Category Archives: Economy

15Jan/24

Beyond the Minerals: Uncovering the Vibrant Tapestry of DR Congo and Zambia

Sept. 15, 2023 /Economy/ — While the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are indeed known for their mineral wealth, particularly copper and cobalt, their identities extend far beyond these resources. Let’s dive deeper into the rich tapestry of these fascinating African nations: Continue reading

29Nov/23

The Zambian debt restructuring impasse has got the international community riled

Nov. 29, 2023 /IEconomy/ — Zambia is a country in southern Africa that has been struggling with a heavy debt burden for many years. In 2020, the country became the first African nation to default on its sovereign debt during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to get its finances back on track, Zambia has been seeking to restructure its debt with its creditors. Continue reading

28Nov/23

Zambia’s foreign debt tragedy – what needs to happen to resolve the crisis

Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria

Three years after defaulting on its foreign debt, Zambia is still trying to reach agreement with all its creditors on how to manage this situation. This has left the southern African country in a state of development finance limbo. It is handicapped in raising the funds needed to generate jobs, build infrastructure, provide health, education and social services and deal with climate change. Its president, Hakainde Hichilema, has warned that the situation threatens to undermine its democracy.

Continue reading

13Oct/23

ODDS OF A SOFT LANDING FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY ARE RISING AS MANUFACTURING STABILIZES IN SEPTEMBER, BUT RECESSION ALARM BELLS RING FOR EUROPE: GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index — a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses — fell from -0.18 in August to -0.35 in September, with a sharper increase in excess capacity across the world’s supply chains. Continue reading

12Oct/23

Africa’s total exports expected to hit close to USD1 trillion by 2035, Standard Chartered report reveals

Standard Chartered has today published its Future of Trade: Africa report, highlighting the outlook for African trade and providing a view of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key proponent of optimising intra-African trade. Continue reading

03Oct/23

Is this a carrot and stick?

Oct. 2, 2023 /Economy/ — The UK Chancellor’s decision to raise the minimum wage and impose sanctions on people claiming state benefits who refuse to take available jobs can be seen as a carrot and stick approach.

The carrot is the increase in the minimum wage. This will give low-paid workers more money to spend, which will boost the economy and help people to afford basic necessities. The stick is the sanctions that will be imposed on people who refuse to take available jobs. These sanctions could include a reduction in benefits, or even a complete loss of benefits. Continue reading

17Sep/23

What problems can AI solve in Africa?

Sept. 17, 2023  — Whether or not AI will save Africa is a complex question with no easy answer. There are many factors to consider, such as the specific ways in which AI is used, the level of infrastructure and development in Africa, and the social and political landscape. Continue reading

05Sep/23

We are UK Zambians investing in the Diaspora

Sept. 6, 2023 Social/ — Zambians are not proud to be British. Zambia is an independent country, and its citizens are proud to be Zambian. However, there is a history of mutual respect between Zambia and Britain, which may explain why some Zambians may have positive feelings towards Britain. Continue reading