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 ...

Planned Sh200 billion UAE loan could hurt shilling, warns IMF

28 Nov 2024  |  The Star  |  English  |  Financial Crisis

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concerns over Kenya's planned $1.5 billion loan from the United Arab Emirates, warning it could destabilize the Kenyan shilling and increase the risk of debt distress. The IMF's director of communications, Julie Kozack, emphasized the need for a comprehensive fiscal strategy to manage debt vulnerabilities. Despite these warnings, Kenya's National Treasury plans to proceed with the loan in phases, adhering to borrowing limits. The IMF's deputy managing director, Nigel Clarke, is scheduled to visit Nairobi for further discussions. The loan, with an 8.25% interest rate and a seven-year term, is part of ongoing negotiations between Kenya and the UAE.

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Debt Management Financial Crisis

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Mario Andree is a journalist based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

First week sees 45,000 arrivals

13 Jan 2024  |  ceylontoday.lk  |  English  |  Financial Crisis

Credit from the banking and monetary sectors to the Government of Sri Lanka and public corporations has surpassed credit to the private sector for seven consecutive months up to February 2022, a trend last seen in 1989. Central Bank of Sri Lanka data reveals that this shift began in August 2021. Historical parallels are drawn to political events in 1989, including the election of President Ranasinghe Premadasa, the IPKF's conflict with the LTTE, and the JVP's insurgency. The killing of JVP leader Rohana Wijeweera in November 1989 marked the last time private sector credit overtook government credit until the recent trend reversal.

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Government Debt Financial Crisis

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Journalist, reporter working for radio, TV, digital media and print magazines. 
Between France, the UK and Africa.
Writer and podcast producer.

Currently with RFI English.

Since 2006, I've worked with France24, AFP, BBC World Service, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, Think Africa Press, TV5, Le ...

African delegates urge action, hope for last-minute deal in Azerbaijan

20 Nov 2024  |  RFI  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

As Cop29 negotiations continue in Azerbaijan, African delegates and activists emphasize the need for urgent action on climate adaptation and financing. Greenpeace Africa and the Africa Group of Negotiators are advocating for accountability and increased support for Africa's climate needs. Despite slow progress, there is optimism for a last-minute deal, with calls for developed countries to address the debt crisis and support emission reductions. The G20's commitments are seen as positive, but more substantial action is needed to bridge the gap between pledges and actual needs. African negotiators remain hopeful for a people-centered outcome that empowers the continent.

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Debt Crisis Climate Change International Negotiations

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Kudzanai Gerede is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe with interest in political, business and financial analysis, community reporting as well as climate change solution based reporting. I have 10 years experience in journalism and won several journalistic awards including best coal and gas ...

Zimbabwe: Govt to Raise Zw$ 9 Trillion Amid Debt Crisis

27 Feb 2024  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

The Zimbabwean government plans to borrow ZW$ 9 trillion, approximately US$640 million, primarily from the domestic market to address its 2024 budget deficit. This strategy, detailed in the 2024 Annual Borrowing Plan, includes issuing Treasury bills and bonds and relying on both existing and new external loans. Concerns arise over the government's increasing debt, which could lead to economic instability, higher inflation, and crowding out of the private sector. As of September 2023, Zimbabwe's total public debt stood at US$17.7 billion, with significant portions owed to bilateral and multilateral creditors and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

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Debt Crisis Government Borrowing Economic Policy

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Luke Hunt is a journalist and author based in Hong Kong.

The IMF Sends Laos a Reality Check Over Its Finances

01 Nov 2024  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Laos Economic Crisis

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a critical report on Laos's financial situation, highlighting persistent inflation, currency depreciation, and unsustainable public debt levels. Despite a slight reduction in public debt due to inflation-driven GDP growth, the IMF warns of continued economic challenges, including reliance on Chinese debt relief and uncertainties surrounding a significant asset sale involving Energy Absolute Public Company Limited. The report underscores the need for improved governance and transparency to address Laos's economic vulnerabilities, amid concerns over potential natural disasters and external economic pressures.

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Public Debt Laos Economic Crisis IMF Report

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Stephan Kueffner is a freelance journalist based in Quito, Ecuador.

