dollars from the IMF

09 May 2023  |  Voice of America  |  Portuguese  |  Economic Policy

Guinea-Bissau is set to receive over three million dollars from the International Monetary Fund following the completion of the first review of the Extended Credit Facility program approved on January 30, 2023. The Ministry of Finance announced this on their official Facebook page, referencing a letter from the IMF's administrator for Guinea-Bissau, Facinet SYLLA, to the Minister of Finance, Ilídio Vieira Té. The IMF's Executive Board concluded the review without a formal meeting, which is seen as a sign of the national authorities' engagement and implementation of the program.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Suddaf Chaudry is based in London & Islamabad, she is available for commissions. She has covered politics, developmental issues, and conflict globally.  Her special focus is the Middle East and South Asia, she possesses copious newsroom and online experience including editorial and reporting roles ...

Isabella Cota is a freelance journalist based in Ciudad de México, Mexico. As a former Bloomberg Correspondent she has covered Latin America's most exciting business, financial, political and social stories. She was previously with Reuters and has collaborated with The Guardian, BBC Mundo, NPR and ...

Eduard Cousin is a freelance journalist based in Cairo since 2013 and covering the Arab region, writing on politics, security, social issues, economy, energy, and entrepreneurship. He is the author of a book on the aftermath of the Arab Spring in Egypt (In Dutch: Nu de wereld niet meer kijkt). ...

Egypt is privatising – but is it enough to please the IMF and get more funding from the international financial body?

25 Jul 2023  |  Al Jazeera  |  English  |  Egypt's Debt and Inflation Issues

The article discusses Egypt's privatisation efforts as it sells state assets to meet conditions of a $3bn loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In February, Egypt put 32 state-owned companies up for sale, and recently sold $1.9bn worth of assets, including stakes in various companies to the Abu Dhabi Development Fund and Egyptian entities. The IMF has welcomed the sales but postponed a review due to insufficient progress in economic reforms, including privatisation and a free-floating currency. Egypt's economy is suffering from high inflation, a hard currency shortage, and a significant debt burden. Analysts point to structural weaknesses in the economy, such as low private investment and export rates, and the expansion of military-affiliated companies. The IMF advocates for a free-floating exchange rate to address these issues, but critics question the effectiveness of this policy. The article also touches on fears of hyperinflation and the possibility of Egypt defaulting on its debt.

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Abu Dhabi Development Fund (ADQ) International Monetary Fund (IMF) Talaat Mostafa Group Ezz Steel

I am a London-based writer with extensive experience of writing and editing copy on politics, economics and business. My articles have appeared in many of the world's leading current affairs publications, including The Economist, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, Foreign Policy and others. 

I work ...

Middle East and Central Asia Face $884 Billion Renewable Energy Bill

06 Nov 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Economic Policy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a study indicating that countries in the Middle East and Central Asia need to invest $884 billion in renewable energy by 2030 to meet emission reduction targets. This investment represents a significant portion of the regions' GDP. The report, authored by Jihad Azour, Gareth Anderson, and Ling Zhu, suggests policy options for achieving climate goals, including reducing fuel subsidies and investing in large-scale renewable projects like Qatar's Al-Kharsaah solar energy plant and the UAE's Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park. While wealthier nations like Qatar and the UAE can afford these investments, poorer countries may struggle. The IMF also discusses the potential of introducing carbon taxes and the socioeconomic impacts of transitioning to renewable energy, emphasizing the urgency and cost of delaying such a transition.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Damian Gowela is a Tanzanian journalist based in Dar es Salaam. Working as a bilingual journalist for Tanzania Standard Newspapers [TSN] in English at Dailynews and Sundaynews and Kiswahili at HabariLeo.

