Latest articles on World Bank

South Sudan’s forex shortage highlights broader economic crisis

Africa David Mono Danga - 1 Sep 2020

South Sudan has nearly run out of foreign currency – and this is just the tip of a much bigger economic crisis.

Vital remittance flows plummet due to Covid-19 lockdown

Business Tshegofatso Mathe - 14 Aug 2020

Money sent home by migrant workers in South Africa fell about 80% in April after the hard lockdown was instituted

South Africa gets $4.3bn IMF loan. In return, the country must reform

Business Thando Maeko - 29 Jul 2020

The loan, which is repayable over five years at an interest rate of 1.1%, comes with various self-imposed conditions such cutting the public wage bill and rationalising support to the state-owned entities

Black lives must matter in Africa too

Africa Audrey Donkor - 19 Jul 2020

Although Africans must continue to support the Black Lives Matter movement, there is also the need for them to raise their voices against injustices in other African countries

Manuel: African nations need $40bn for debt relief

Business Thando Maeko - 18 Jun 2020

International and regional finance institutions such as the World Bank, the IMF and the AfDB have provided emergency assistance, but there still remains a funding gap to effectively fight Covid-19

Digital financial services could fast-track UN SDGs

Opinion Osahon Akpata - 27 May 2020

COMMENT The world is going through unprecedented challenges caused by a novel,...

Raila Odinga: The US and Europe cannot abandon their leadership roles

Africa Raila Odinga - 18 May 2020

Today, the whole world stands where Europe was in 1945. Europe recovered then thanks to massive international assistance. That same attitude of cooperation and solidarity is needed now more than ever

This time, the IMF is not to be feared

Coronavirus Laurent Balt & Jack Calland - 17 May 2020

The International Monetary Fund’s emergency funding is cheaper than other options and is low risk. The Reserve Bank creating money to finance government debt is a better option

World Bank report on Covid-19’s effect on education is disappointing

Coronavirus Mark Potterton - 15 May 2020

Especially in a country like South Africa with its huge inequalities, a digital divide and teacher unions

Why the public-private partnership to build Lesotho’s only specialist hospital floundered

Health Pascalinah Kabi - 13 May 2020

It was hailed as a revolution in private investment in healthcare in Africa, but almost a decade after it was opened, Lesotho’s only specialist hospital takes up almost a third of the country’s entire health budget. Now, we may finally know why

Mogajane: SA will stay on growth path

Article Thando Maeko - 29 Apr 2020

Government’s response to the coronavirus is unlikely to counteract the expected sharp decline of the country’s gross domestic product

Review: A masterful look at five decades of African development

Africa Constantine Michalopoulos - 28 Apr 2020

‘Know The Beginning Well’ is an insightful peek into the life of KY Amoako and the fascinating work he has done on the continent

Lockdown escape: Strained services struggle to rescue abused women

Article Joan Van Dyk - 23 Apr 2020

After Easter there was an uptick in domestic violence cases in the country. Shelters have lost income and social workers are having to field as many as 1000 calls a day from women who are now stuck at home with their abusive partners

Ramaphosa announces R500-billion Covid-19 package for South Africa

Article Beauregard Tromp & Sipho Kings - 21 Apr 2020

President announces an ‘extraordinary coronavirus budget’ with R20-billion for healthcare and spending on the pandemic equal to 10% of national GDP

A chance to ‘reimagine South Africa’

Article M&G Reporters - 21 Apr 2020

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to announce the government's long-awaited economic stimulus plan to deal with the effects of Covid-19. The key will be getting loans for a stimulus without ‘selling’ the country.

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Latest

National

Finance probe into the Ingonyama Trust Board goes ahead

Paddy Harper - 20 Oct 2020

The threat of legal action from ITB chairperson Jerome Ngwenya fails to halt forensic audit ordered by the land reform minister

National

Fake trafficking news targets migrants

Jan Bornman - 20 Oct 2020

Exaggerated reports on social media of human trafficking syndicates snatching people in broad daylight legitimate xenophobia while deflecting from the real problems in society

National

Female cops sent for rape counselling

khaya koko - 18 Oct 2020

Brigadier Sifiso Cele denies the rape allegations, saying that they are part of a smear campaign and that criminal charges should have been opened if the accusations were true

Press Releases

Special Reports

Corporates: A force for good for a sustainable future

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

In order to see people and nature thrive what is required is a strong focus on partnerships – we cannot act alone anymore

Special Reports

Combatting wildlife crime in Southern Africa activity annual programme statement (APS) No. 04

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

Concept papers are sought for implementating activities, for a multi-faceted programme that aims to reduce poaching and illegal trade in wildlife

Special Reports

The financial decisions made during your life journey, and their impact on your retirement outcome

special reports - 19 Oct 2020

The longer you save towards retirement the larger your retirement savings are expected to be due to the effect of compounding interest

Special Reports

In conversation with SA Reserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

'Make interest rates zero and inflation goes up and then people save less – we need savings to fund investment in this country'

Special Reports

Secure your business from cyber threats

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

Many business-grade security systems now have built-in learning systems and AI to help businesses stay up to date with protection

Special Reports

Mental Health

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

During the pandemic there's been a dramatic increase in depression, anxiety and suicides, according to some of the surveys done

Special Reports

Expert financial advice still recommended – especially in uncertain times

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

A financial advisor is an expert who will help you to protect your wealth and make a realistic plan when unexpected events threaten your wellbeing

Special Reports

What is a virtual card, and how does it work?

special reports - 15 Oct 2020

A virtual card lets you pay online without ever having to take your card from your wallet or exposing your actual account information