Namibian president will stifle internal challenges

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Land Reform ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Fall Armyworm ◽  
Budget Cuts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Chinese Business ◽  
Political Dominance

Significance Despite President Hage Geingob's political dominance, he faces challenges on several fronts: a stuttering economy, precarious negotiations with Germany over potential genocide reparations and calls for radical land reform. Impacts Forthcoming budget cuts may undermine development targets in the Harambee Prosperity Plan. Further damaging findings regarding SME Bank -- recently taken over by the central bank -- may implicate senior SWAPO politicians. A corruption scandal involving a Chinese business associate could embarrass the president. Flooding in the north of the country and a fall armyworm outbreak represent major risks to the agricultural sector.

Violence threatens Russian stability plan for Dagestan

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Shadow Economy ◽  
National Guard ◽  
North Caucasus ◽  
Budget Cuts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Militant Groups

Subject Russian subsidies as a way of pacifying Dagestan. Significance Moscow's policy of subsidising the North Caucasus is designed to starve Islamic militant groups of recruits and funding by reducing unemployment and curbing the shadow economy. Dagestan's ethnic complexity and long-standing militant presence make it a particular flashpoint. Its leader has identified economic progress as the best way of countering insurgent activity, but a recent spate of attacks has shown the limits of this strategy. Impacts Police and military components of the new National Guard are likely to be deployed to support Dagestan's police. Budget cuts may prompt Moscow to rethink its strategy of injecting funds into Dagestan, especially as attacks continue. Other regions of the Russian Federation will argue that they too deserve higher funding from Moscow.

New Ukrainian cabinet raises fears of slowing reform

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Land Reform ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
Obvious Reason ◽  
The Government

Subject Ukraine's reshuffle. Significance A new cabinet was unveiled on March 4 after the resignation of Prime Minister Olexiy Honcharuk. The reshuffle was carried out in a hurry with no obvious reason for such haste. Honcharuk's team is being blamed for some problems that long pre-date its five-month tenure. President Volodymyr Zelensky may be seeking to shore up his formerly sky-high popularity ratings, which fell below 50% in early February. Impacts The dismissal of Prosecutor General Ruslan Ryaboshabka will add to concerns about the commitment to fight corruption. The government reshuffle has more implications for the economy than for the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Zelensky has tried to get a land reform passed; he may be less keen if it is liable to reduce his popularity. The reshuffle may be a sacrifice made to maintain disparate loyalties in Zelensky's Servant of the People party. A further fall in inflation would let the central bank keep cutting interest rates.

New Sudan cabinet will entrench economic stagnation

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Investment ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
Economic Sanctions ◽  
Economic Hardship ◽  
Budget Cuts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The North ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Economic Stagnation

Subject Sudan's new cabinet. Significance The prime minister has appointed a new unity government, in accordance with a disputed 'national dialogue' framework completed last year. For the past five years, Sudan has been facing the combined economic pressures of budget cuts, reduced foreign investment, a weakening currency and rising inflation. The former government pushed through some subsidy cuts, despite public protests over the ensuing economic hardship. In January, Washington announced a lifting of economic sanctions on Sudan, raising Khartoum's hopes that it will become easier to attract foreign investment. Impacts Gulf institutions will provide new financing for energy and infrastructure projects. Mining and agriculture opportunities in the north and centre of the country could also attract some new investment. However, major Western companies will remain wary of doing business in Sudan.

Low corporate lending reflects Russian growth outlook

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Corporate Credit ◽  
Corporate Borrowing ◽  
Credit Demand

Subject Corporate lending in Russia. Significance Corporate credit remained low in 2019. Government officials say the banks should be lending more to corporates to boost investment and hence growth, and reduce excessive lending to consumers who are liable to get into distress. The recent lowering of the key interest rate to 6.5% is intended to encourage corporate borrowing generally, and the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is adopting more nuanced regulatory policies to encourage corporate lending to potentially risky but economically desirable customers such as smaller businesses and farms. Impacts Slower-than-expected corporate credit growth could endanger the six-year plan's target of an investment-to-GDP ratio of 25% in 2024. The CBR's new approach to prudential regulation will alter banks' lending strategies. Credit demand from small and medium-sized enterprises and the agricultural sector will be helped by loan subsidies from the state.