High level meeting pledges financial boost for gender equality

20 Nov 2023  |  dailynews.co.tz  |  English  |  Finance

The High-Level Generation Equality Africa Regional Meeting on Financing for Gender Equality concluded with commitments from 21 African countries to accelerate financing for gender equality. Key areas include combating gender-based violence, women's economic empowerment, and advancing technology and innovation for gender equality. The meeting, held in Dar-es-Salaam, emphasized gender-responsive budgeting and was convened by Tanzania in collaboration with UN Women and the IMF AFRITAC East. The UN Women Regional Director and the IMF Deputy Managing Director both highlighted the economic benefits of gender equality. Representatives from 22 Sub-Saharan African countries attended the meeting.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) UN Women

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Factuality Scale

Saeid Jafari is an Iranian journalist and an analyst on Middle Eastern affairs. He is a contributor to various media outlets such as Al-Monitor, Foreign Policy, Atlantic Council, National Interest, Middle East Eye, and Euronews. He has also worked for many Iranian media outlets including Aseman, ...

Why the US should allow Lebanon's IMF loan application

11 Jun 2020  |  Responsible Statecraft  |  English  |  COVID-19 Impact

Lebanon has applied for assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amidst a severe economic crisis, political instability, and the impact of COVID-19. The country's economy is in a dire state with a defaulted foreign debt of $31 billion, a financial system with significant losses, and a rapidly devaluing currency leading to inflation and loss of purchasing power for its citizens. The U.S., a major contributor to the IMF, may be hesitant to support aid due to the involvement of Hezbollah, a group it designates as a terrorist organization, in Lebanon's government. However, the article argues that withholding support could lead to further deterioration of Lebanon's state institutions and a humanitarian crisis. It suggests that international support should focus on anti-corruption and accountability reforms, leaving the decision of Hezbollah's role to the Lebanese people in future elections.

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International Monetary Fund

Edmund Kagire is a journalist based in Kigali, Rwanda. The 35-year old award-winning Rwandan Journalist was until the end of 2018 was working with The East African & Rwanda Today newspapers owned by Nation Media Group (NMG), with 12 years of practice.

Currently he has diverted into freelance ...

Rwanda, IMF Agree On Key Reforms To Cushion Economy From Shocks

31 Oct 2023  |  KT PRESS  |  English  |  Climate Change

Rwanda and the IMF mission team have reached a staff-level agreement following the successful implementation of policies under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). They also agreed on a new 14-month Stand-by Credit Facility (SCF) to address balance of payment pressures due to climate-related shocks, with a total access of about US$ 262 million. Rwanda's economy grew by 6.3 percent despite environmental challenges. The IMF mission praised Rwanda's macroeconomic policy performance and urged further policy recalibration to maintain macroeconomic and external sustainability. Tax reforms, fiscal consolidation, and monetary policy adjustments were recommended. The IMF also acknowledged Rwanda's progress on the climate agenda and the country's commitment to enhancing reforms, including the adoption of a green taxonomy. The agreement awaits IMF Executive Board approval in December 2023, which could grant Rwanda access to significant funding under the RSF and SCF.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Eva Levesque is a journalist and producer based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

IEA shifts forecast closer to Opec, but expects 2024 surplus

15 Nov 2023  |  AGBI  |  English  |  Oil Prices

The International Energy Agency (IEA) anticipates an oil market surplus in 2024 due to slowing demand growth, efficiency gains, and a weaker post-Covid rebound. Despite this, global oil demand in 2023 has surpassed expectations, with the IEA revising its growth forecast to 2.4 million barrels per day, aligning closely with Opec's prediction. China's robust demand is a significant contributor, expected to account for 1.8 million bpd of the increase. The IMF has also raised China's economic growth forecast for 2023. Opec foresees continued demand growth into 2024, driven by non-OECD countries. Despite fluctuations, oil prices have shown stability, attributed to Opec+ policy, with experts suggesting a potential price increase in the latter half of the next year.

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International Monetary Fund International Energy Agency Opec Century Financial Kpler

Lisa Louis is a freelance journalist based in Paris, France.  She is a native German speaker, but also fluent in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.  She works for TV, radio and online. 

You can find more info and examples of her work on her website: ****

Paris summit on global finance: A turning point or just another meeting?

