Other News
IMF Completes Seventh PSI Review for Senegal
DAKAR — The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the seventh review of Senegal’s economic performance under the program supported by the Policy Support Instrument (PSI).
The Board’s decision was taken on a lapse of time basis.
The PSI was approved by the Executive Board on December 3, 2010. The IMF’s framework for PSIs is designed for low-income countries that may not need, or want, IMF financial assistance, but still seek IMF advice, monitoring and endorsement of their policies. PSIs are voluntary and demand driven.
GDP growth was lower than expected in 2013, with a preliminary estimate by the authorities of 3.5 percent, reflecting lower agricultural production and temporary problems in the industrial sector and mining. In contrast, activity in the telecommunications and construction sectors was buoyant. Inflation declined to 0.7 percent on average owing to softer agricultural commodity prices in international markets. Growth is projected to increase to 4.9 percent in 2014, because of stronger activity in agriculture, mining, and industry. Inflation would remain subdued.
Program implementation has been mixed. All quantitative assessment criteria and all but one indicative targets for end-2013 were met, including on the budget deficit despite a significant revenue shortfall. However, structural reform implementation has been slow, with a number of benchmarks met after their respective deadlines.
The authorities’ intention to continue reducing the fiscal deficit from 5.5 percent of GDP in 2013 to 5.1 percent in 2014 is welcome. Strong efforts will be needed on the revenue side to offset part of the 2013 revenue shortfalls. The recent review of current and capital expenditures, with a view to identifying less productive spending to be streamlined, is welcome and a step towards increasing the efficiency of public spending and aligning the budget with the priorities of the new growth strategy. Efforts should be made to improve fiscal transparency and make fiscal accounts more meaningful. From this perspective, it is highly desirable to accelerate the implementation of the WAEMU directives on public financial management and of the plan to reform public agencies, which was approved in late 2013. The authorities’ commitment to improve transparency by being more explicit about the cost of certain transfers and subsidies, including those in favor of the energy sector, and by reporting on the implementation of the reform of public agencies is welcome.
The authorities’ new growth strategy—the Plan Sénégal Emergent— offers a good diagnostic and a vision for Senegal. Ownership of the plan at the highest level and strong support from the international community should facilitate implementation. The renewed strong commitment to preserving fiscal sustainability is welcome. In light of the poor productivity performance in recent years, the focus should be on raising economic efficiency more than increasing the volume of investment. Accelerating reforms to improve the business environment and a deep reform of the state are critical for this purpose. Reforming the state would also help create the fiscal space needed to raise public investment without jeopardizing debt sustainability.
The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse of time procedure when it is agreed by the Board that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
ALSO READ: CSR: Dangote Cement Fuels Education With Support Projects At Lagos Schools
He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
READ MORE: Vinicius Jr. Honors Cameroonian Roots Ahead Of Brazil’s Clash With Uruguay
The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Inflation Woes Continue As Nigerian Rates Climb To 33.88%
“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.
Entertainment Made Africa Look Good Despite Bad Leaders — Davido
NECO Expands Global Footprints, Accredits Niger, Equatorial Guinea Schools
Harry Kane Hits Back At Critics With Historic Hat-Trick For Bayern Munich
Angry Mob Burns Two Revenue Touts Alive After Fatal Accident In Onitsha
Ex-UN Envoy Warns Of New Cold War Threatening Africa’s Unity
EPL Confirms 2025/26 Season Dates, Introduces Player Welfare Measures
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
