Ethiopia, World Bank Ink $250m Finance Deal

Jun 20 , 2020


The International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank's lending wing that provides lower interest rates, and Ethiopia have signed a 250-million-dollar loan and grant agreement. The agreement was signed over a video call between the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and Carolyn Turk, the World Bank country director for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan, who is based in Addis Abeba. The funding will be used for combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and helping the country accomplish its Second Growth & Competitiveness Programmatic Development Schedule. Half of the loan is a grant, while the remaining is a loan. The agreement is set to encourage private sector participation and promote good governance. It is further expected to support the change and transition the country is currently undergoing, according to a statement from the World Bank. The World Bank plans to deploy up to 160 billion dollars over the course of over a year to help more than 100 countries. This is aimed at protecting the poor and vulnerable, supporting businesses and bolstering economic recoveries.


Radar

Fitch Downgrades Lemmi National Cement Investor

Fitch Ratings has lowered West China Cement Limited's (WCC) credit rating due to concerns over its financial health and operating environment in Ethiopia. The company's Long-Term Issuer Default Rating has been downgraded to 'B-' from 'B+', and its senior unsecured rating has been reduced to 'CCC+'. WCC's free cash flow is expected to remain negative in 2024, primarily due to high capital expenditures and challenges in generating sufficient revenue. The company faces significant operating risk...


Radar

Ethiopia Seals Currency Swap Deal with China

Ethiopia and China have agreed to use their respective currencies for bilateral trade, a move aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and addressing foreign exchange challenges. The announcement was made by Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide following the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting in Beijing. He revealed that the central banks of both countries are finalizing the details of the currency swap agreement, similar to the one Ethiopia signed with the United Arab...


Radar

USAID Launches National Youth SACCOs

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Integrated Youth Activity (IYA), Kefeta, has reached a milestone in its youth empowerment efforts. The Amref Health Africa-led project has successfully established youth-owned and managed Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in 18 cities. The Kefeta Youth SACCO, now operational on a national scale, has already garnered substantial membership and savings. With over 7,800 members, 38,900 shares sold, and nearly 60 million Br in...


Back
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email