05 Apr 2023  |  dw.com  |  English  |  Climate Resilience

The summit in Paris, termed as a 'new global financial pact', aimed to address international finance reforms and governance. It was attended by 1,500 participants, including 40 heads of state. President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the summit's success in building a consensus on fighting inequalities and climate change. Developed countries have met their 2021 target to transfer $100 billion in special drawing rights to developing countries. The summit also saw the restructuring of Zambia's $6.3 billion debt and the creation of a new biodiversity fund. Experts like Olivier Damette and Claire Eschalier discussed the need for a more inclusive and bottom-up approach in international financial institutions. The summit also extended the Just Energy Transition Partnerships, with Senegal becoming the fourth country to join. Isabelle Albert and President William Ruto expressed cautious optimism about the summit's outcomes and its implications for future climate action.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank

rasha mahmoud is Egyption journalist , 8 years experience.
journalist - video journalist - documentary - script writer
speak: arabic - english - dutch

Egypt to Leverage IMF Quota for Sudan's Debt Relief

30 May 2021  |  Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East  |  English  |  Debt Relief

Egypt has pledged to support Sudan's economic growth by utilizing its quota with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to assist Sudan in paying off its debts. This announcement was made during the Paris Conference to Support the Transition in Sudan, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed Egypt's commitment to participate in the debt relief initiative for Sudan. The move is aimed at helping Sudan secure relief from its outstanding financial obligations.

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International Monetary Fund

Naba Mohiedeen is a journalist based in Khartoum, Sudan.

Sudan Normalizes Relations With World Bank

27 Mar 2021  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Debt Relief

Sudan has recently celebrated the normalization of its relations with the World Bank Group after a U.S. bridge loan facilitated the reduction of its significant debt. The celebration was broadcast on national TV, with officials from both the World Bank and the Sudanese government marking the occasion. Sudan has been declared eligible for debt relief under the HIPC Initiative by the World Bank and IMF. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok praised the economic reforms of the transitional government, which have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. The reforms were necessary to meet the requirements of international financial institutions and to access international funds. Sudan's Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim acknowledged the U.S. role in clearing Sudan's arrears and the World Bank's support, including a grant to aid debt relief. The World Bank's executive director, Axel Van Trotsenberg, expressed readiness to support Sudan's transition with about $2 billion in IDA grants.

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International Development Agency (IDA) International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank Group U.S. Treasury

collins Mtika is a journalist based in Malawi.Collins is a Malawian Investigative Journalist and founder of the Centre for Investigative Journalism in Malawi ( CIJM ).

Collins was born in Malawi but bred in Zimbabwe, where his parents worked in the mines there. He did his primary and secondary ...

Tax outflows, debt cripples Malawi’s growth

01 Apr 2023  |  Center for Investigative Journalism Malawi  |  English  |  Financial Legislation

Malawi is facing significant economic challenges due to revenue losses from smuggling, unregulated mining, and tax evasion by companies. Between 2010 and 2017, the country lost $980 million due to various illicit financial activities. The African Development Bank and other experts suggest that Malawi needs to improve tax collection and formalize the informal sector to combat these losses. The Global Financial Integrity reports that Malawi lost billions over the past decade due to illicit outflows, which exceeds the national budget. Corruption scandals have led to donor funding freezes, increasing domestic borrowing and debt. The government is considering taxing the informal sector to mitigate these effects. However, the Malawi Revenue Authority has struggled to meet revenue targets due to a sluggish economy. Efforts to address these issues, such as 'Operation Kuluma', have been delayed due to inter-agency disagreements. The country's outdated mining legislation and lack of strong regulations also contribute to revenue loss.

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International Monetary Fund Reserve Bank of Malawi African Development Bank Global Financial Integrity University of Massachusetts World Bank Malawi Revenue Authority Gemstone Association of Malawi Quadria Muslim Association of Malawi

Joumana is an American media professional currently based out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She has more than 10 years journalism and public relations experience which were spent working for Forbes,  Arabian Radio Network (Arab Media Group), Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Argaam as well ...

Jack Shenker is an award-winning journalist who has reported from around the world, and whose work has been translated into several languages.