Addressing gender disparities through farming organisations in Malawi

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-375
Author(s):  
Charlie Ager
Keyword(s):  
Land Reform ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Women Farmers ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
Governmental Agencies ◽  
Agrarian Economy ◽  
And Control

Purpose – This study aims to explore how Farming Organisations (FOs) have utilised collective action to overcome the barriers that undermine women farmers’ participation in the agrarian economy in Malawi. Design/methodology/approach – Key informant interviews were conducted with 17 stakeholders from across relevant governmental departments, non-governmental agencies, commercial agricultural organizations and FO officials. Focus groups discussions were conducted with women participants from five FOs. Findings – Analysis identified barriers to women farmer’s full participation in the agricultural sector in three domains: structural (concerning land ownership and control), material (concerning access to agricultural services and markets) and socio-cultural (regarding gender roles and responsibilities). Malawian FOs demonstrated strength in addressing material barriers and in fostering re-alignment of socio-cultural conventions, but have not, to date, effectively engaged in structural issues of land reform. Research limitations/implications – Research was conducted with a limited number of stakeholders and FOs identified through snowball sampling. There is potential for findings to be non-representative of the country as a whole, and more systematic study of FOs in Malawi is warranted to determine the generalisability of observed trends. Practical implications – The study draws attention to the crucial importance of action regarding land reform if women are to be more effectively and equitably engaged in the agrarian economy in Malawi. Originality/value – The paper is an examination of the experience of women farmers in Malawi and speaks to the potential contribution of FOs in addressing the challenges they face.

Bankarization in the first European cities with an equal number of Muslim and Christian inhabitants

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 554-580
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Pérez-Castro ◽  
Miguel Ángel Montero-Alonso ◽  
Akram Abderrahman-Azaar
Keyword(s):  
North Coast ◽  
Content Type ◽  
European Cities ◽  
The North ◽  
Financial Depth ◽  
Financial Framework ◽  
European Banks ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Different Cultures ◽  
Near Future

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the situation of the financial system in the Spanish-governed cities of Melilla and Ceuta, Christian and Muslim cities located on the north coast of Africa, and compared it with the mean bankarization level in the rest of Spain in 2000-2015. Design/methodology/approach Although different calculation methods have been proposed, most authors agree that the bankarization level of a country or a territory reflects the development of the society as a whole and has a positive correlation with economic growth. The indicators of financial depth proposed by these researchers are not only the ratio between variables such as loans, deposits, etc., but also the ratios of these variables to the population and the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country or territory. Findings The results obtained revealed that there are differences between these two North African Spanish cities. Furthermore, the financing gap between the mean bankarization levels of these cities and those of mainland Spain was found to be even larger than most of the other economic indicators (GDP per capita and the unemployment rate). Practical implications The authors are convinced that the manuscript is a contribution of great interest for serving pilot experience in cities wishing to offer a development of traditional banking and Islamic banking. The paper should be of interest to readers in the areas of finance systems and commercial banks where two different cultures coexist. Originality/value This is the first research study on the financial framework of European cities whose populations have an approximately equal percentage of Christians and Muslims. The data reflected the existence of savings and loan methods parallel to conventional banking. The conclusion was that in the near future, it would be advisable for European banks to take into account the cultural customs and religious practices of potential Muslim clients.

The problems facing agricultural sector in Zanzibar and the prospects of Waqf-Muzar’ah-supply chain model

Humanomics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Issa Salim Moh’d ◽  
Mustafa Omar Mohammed ◽  
Buerhan Saiti
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Financial Models ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Interest ◽  
Supply Chain Model ◽  
The Government ◽  
Clove Industry

Purpose This paper aims to identify the appropriate model to address the financial challenges in agricultural sector in Zanzibar. Since the middle of 1960, clove production has continually and significantly decreased because of some problems and challenges that include financial ones. The financial intermediaries such as banks, cooperatives and micro-enterprises provide micro-financing to the farmers with high interest rates along with collateral requirements. The numerous programmes, measures and policies adopted by the relevant parties to find out the solutions to the dwindling clove production have failed. Design/methodology/approach The authors will review and examine several existing financial models, identify the issues and challenges of the current financial models and propose an appropriate Islamic financing model. Findings The numerous programmes, measures and policies adopted by the relevant parties to find out the solutions to the dwindling clove production have failed. This study, therefore, proposed a Waqf-Muzara’ah-supply chain model to address the financial challenge. Partnership arrangement is also suggested in the model to mitigate the issues of high interest rates and collateral that constrains the financial ability of the farmers and their agricultural output. Originality/value The contribution of the agricultural sector to the economic development of Zanzibar Islands is considerable. As one of the important agricultural sectors, the clove industry was the economic backbone of the government of Zanzibar. This study is believed to be a pioneering work; hence, it is the first study that investigates empirically the challenges facing the clove industry in Zanzibar.

