Banking & Financial Services News

Burkina Faso's economy grows amid security crisis; inflation falls

The economy of Burkina Faso demonstrated resilience in 2023, with a growth rate of 3.2% despite ongoing security challenges. Inflation decreased to 0.7%, attributed to declining local product prices. This marked an improvement from the previous year’s sluggish economic performance, where GDP growth was at 1.8%. The successful agricultural season contributed to the downward trend in inflation, which turned negative from May to October 2023.

By Globe Banner | Jun 27, 2024

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World Bank urges increased public health spending for sustainable growth

By Globe Banner | Jun 27, 2024

KAMPALA, June 27, 2024 — Economic activity in Uganda has remained resilient despite multiple successive shocks, with real gross domestic product (GDP) accelerating from 5.3% in FY22/23 to an estimated 6% in FY23/24, a new World Bank report notes. The expansion was driven by oil-related construction activity and the growth of the mining and quarrying sector, which benefited from sustained increases in gold prices and an improved domestic environment for artisanal mining.

World Bank reports deepening crises for Yemen's economy amid ongoing conflict

Yemen’s economy continues to face significant hurdles as ongoing conflict and regional tensions exacerbate the nation's economic and humanitarian crises, according to the World Bank’s latest Yemen Economic Monitor. Yemen's GDP is projected to contract by 1.0% in 2024, following a 2.0% contraction in 2023 and modest growth of 1.5% in 2022. Between 2015 and 2023, Yemen experienced a 54% decline in real GDP per capita, leaving the majority of Yemenis in poverty. Food insecurity affects half the population, and youth mortality rates have surged.

Zambia farmers adopt climate-smart practices boosting yields

In Zambia’s Eastern Province, Wilson Banda, a lead farmer, is teaching other farmers at a field school in Katete how planting shade trees can help nutrients in the soil and lead to better harvests.

Report underscores importance of fostering inclusive growth through Somalia's resilient private sector

NAIROBI, June 26, 2024 — Since Somalia’s private sector accounts for an estimated 95 percent of total jobs created, marshaling the private sector to support the country’s development is critical for reconstruction, transitioning from fragility, and generating more inclusive economic dividends for its people. The country also needs to focus on growth to avoid falling back into debt, create jobs, and enhance economic opportunities for citizens.

Federal Credit Union Act celebrates its 90th anniversary

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Federal Credit Union Act of 1934, signed into law by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which authorized the formation of federally chartered credit unions in all states.

World Bank calls for increased investment in Tanzania's livestock sector amid climate challenges

DAR ES SALAAM, June 2024— Tanzania's livestock sector plays a crucial role in providing livelihoods for millions of citizens, with considerable potential to also play a leading role in regional production and trade. The country’s cattle population of 36.6 million is the second largest in Africa after Ethiopia, representing 1.4% of the global cattle population and 11% of the African cattle population. Tanzania also has a large number of sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs, ranking it among the top ten on the continent in terms of overall livestock amounts.

World Bank approves $95M package for resilience and growth in Fiji

A new package of World Bank support to Fiji, approved last week, will see a major boost for the country’s fiscal, climate, and disaster resilience, as well as efforts to support private sector development.

World Bank Group debars Ernst & Young LLP Kenya over sanctionable practices

The World Bank Group (WBG) announced the 30-month debarment of Kenya-based Ernst & Young LLP (EY Kenya), which provides services including assurance, tax, consulting, advisory, and information technology. The debarment is linked to sanctionable practices within the Somali Core Economic Institutions and Opportunities Program (SCORE) and the Second Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Project (PFM II) in Somalia.

World Bank reports slowed remittance growth for LMICs in 2023

After a period of strong growth during 2021-2022, officially recorded remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) moderated in 2023, reaching an estimated $656 billion, according to the World Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief released today.

World Bank Group addresses severe food insecurity in Gaza

The World Bank Group issued a statement today expressing deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to a new report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative, of which the World Bank is a partner, 96 percent of Gaza's population—approximately 2.15 million people—are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.

NCUA releases annual report on cybersecurity measures for credit unions

By Globe Banner | Jun 25, 2024

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) released its annual Cybersecurity and Credit Union System Resilience Report today. The report provides an overview of the current cybersecurity threat landscape, highlights key cybersecurity initiatives, and details ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity preparedness and resilience within the credit union industry.

Equatorial Guinea explores pathways towards developing an inclusive digital economy

By Globe Banner | Jun 25, 2024

In the wake of new challenges and its prolonged oil dependency, Equatorial Guinea’s government is aiming for economic diversification as a key course of action for growth and stability. The adoption of digital technologies has the potential to increase the productivity of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), stimulate innovation, and create high-skilled jobs in Equatorial Guinea. Digital transformation could therefore play a critical role in diversifying Equatorial Guinea’s economy in the upcoming years.

Equatorial Guinea seeks economic diversification through strategic push towards inclusive digital transformation

By Globe Banner | Jun 25, 2024

In the wake of new challenges and prolonged oil dependency, Equatorial Guinea’s government is aiming for economic diversification as a key course of action for growth and stability. Digital transformation could play a critical role in driving diversification, financial inclusion, poverty reduction, and job creation. In 2021, the National Development Plan 2035 introduced technology and innovation as a cross-cutting theme, placing the digital economy at the center of the diversification strategy. The government is also implementing the Digital Agenda for Equatorial Guinea...

World Bank announces $700 million financing to support sustainable growth in Egypt

The World Bank has announced a US$700 million Development Policy Financing (DPF) for the Government of Egypt to support the country's transition towards increased private sector participation, enhanced macroeconomic and fiscal resilience, and a greener growth trajectory.

Philippines urged to invest more effectively in human capital

Honorable Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of NEDA, Honorable Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. of the Department of Science and Technology, other government officials, panelists of this forum, leaders of academia, civil society, the private sector, development partners, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends. Good morning.

World Bank urges Philippine investment in early childhood development

Increasing investment in children's early development will improve the well-being of all Filipinos and strengthen the country's economic potential, a World Bank report released on Monday said.

World Bank projects steady economic growth for Indonesia amid structural challenges

Indonesia’s economy is projected to grow steadily in the coming years, bolstered by increased public spending, rising business investment, and steady consumer demand, according to a new report from the World Bank.

Cambodia improves maternal-child healthcare through community-based initiatives