Ecuador commits to paying its debts despite liquidity crisis

04 Dec 2023  |  Bloomberg Línea  |  Spanish  |  Financial Crisis

Ecuador's new government, led by President Daniel Noboa, is committed to paying its internal and external debts despite a severe liquidity crisis. Finance Minister Juan Carlos Vega announced measures to manage the country's finances, including cutting superfluous expenses and implementing a fiscal amnesty plan. The government aims to stabilize public finances and eventually return to international financial markets. Legislative allies are pushing for debt renegotiation, and the Ministry of Finance is focusing on strategic resource development and fiscal sustainability.

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Government Debt Financial Crisis

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Elie Lai is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. I'm focusing on Mainland China news, and also International news and Sports news are also available. Welcome to contact me for writing reports and photoshooting.

Millions of Chinese Blacklisted for Debt as Loan Defaults Hit Record High

02 Dec 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

Millions of Chinese individuals are facing debt and loan defaults, with a record 8.54 million blacklisted from various economic activities. The economic downturn, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and China's strict lockdowns, has led to a surge in defaults. Electronic payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat have become essential, making life difficult for those blacklisted. The Bank of China reported a significant increase in overdue unpaid credit, and the collapse of the property market has further impacted individuals' wealth and ability to pay mortgages. Private borrowing between enterprises has also declined, contributing to the debt crisis.

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Debt Crisis Economic Issues

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Anthony Langat is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.He specializes in reporting on human rights issues, governance, security and climate change

Can a new African Union alliance hasten global financial reforms?

30 Apr 2024  |  Devex  |  English  |  African Debt Crisis

Over half of African countries are prioritizing debt repayments over health care and climate action, with Ethiopia recently defaulting on its debt. In response, the African Union has established the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions, known as the Africa Club, aiming to advocate for global financial reforms and promote development and financial independence across the continent.

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African Debt Crisis Global Financial Reforms

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Federico Larsen is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
-Giornalista bilingue italiano-spagnolo, specializzato in politica internazionale e membro dell'Istituto di Relazioni Internazionali dell'Università Nazionale di La Plata. Lunga esperienza in radio, giornali e riviste.
-Periodista ...

Milei’s devastating austerity plans are already hitting road blocks

08 Jan 2024  |  qoshe.com  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

Representatives of the International Monetary Fund and Argentina's far-right government, led by Javier Milei, met to renegotiate the terms of a $45 billion debt. Milei's administration has approved a stringent economic plan to eliminate the deficit, including cuts to public sector wages and pensions, elimination of energy subsidies, and deregulation of the currency market. These measures have led to significant price increases and public protests. The General Confederation of Labor achieved a legal victory against labor reforms, and Milei's legislative efforts are facing resistance. The IMF is concerned about the lack of popular support for these austerity measures.

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Debt Crisis Economic Policy Austerity Measures

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I am the Guardian's West Africa correspondent, based in Dakar. Previously I was The Times's correspondent in South Africa and Mexico. I can make audio and video for broadcast or the web to a very high standard. I also shoot my own photographs. I have an extensive knowledge of the region and good ...

Behind the Deadly Unrest in Kenya, a Staggering and Painful National Debt

26 Jun 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Financial Crisis

Kenya is facing severe financial instability due to its $80 billion public debt, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of its economic output. Proposed tax increases to address the debt crisis sparked violent protests, leading President William Ruto to withdraw the legislation. This decision has left the country's finances in a precarious state, despite recent agreements with the International Monetary Fund on necessary reforms. The situation in Kenya reflects a broader issue across Africa, where many countries spend more on debt interest than on essential services like health and education.

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National Debt Financial Crisis Protests

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Andrew Mambondiyani is a journalist based in Mutare, Zimbabwe with more than 10 years journalism and media consultancy experience. Between 2010 and 2011 he served as a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at Massachusetts institute of Technology (USA).   In 2008 he served as a Middlebury Environment ...

Between Flood and Famine

08 Oct 2024  |  Strange Matters - Strange Matters Magazine  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

Mozambique faces severe climate challenges, including cyclones, floods, and droughts, exacerbated by financial constraints and historical debt scandals. Despite limited contributions to global emissions, the country is highly vulnerable to climate disasters. Efforts to build resilience, such as the Beira Master Plan and mangrove reforestation, are underway but hindered by financial and technical limitations. The country's economic reliance on coal and natural gas exports complicates its transition to a low-carbon economy. International aid, particularly from the US, plays a crucial role, but geopolitical interests may influence support. The upcoming presidential elections could impact future climate resilience funding priorities.

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Debt Crisis Climate Change Natural Disasters

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Luis Mora is a journalist based in Managua, Nicaragua.

