IMF projects 3.8% growth rate for Sub-Saharan Africa, 2.8% for Ghana

The International Monetary Fund is projecting a moderate 3.8% growth rate for Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 amid prolonged fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a modest upward revision since October 2022, and higher than the 2.8% it forecast for Ghana. It has firmed its 2.8% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Ghana in 2023

According to its January 2023 World Economic Outlook, the small upward revision for 2023 (0.1 percentage point) reflects Nigeria’s rising growth in 2023 due to measures to address insecurity issues in the oil sector.

In South Africa, by contrast, after a COVID-19 reopening rebound in 2022, the IMF projected growth more than halves in 2023, to 1.2 percent, reflecting weaker external demand, power shortages, and structural constraints.

Global growth to fall to 2.9%

Meanwhile, global growth, estimated at 3.4% in 2022, is projected to fall to 2.9% in 2023 before rising to 3.1% in 2024.

Compared with the October forecast, the estimate for 2022 and the forecast for 2023 are both higher by about 0.2 percentage point, reflecting positive surprises and greater-than-expected resilience in numerous economies.

Negative growth in global Gross Domestic Product or global GDP per capita—which often happens when there is a global recession—is not expected.

Nevertheless, global growth projected for 2023 and 2024 is below the historical (2000–19) annual average of 3.8%.

The forecast of low growth in 2023, the report, said reflects the rise in central bank rates to fight inflation–– especially in advanced economies––as well as the war in Ukraine.

Comments

Fitch Solutions retains 2025 growth rate projection at 4.2%

Fitch Solutions has reaffirmed its projection that Ghana’s economy will expand by 4.2% in 2025. This estimate slightly exceeds the International Monetary Fund’s forecast of 4% and the World Bank’s projection of 3.9%. The UK-based research firm attributes its outlook to historically high gold prices, which are expected to cushion the Ghanaian economy against a global slowdown triggered by rising tariffs. Higher gold prices are anticipated to strengthen government revenue, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and help sustain currency stability. The report also highlights that Ghana is relatively less vulnerable to increasing trade restrictions from the United States, given that its primary exports—gold and crude oil—are not directly affected by the tariffs introduced by President Trump’s administration. Moreover, the US constitutes only about 4% to 5% of Ghana’s total exports. In contrast, Ghana’s trade relations are more heavily oriented toward China and European countries, particul...

BoG injects $20m into FX market to support 11 BDCs

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has injected $20 million into the foreign exchange market in the latest round of its forward FX auction targeted at Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs). The intervention, which benefited eleven BDCs, is part of the central bank’s broader strategy to stabilise the cedi and ensure price stability in the petroleum downstream sector. Held on Tuesday, April 29, the auction was priced at a locked exchange rate of GHS 14.28 to the US dollar, with bid offers ranging from GHS 13.85 to GHS 15.55. This move reflects the BoG’s continued effort to deepen forex liquidity and safeguard the domestic fuel supply chain against volatility in global energy markets. By directly supplying FX to BDCs, the central bank seeks to ease pressure on the interbank market, guarantee the uninterrupted flow of petroleum products, and mitigate the pass-through effects of exchange rate fluctuations on fuel prices. The $20 million disbursement forms part of a $120 million programme for th...

Kenpong Travel & Tours Champions Breast Cancer Awareness During Customer Week

As part of activities to mark Customer Week, Kenpong Travel & Tours, a leading travel agency in Ghana, is joining the global fight against breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the company is passionate about spreading hope and support to those affected. At Kenpong Travel & Tours, we believe that travel and exploration can be therapeutic and empowering. That's why we're committed to supporting our customers and the broader community in the fight against breast cancer. We're proud to stand in solidarity with breast cancer warriors and survivors. At Kenpong Travel & Tours, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to explore the world and create unforgettable memories. Let's prioritize health, support one another, and fight against breast cancer," said Kennedy Agyapong, CEO of Kenpong Travel & Tours. Our efforts are focused on raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. We urg...

Kofi Ahovi

Search This Blog