A strong fiscal position is necessary to achieve strong economic growth, build resilience to shocks, and liberate Africa from its current pickle. Many African countries are still dealing with post-pandemic financial stressors—high borrowing costs and re-financing risks—and middling politics. This is consistent with the broad emerging market trend of rising public debt burden, rising much…
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Money begets money. That is the logical justification for debt accumulation. The pursuit of economic prosperity or at least survival amidst limited economic growth explains why countries borrow. Debt is considered a stimulant – borrow, invest in productive activities, and reap the benefits of growth. However, as countries emerge from the troughs of the pandemic-induced…
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When the cryptocurrency craze hit the world, currency regulators – Central Banks around the world – feared that their worst fears had been actualized. A currency they had no control over had been created, giving people an alternative to fiat currencies. As cryptocurrencies gained increasing popularity in countries around the world, especially populous ones like…
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A financial revolution is underway. Tesla cars can now be purchased with bitcoin and prominent investment managers are including cryptocurrencies into their portfolios. In another landmark moment in cryptocurrencies making history, the biggest US cryptocurrency exchange– Coinbase (COIN)- went live with its direct listing on Nasdaq. You can say Coinbase took the revolution to the…
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The blue economy is at risk and China is a major culprit. China is the kingpin of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) globally. Although fish do not necessarily observe national maritime boundaries, migratory fish are some of the most economically valuable and are thus extensively targeted. Increasing unlawful fish catches means fewer fish will…
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The year 2021 has gotten off to a bitter-sweet start on the global front. The de-escalation of the Gulf-Qatar tensions, the surge in Chinese demand, and the upbeat risk-sentiment that have supported rallies in emerging markets and commodities markets, have created a semblance of a return to stability. On the flip side, the adverse realities…
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After months of skirmishes and failed negotiations, the United States and China officially effected the implementation of steep tariffs on exports from each other. More than 800 Chinese goods worth a total of US$34bn/annum will attract a 25% import tariff in the US. In retaliation, China has imposed import tariffs of the same measure on…
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