The crisis of Grifols, after peering into the abyss in the stock market, in ten keys

14 Jan 2024  |  eldia.es  |  Spanish  |  Financial Crisis

Grifols, a leading hemoderivatives multinational, faces a severe financial crisis following accusations by Gotham City Research of financial mismanagement. The company's stock plummeted after the report, which alleged that Grifols concealed debt and manipulated its financial statements. Despite efforts to reassure investors and reduce debt through layoffs and asset sales, the market remains skeptical. The Spanish National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) is investigating the claims, and the outcome could significantly impact Grifols' future. The crisis is compounded by the strategic importance of Grifols' facilities to the US, as revealed by Wikileaks.

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Corporate Debt Financial Crisis Stock Market

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Geoffrey Ndege is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.
He covers Science, Politics, Technology, Current Affairs, Opinion, Agriculture, Energy, Education, Entrepreneurship, Governance, International Emerging Issues, Society, and culture.

How Kenya can Manage its Debt Crisis While Meeting its Obligations

02 Sept 2024  |  dailyfocus.co.ke  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

Kenya faces a significant debt crisis, with public debt nearing 70% of GDP, threatening economic stability. The government must implement fiscal discipline, enhance revenue collection, reform state enterprises, and negotiate better debt terms. Key measures include cutting unnecessary expenditures, improving tax compliance, and restructuring state-owned parastatals. Engaging with creditors for favorable terms and promoting economic growth through diversification are crucial. Strengthening governance and reducing corruption are essential to ensure efficient use of public resources and sustainable development. A multifaceted approach is necessary to manage the debt burden while meeting financial obligations.

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Debt Crisis Economic Stability Public Finance

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Faustine Ngila is Kenya's renowned technology journalist based in Nairobi.
He has reported widely on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, covering emerging technologies and innovations in Kenya and Africa.
He writes for the Daily Nation, Business Daily, Taifa Leo and The East African. He is one of a ...

Precarious Calm in Kenya

22 Aug 2024  |  magazinedelafrique.com  |  French  |  Debt Crisis

Kenya faces a precarious calm following anti-tax protests in Nairobi and other cities. The government's plan to introduce new taxes to address the country's debt has sparked public outrage, with fears of renewed protests. President William Ruto's economic reforms, initially praised by the IMF, have led to widespread dissatisfaction due to rising living costs. The protests, lacking a central leader, have spread nationwide, challenging the government's response. The IMF-backed financial measures, including tax increases, have been met with public resistance, threatening Kenya's fiscal stability and its agreements with international lenders. The situation has led to economic disruptions, including a stock market decline and supply chain issues, exacerbating public discontent.

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Debt Crisis Protests in Kenya Economic Reforms

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Saskia ODonoghue is a text and video journalist based in London and East Sussex, United Kingdom.

Her specialisms are human interest stories, culture, the arts, fashion and luxury and entertainment.

Legendary German politician Wolfgang Schaeuble dies at 81

27 Dec 2023  |  malaysia.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  European Debt Crisis

Wolfgang Schaeuble, a key figure in German reunification and the European debt crisis, has died at 81. As finance minister, he advocated for European unity and fiscal discipline. Paralyzed in 1990, he returned to politics quickly, influencing the move of Germany's capital to Berlin and serving as a CDU leader. Despite a scandal in 2000, he remained influential, later becoming the German parliament's speaker. Angela Merkel lauded him as an architect of a stable eurozone and German unity.

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European Debt Crisis Obituary Politics

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Ugo Poletti is a journalist based in Odessa, Ukraine.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of “The Odessa Journal”, digital media platform in English about culture, history, social and business life in Odessa, biggest port and cultural capital of Black Sea region

Ukraine - Debt Relief Only After Russia Pays First

02 Dec 2023  |  Kyiv Post  |  English  |  Debt Relief

At the Seventh Ukrainian Investment Roadshow, the discussion centered on the outlook for Ukrainian Eurobond debt relief. A moratorium agreed upon in August 2022 is set to end, with the IMF requiring Ukraine to seek further debt treatment in early 2024. The author questions the rush for restructuring amidst the ongoing war, suggesting an extension of the payment pause until a credible macro framework can be established. The article argues that Western governments should not protect Russian assets while expecting Western taxpayers and private creditors to bear the cost of Ukraine's reconstruction. The author calls for the utilization of frozen Russian assets before any debt relief is granted to Ukraine, framing it as a moral and political responsibility, especially in the context of ESG commitments.

