Ethiopia Amidst the Global Economic Struggle, the Quest for Sustainable Remedies

Jun 17 , 2023
By Asseged G. Medhin

---

Developing countries have disproportionately felt pressure as the world grapples with post-Covid economic instability. High inflation rates are wreaking havoc from Zimbabwe to Venezuela, with prices of goods and services on a seemingly uncontrollable upward trajectory. Economic solutions, which traditionally emerged from Europe and the US, are now eluding experts globally, as models that once stood the test of time now fail to map out the road to recovery.

In a world that has been dealing with upheaval for more than half a decade, from the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic through geopolitical tensions and now on the brink of a potential global recession, the relentless rise of inflation is looming as the next significant hurdle for policymakers. With inflation reaching double digits in Western economies - and even more alarming levels in many developing nations - the pressure is on for a solution that appears increasingly elusive.

In the developing world, from Argentina to Sudan and from Turkey to Iran, the inflationary spiral is intensifying, resulting in rising living costs, income inequalities, and pleas for tax relief from businesses. In Ethiopia, historically more sheltered from such external factors, inflationary pressures are intensifying, with rates climbing between 35pc and 45pc. On the receiving end are countries with high populations, as the price hike has been most notable in essential sectors such as food, energy, housing, and transport.

Against this backdrop, Japan stands as an outlier. Its stringent price control measures, coupled with negative interest rates and a predominantly ageing population, are expected to hold inflation at just 1.4pc in 2023, a commendable feat given the prevailing global economic climate.

As we unravel the web of contributing factors, it becomes clear that the pandemic is not solely to blame.

Rising supply chain costs, fueled by high energy prices, are slowly filtering through various industries, causing a knock-on effect exacerbating inflation. Shifts in labour market trends, such as job availability and wage increases, fuel these inflationary pressures.

Further complicating matters is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which, unless resolved, continues to pose a lingering threat to global economic stability. Predicting its future ramifications is a task even the most seasoned forecasters are approaching with caution, emphasising the uncertainty that looms over the global economy.

In response, central banks worldwide have initiated a concerted effort to curb inflation, hiking interest rates in a synchronised move not witnessed in over 50 years. The Bank of England, the US Federal Reserve, and the European Central Bank (ECB) have all made adjustments to respond to the pressures of inflation. This approach, however, may not be sufficient to return global inflation to pre-pandemic levels.

Investors now anticipate central banks raising global monetary-policy rates to almost four percent through 2023, representing an increase of over two percentage points from their 2021 average.

However, the fear is that the expected trajectory of interest-rate increases and other policy actions may not be enough to quell the rising tide of global inflation. An increase in the core inflation rate to five percent could have profound and long-lasting impacts on the global economy, hitting emerging markets and developing economies particularly hard.

To maintain a semblance of stability in the current global economic scenario, both supply disruptions and labour-market pressures must be mitigated effectively. Policymakers and regulators worldwide are expected to step up and create robust, practical models to weather this storm.

The broad consensus suggests that achieving lower inflation rates, currency stability, and faster growth requires a fundamental policy shift, moving away from measures to reduce consumption. Instead, they aim to boost production, enhancing aggregate supply and incorporating the idle labour force into the economy. Productivity must remain at the heart of these policies, as generating and wisely allocating additional investment is crucial for growth and poverty reduction.

The world has already responded by tightening monetary and fiscal policies, which should help curb inflation. However, this approach could potentially hamper growth.

The global economy, presently in a state of deceleration following a post-recession recovery that started around 1970, is showing signs of vulnerability. A significant decline in global consumer confidence and slowing growth in the world's three largest economies — the US, China, and the euro area — suggests that even a moderate hit could push the global economy into recession in the coming year.

Lessons from history echo this concern.

The policy responses to the 1975 global recession and the ensuing period of stagflation illuminate the risks of letting inflation remain elevated while growth is weak. The 1982 global recession, which coincided with one of the lowest growth rates in developing economies, resulted in numerous debt crises and a decade of lost growth. This calls for a global economic forum that promotes open dialogue, stimulates debate, and encourages the crafting of effective policies and regulations.

Like many other developing nations, Ethiopia is not exempt from the consequences of a global recession. Its policymakers should learn from these global strategies and make informed decisions to boost the country's economic resilience, particularly in light of a possible global recession. Such daunting challenges should compel them to devise a remedial course of action.

The central bank must communicate policy decisions clearly while safeguarding its autonomy. This could help anchor inflation expectations and reduce the degree of monetary tightening required.

Fiscal authorities, in turn, will need to carefully calibrate the withdrawal of budgetary support measures, ensuring they align with monetary policy objectives. Other policymakers must join in the fight against inflation by taking robust steps to enhance supplies. Through a mix of these strategies, it might be possible to navigate these uncharted waters and guide the global economy, towards a more stable and prosperous future.

---

PUBLISHED ON Jun 17,2023 [ VOL 24 , NO 1207]

---