Economy and Business Yatu

26/11/2023

We contributed to the discourse on the importance of having this SDR amidst uncertainty of agreement on the Creditors deal on Debt restructuring.

10/09/2023

Zambia from another economic lens.

Just a month before the 2021 General Elections the dollar was trading for k22 which was the weakest point for our kwacha and people complained of how costly it had become to import goods and just how rapid the increase in general prices (inflation rate) of commodities had become at over 20%. In my recent postings and interviews with media houses I have been specific on the interventions being used from the Monetary side to arrest inflation rate that; they are likely to yield zero positive outcomes considering the factors driving this inflation ( cost push). I have also been on record that in the last quarter of 2023 it is impossible to see significant downwards movement in the inflation rate now stands at 10.8% and further away from the target band of 6-8%.

To many I had sounded like a prophet of doom when I once posted that it was impossible to achieve that inflation rate target in 2023 owing to a number of both internal and external risks that weighed in heavily on our economy. Our backbone for positivity seemed to have been the debt restructuring deal which was very necessary but it appears it will not automatically give us the much celebrated expected gains in the short to medium term. For as long as we are on this free falling trend of the kwacha which is now K21+ to a dollar, like it was in 2021, I see us losing the positive gains we previously celebrated on the macro-economic front even as the instability on oil prices on the international market continues. This is not to underscore any positive efforts the Govt is making in many sectors.

However, I feel at present, we are more reactive than proactive. The conclusion of the issue of Vendata was long overdue as this seems to have been expedited later after the economy starting melting ( now talking of 2.7% growth from 4.8%) due to reduced production levels. The formulation of the Task Force on high mealie meal prices is also another big reaction cause I think we all know what caused the upward movement in mealie meal prices which is the high buying price of maize (k280 from k180 per bag) as was announced by FRA plus many other factors such as fuel prices and electricity tarrifs hikes.

Is there something that can be done as short term and long term interventions? YES !!! some of the measures the Govt is already undertaking and some they may need to get even from those citizens who may sound critical but mean well for the ZIKO.

Anyway, this is my brief informal write up as I continue to read and make use of these graphs.BTW I will be speaking to VOA soon.

E.Z

26/06/2023

Make a date

17/04/2023

This is the current position of M*F of Zambia.

28/03/2023

27/03/2023

Economist cautions on planned hike of ZESCO tariffs, notes investment levels declining | Zambia Monitor

Government should reconsider the upward adjustment of electricity tariff in the face of inflationary pressure, an economist, Emmanuel Zulu, has said. Zulu said on Sunday that the country has seen positive economic growth post the Covid-19 period with the current growth rate sitting around three perc...

15/03/2023

By Paul Shalala-

Finance Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE says the protracted negotiations on debt restructuring are putting pressure on the strength of the Kwacha.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE says some people who are supposed to buy government bonds are holding on to them due to the long negotiation process.

Speaking when he interacted with Zambians virtually on the Ministry of Finance Facebook and Zoom accounts this morning, Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said measures are being put in place to stabilize the Kwacha due to the uncertainty on the debt restructuring process.

By Paul Shalala- Finance Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE says the protracted negotiations on debt restructuring are putting pressure on the strength of the Kwacha. Dr. MUSOKOTWANE says some people who are supposed to buy government bonds are holding on to them due to the long negotiation process. Spe...

01/03/2023

Do you think we are doing enough to market these ceremonies for them to attract tourists for that much needed Forex??

25/02/2023

What do you think really led to mineral rich countries in Africa still remain underdeveloped?

21/02/2023

So you know?

18/02/2023

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗽𝘀

Economic news roundups help students stay informed about the latest happenings in the world of economics. There are several sources where you can find economic news roundups, including:

•Reuters: This news agency provides comprehensive coverage of the latest economic news from around the world, with a focus on market trends and financial analysis.

•Bloomberg: Bloomberg provides up-to-the-minute economic news, analysis, and data on global markets, industries, and companies.

•The Wall Street Journal: The WSJ is a trusted source for business and financial news, with coverage of everything from stock market updates to trade policy.

•CNBC: CNBC is a popular source for financial news and market data, with a focus on breaking news, expert analysis, and interviews with key business leaders.

•The Economist: This weekly news magazine covers a wide range of global economic issues, providing in-depth analysis and commentary on the latest trends and developments.

•Financial Times: The FT provides in-depth coverage of global economic news, with a focus on markets, business, and finance.

•Yahoo Finance: This online financial news portal offers a wide range of news and analysis on global markets, with real-time stock quotes, market data, and expert insights.

Compiled and Organized by: Abdalla Haji