The gamification of trust: the case of China’s “social credit”

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahy Ramadan
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Credit Rating ◽  
Rating System ◽  
Credit System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Credit ◽  
Chinese Business ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
New Business

Purpose China is establishing a social credit rating system with the aim to score the trust level of citizens. The scores will be based on an integrated database that includes a vast range of information sources, rating aspects like professional conduct, corruption, type of products bought, peers’ own scores and tax evasion. While this form of gamification is expected to have dire consequences on brands and consumers alike, the literature in that particular area of interest remains non-existent. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework is suggested that highlights early on the risks and implications on brands and companies operating in that particular upcoming landscape. Findings The gamification of trust that the social credit system focuses on presents potential risks on brand and consumer relationships. This in turn will affect brand sustainability vis-à-vis the expected drastic changes in the Chinese business landscape. This study suggests the strategies to follow which will be of high interest to companies, consumers, as well as to the Chinese authorities during and after implementation stage. Originality/value This paper is amongst the first to discuss the potential effects of the Chinese social credit rating system on brands. The conceptual framework fills a sizeable gap in the literature and pioneers the discussion on potential dilemmas brands will be faced with within this new business landscape.

Agripreneurship development: a strategy for revamping Nigeria’s economy from recession

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 474-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Innocent Otache
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Economic Crisis ◽  
Leadership Failure ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
Creativity And Innovation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore agripreneurship development as a strategy for economic growth and development. Design/methodology/approach Though a few related literature were reviewed, this paper relies heavily on the author’s viewpoint regarding how Nigeria can grow and develop its economy through agripreneurship development. Findings The present economic challenges that Nigeria is facing are blamed on overdependence on the oil sector, bad governance, corruption, leadership failure, policy inconsistency, overdependence on imported goods and ostensible neglect of the agricultural sector. Also, policymakers, economic analysts and the government have advocated strongly for diversification of the economy. Besides, there is a consensus among scholars, economic analysts and policymakers that “agriculture is the answer.” Research limitations/implications This paper addresses specifically one sector of the economy – the agricultural sector. On the other hand, economic crisis needs to be addressed holistically by resolving specific issues that confront different sectors of the economy. Practical implications This paper has some insightful policy and practical implications for the Nigerian Government and Nigerians. The government and Nigerians need to take practical steps to grow and develop the economy. On the part of the government, apart from the need to transform the agricultural sector by allocating enough funds to it, the government should establish well-equipped agripreneurship development centers and organize periodically agripreneurship development programmes for the main purpose of training and developing both current and potential agripreneurs who will be able to apply today’s agricultural techniques and practices which involve a great deal of creativity and innovation for a successful agribusiness. The federal government should integrate agripreneurship education into Nigeria’s education system. Similarly, the Nigerian people, particularly the youths or graduates should be encouraged to choose agribusiness as a career. Originality/value While previous papers have offered different solutions to the current economic crisis that Nigeria is experiencing, ranging from economic to structural reforms, this paper differs significantly from others by recommending specifically agripreneurship development as a strategy for revamping Nigeria’s economy from its current recession. Moreover, there is a dearth of literature on agripreneurship and agripreneurship development. This paper therefore fills the literature gap.

Proposed Mexican financial legislation sparks concerns

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Legal Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Investor Confidence ◽  
Potential Impact

Significance The move, however, has proven controversial, generating a backlash over its potential impact on commercial banks and the central bank (Banxico), which sees it as a threat to its autonomy. The proposals come amid an unusual surge in remittances flowing into the country. Impacts Any legal change that is seen as affecting Banxico’s autonomy would damage investor confidence significantly. AMLO may stop legislation changes if they cause a depreciation of the peso. Mexico’s economy looks set to become far more reliant on remittance income than it has been in past years.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document