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Ukraine Crisis Debt Relief Economic Policy

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Alexander Saeedy is a journalist and public policy researcher based in Brussels, Belgium, where he writes about financial regulation, the global economy, international taxation, and European political affairs. A graduate of Yale University, he's written for Reuters, VICENews, Foreign Affairs, ...

China Turns the Tables on Wall Street

13 Dec 2023  |  WSJ  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

China is disrupting the international financial system's approach to handling debt crises in developing countries, causing dissatisfaction among Wall Street bond fund managers. Recently, China blocked a deal to salvage investments in Zambia's defaulted debt and brokered a private debt restructuring with Sri Lanka, outmaneuvering Western governments.

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Debt Crisis International Finance China's Influence

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sanavver shafi is a freelance journalist based in Bhopal, India.

MP farmers in debt trap: Govt warehouse scheme backfires

26 Sept 2024  |  groundreport.in  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

Farmers in Madhya Pradesh are facing financial difficulties due to the Gramin Bhandaran Yojana, a government scheme intended to subsidize warehouse construction. Many farmers, like Sadaf Khan, took loans to build warehouses, expecting steady income, but are now in debt due to oversupply and low utilization rates. The Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation has not paid rent to warehouse operators for two years, exacerbating their financial woes. The state government has blacklisted over 150 warehouses and halted payments, citing unfit wheat storage. Calls for reassessment of the scheme's implementation and transparency in government communication are highlighted.

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Debt Crisis Agriculture Government Policy

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Salman Siddiqui is an experienced journalist based in Berlin, Germany.

As an experienced English news/content editor, writer, and podcaster, he has over a decade of experience in the journalism industry. He lived and worked in various countries including Germany, Turkey, Cyprus, Qatar, Pakistan ...

Longer IMF programme could lead to debt trap

24 Mar 2024  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Economic Crisis

Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan from NUST Institute of Policy Studies warns that a longer and larger IMF loan programme could lead Pakistan into a debt trap similar to Argentina. He recommends a smaller loan package and emphasizes the importance of attracting foreign investment through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and implementing economic reforms. The report also suggests reducing the State Bank of Pakistan's policy rate to lower budgetary expenditure and inflation, adjusting the exchange rate, and addressing energy sector governance issues.

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Debt Trap Economic Crisis IMF Loan

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Murtaza Solangi is print/radio/TV journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The Economy's 2024 Roadmap To Prosperity

31 Dec 2023  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Economic Crisis

Pakistan's economic crisis, exacerbated by political instability and fiscal mismanagement, presents significant challenges for the incoming government. Key issues include high debt, inflation, and inefficient state-owned enterprises. The article advocates for comprehensive fiscal reforms, including simplified and broad-based taxation, reduction of wasteful expenses, and increased support for SMEs and human resource development. It emphasizes the need for national consensus and concentrated efforts to achieve economic self-reliance and sustainable growth.

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Debt Management Economic Crisis Fiscal Policy

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Brussels editor at MLex. Available as a broadcast guest.

How Will The Debt Crisis Impact Countries' Political Stability?

03 Jan 2024  |  www.mondaq.com  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

Oxfam's recent press release highlights that the world's poorest countries are set to reduce public spending by over $220 billion due to overwhelming debt, raising concerns about political stability. Historical examples from Egypt, France, Chile, and Sri Lanka illustrate how austerity measures can trigger social unrest. Research by Hans-Joachim Voth and Jacopo Ponticelli shows a strong correlation between spending cuts and social unrest, particularly in Europe and Latin America. The current debt crisis in emerging markets may lead to increased social unrest and less transparent short-term funding solutions, with countries already in default facing the highest risks.

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Debt Crisis Political Stability Austerity Social Unrest

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Tatira Zwinoira is a journalist based in Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe.

Africa’s debt burden crippling education and stifling growth

29 Mar 2024  |  www.theindependent.co.zw  |  English  |  Debt Crisis

Africa's debt exceeds US$1.8 trillion, or 60% of its GDP, as of 2023, which hampers social well-being, particularly education. With high debt servicing, countries allocate less budget to education, leading to teacher shortages, inadequate learning materials, and poor infrastructure. This perpetuates poverty and hinders economic development. Solutions include debt cancellation, combating illicit financial flows, and investing in education to break the cycle and unlock Africa's potential.

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Debt Crisis Education Economic Development

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