GHANA: Promise to stay on target, but fiscal risks loom large
On 29 July, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented the mid-year budget review – an annual exercise mandated by law – in parliament. Unlike in previous years, Ofori-Atta did not introduce additional taxes to make up for a revenue shortfall incurred in H1, nor did he request a s… Become a member to read the […]
SOUTH AFRICA: Spending for social peace
To keep the peace, the government has announced fiscal support for the poor and business in the wake of recent unrest; it has also averted a potentially disruptive public-sector strike by finalizing a wage deal. The government has been at pains to stress the fiscally neutr… Become a member to read the rest of […]
ZAMBIA: High-stakes elections
The main concern about the 12 August general elections is to what extent they will be free and fair, increasing the risk of electoral violence and disputes. Although the presidential poll should be opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema’s to lose, the playing field has been … Become a member to read the rest of this […]
SOUTH AFRICA: Ripple effects of unrest
President Cyril Ramaphosa is under massive pressure to tackle the fallout from nine days of unprecedented unrest and looting by cleaning up the party and cabinet. Although the government’s initial security response to the mayhem was too little too late, the deployment of m… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: Third pandemic wave hits hardest
Sub-Saharan Africa remains in the grip of a fresh Covid-19 wave stretching health services and forcing some governments to re-impose at least limited restrictions. Following major supply disruption in Q2, the region’s vaccine pipeline for the remainder of 2021 has improved… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: Eurobond Political Risk Monitor
Our Eurobond Political Risk Monitor, presented in the attached table, provides a go-to guide to the main political and policy issues in 17 sub-Saharan African (SSA) sovereigns that have issued Eurobonds as of July 2021. In this edition, our’Spotlights’ section looks at how intern… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SOUTH AFRICA: License to loot or higher degree of coordination?
The #FreeZuma unrest has wreaked widespread destruction, first and foremost in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. For now, KZN remains in critical condition, though in Gauteng and elsewhere the unrest appears to be subsiding. Key signals to watch over the coming days will be… Become a member to read the rest of this article
COTE D’IVOIRE: Bedie and Gbagbo solidify their alliance
Over the weekend, former presidents Laurent Gbagbo (76; 2000-2011) and Henri Konan Bedie (87; 1993-1999) met at Bedie’s rural estate in Douakro. The former arch enemies’ very public meeting solidifies an opposition alliance that has been in the making since 2019. It is far from c… Become a member to read the rest of […]
SOUTH AFRICA: Unrest is bigger than Zuma but when will it die down?
Unrest may continue at least for the next few days, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), after ex-president Jacob Zuma was remanded in custody for contempt of court. Zuma’s imprisonment was the spark that has ignited the #freeZuma and #shutdown unrest, but the disturbances… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SOUTH AFRICA: Beyond Zuma, Ramaphosa has a KZN problem
Ex-president Jacob Zuma topped the agenda at the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) on 5 July. Zuma has lodged a last-minute appeal against a 15-month prison sentence for failing to appear before the Zondo commission on state capture. The Constitutional Court will now hear a … Become a member to read the rest of […]