Formerly Cairo correspondent for the UK's Guardian newspaper, where he led coverage of Egypt's revolution and counter-revolution, his writing has also ...

Egypt, Rebranded

10 Jan 2017  |  www.thecairoreview.com  |  English  |  International Relations

The article 'Egypt, Rebranded' by Jack Shenker discusses the Egypt Economic Development Conference, an event aimed at attracting foreign investment and rebranding Egypt's image post-revolution. The conference showcased Egypt as open for business, with high-profile attendees like Christine Lagarde and Tony Blair, and major companies like BP announcing investments. However, the article critically examines the juxtaposition of this positive economic narrative against the backdrop of human rights abuses, political repression, and the suppression of dissent in Egypt. It highlights the role of public relations firms in reshaping Egypt's image while ignoring the country's complex realities, including the struggles of local communities against multinational corporations and the government's harsh treatment of political opponents.

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International Monetary Fund World Bank Coca-Cola Unilever Siemens Allianz British Petroleum BG Group Total CI Capital Qalaa Holdings General Electric Exxon IBM Kellogg

Balanced

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Center

Political View

Marisa Wikramanayake is a freelance journalist based in Melbourne, Australia.

Pm quits as crisis dampens tourism

15 Dec 2018  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Economic Impact

The article discusses the impact of Sri Lanka's political crisis on its tourism industry, particularly on small businesses and the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Pamuditha Fernando, owner of Ceylon Trails, has experienced a significant drop in revenue due to the decline in business visitors. Sanath Ukwatte, president of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, notes a decrease in business visits, which are often government-related. The political turmoil, including the unconstitutional dissolution of parliament and the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister, has led to investment outflows and a depreciating currency. The IMF has put discussions on hold, and the country lacks a budget for 2019. Despite the challenges, tourism officials and business owners like Chathura Jayatissa of Inspire Travel hope for a resolution to the political situation to mitigate the negative effects on tourism, which is a significant part of the economy.

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International Monetary Fund Ceylon Trails The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Mount Lavinia Hotel Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Inspire Travel

Jacob Wirtschafter is a journalist based in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Egypt's 'Two is Enough' campaign

05 Apr 2023  |  USA TODAY  |  English  |  Women's Rights

Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has launched a family planning campaign titled 'Two is Enough' in response to the country's surging population, which has reached 100 million. The campaign, backed by the US and the UN, aims to encourage families to limit themselves to two children. This initiative comes as Egypt faces economic challenges, including high unemployment and water scarcity exacerbated by Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam. The government's strategy includes media campaigns, healthcare services, and financial support for the poorest families. The US will provide $19 million and the UN will allocate $6 million for reproductive health services in Egypt. The article also touches on the history of family planning in Egypt, the impact of the Arab Spring, and the current legal stance on abortion.

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U.S. Agency for International Development International Monetary Fund United Nations Center for Egyptian Women’s Legal Assistance

Currently NBC, Euronews, Euractiv.

Mariam Zaidi is a broadcaster and journalist based in London. She has worked in Asia and Europe. 

Covering global news and current affairs, she is also an EU specialist. From Brussels she covered the EU for several years as a foreign correspondent.  Most ...

After marathon discussions, EU leaders agreed on who will lead them into the future.

03 Jul 2019  |  CGTN America  |  English  |  European Union Politics

EU leaders have concluded marathon discussions to decide on the future leadership of the EU, resulting in a gender-balanced selection of two men and two women for the top positions. David-Maria Sassoli, a former TV anchorman and Socialist MEP, has been elected as the President of the European Parliament. The other key positions include Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel as the president-elect of the European Council, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell as the EU Foreign Affairs Chief, Christine Lagarde of the IMF for the European Central Bank Presidency, and German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen as the President of the European Commission. While French President Emmanuel Macron supports von der Leyen, Belgian Green MEP Phillippe Lamberts criticizes her appointment. MEPs will formally assess von der Leyen's qualifications in mid-July.

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International Monetary Fund CGTN