Business
IMF Executive Board Concludes the 2013 Article IV Consultation with Cote d’Ivoire
ABIDJAN – On December 6, 2013, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2013 Article IV consultation with Côte d’Ivoire.1
Côte d’Ivoire is recovering from a long period of economic stagnation and political conflict that culminated in the post-election crisis of end-2010 and early 2011. The conflict caused real per capita income to fall by more than 40 percent from its 1978 peak level, and the poverty rate rose to close to 50 percent, from 37 percent in 1995. Following the post-election crisis, the new government started the process of sociopolitical normalization, and quickly put in place an economic recovery program. This program, which is anchored on the 2012–15 National Development Plan, has been supported by the IMF under the Extended Credit Facility.
The socio-political situation has improved substantially in the last two years, but challenges remain. The country is now administratively reunified and a full election cycle has been completed, while insecurity has declined. Steps have been taken to incorporate former combatants into the security forces and the civil service. Progress towards political reconciliation and restoring social cohesion continues, but remains difficult.
The authorities have made considerable progress toward achieving their objective of boosting medium-term growth to raise living standards and raise the economy’s profile to emerging market status by 2020. Sizable external financial support, including in the form of debt relief as a result of reaching the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative Completion Point, a large fiscal stimulus, and renewed private sector confidence helped limit the 2011 recession to 4.7 percent and spurred a 9.8 percent rebound in economic growth in 2012. Average inflation declined from 4.9 percent in 2011 to 1.3 percent in 2012. The overall fiscal deficit narrowed from 5.7 percent of GDP in 2011 to 3.4 percent of GDP in 2012. The current account balance moved into deficit, driven by a surge in investment-related imports and the strong economic rebound.
The strong growth momentum has carried forward to 2013, underpinned by strong public investment but also a resumption of private investment. Growth is projected to reach 8.7 percent in 2013, while inflation is expected to remain below the regional convergence criterion of 3 percent. The overall fiscal deficit is expected to further tighten to about 2.7 percent of GDP. Reflecting the economic activity, imports will continue to rise and the external current account to widen, financed by foreign direct investment and other capital inflows.
The authorities are implementing a wide range of structural reforms, notably, to improve the business climate, enhance revenue mobilization and public financial management, strengthen the energy and financial sectors, and reduce poverty.
Executive Board Assessment2
Executive Directors commended Côte d’Ivoire’s good performance under the Fund-supported program. Growth has rebounded, supported by a surge in public investment and an upturn in business and consumer confidence, and inflation has remained moderate. Considerable progress has also been made in structural reforms. While the medium-term economic outlook is positive, Directors underscored that sound policies and reforms continue to be key to the ambitious growth and poverty-reduction objectives of the authorities’ National Development Plan.
Directors commended progress in reducing the fiscal deficit. Continued fiscal prudence remains critical to open up budgetary room for needed infrastructure and social spending. Efforts should be aimed at boosting revenue mobilization, including by curtailing exemptions and broadening the tax base. Putting the wage bill on a sustainable financial path will also be important.
Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to reinforce public financial management and take steps to shore up the financial position of the electricity sector.
Directors noted that the banking system is generally sound, but it should be strengthened to broaden financial access and development. They advised the authorities to accelerate implementation of the planned financial sector reform strategy, including a stricter enforcement of prudential regulations and a prompt resolution of troubled public banks.
Directors emphasized the need to preserve external stability through prudent foreign borrowing and debt management. To this end, they looked forward to finalization of a medium-term debt strategy. Regarding the government’s intention to issue a Eurobond, Directors recommended obtaining a sovereign rating prior to issuance and stressed the need to assess carefully market conditions before the bond is issued.
Directors underscored that deeper reforms are necessary to improve the business climate and governance. To attract foreign and domestic investors, priority should be given to strengthening the legal framework and reducing the amount of public procurement granted to non-competitive bids.
Nigeria’s inflation rate surged to 33.88% in October 2024, up from 32.7% in September, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Friday.
The month-on-month increase of 1.18 percentage points marks yet another strain on the nation’s economy, with transportation and food costs cited as the main drivers of inflation.
READ MORE: Rivers, Anambra Judges Suspended As NJC Takes Disciplinary Action
Steep Year-on-Year Increase
Compared to October 2023, when the inflation rate stood at 27.33%, the October 2024 figure reflects a significant rise of 6.55 percentage points. This sustained upward trend highlights the worsening cost-of-living crisis for Nigerians.
Month-on-Month Breakdown
Inflation on a month-on-month basis also showed an uptick, rising to 2.64% in October 2024 from 2.52% in September. The faster rate of price increases further underscores the growing economic pressure on households.
Food Inflation Soars to 39.16%
Food inflation, a major component of the headline rate, reached 39.16% in October 2024, up from 31.52% in the same month last year.
The increase was driven by higher prices of staple items, including: Cereals and Tubers: Guinea Corn, Rice, Maize Grains, Yam, Water Yam, and Coco Yam. Oils and Fats: Palm Oil and Vegetable Oil. Beverages: Milo, Lipton, and Bourvita.
On a month-on-month basis, food inflation rose by 0.30 percentage points to 2.94% in October, up from 2.64% in September.
Price hikes in Palm Oil, Vegetable Oil, Fish, Meat, and Bread categories were major contributors.
Annual Food Inflation Hits 38.12%
The average annual food inflation rate over the past 12 months climbed to 38.12%, a sharp increase of 11.79 percentage points from the 26.33% recorded in October 2023.
The consistent rise in inflation, particularly food and transportation costs, continues to erode the purchasing power of Nigerians.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed the view that support of both Nigerians and the government for the Dangote Refinery, would enable the giant refinery to perform optimally.
It added that such support will also serve as an impetus for other investors to invest in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry in Nigeria.
The President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, who made the call after a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Petrochemical Complex and Fertilizer Plant advocated that Nigerians and the government should do all they can to support the multi-billion-dollar company, which he described as a source of pride and a gift not only to Nigeria but also to the African continent and the whole world.
He described the Dangote Refinery as a game-changer in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, saying that it is not only creating jobs and driving economic growth but also contributing to our nation’s energy security and self-sufficiency.
According to him, the project is quite inspiring, and he admired the inspiration of the promoter of the project, Aliko Dangote.
He said, “To have been inspired to establish this facility is very magnificent, it is the first ever in Africa and the first ever of such refinery in the whole world. It has many first, first and first.”
ALSO READ: Petrol Prices To Drop As IPMAN, Dangote Strike Supply Deal
The company has the capacity to produce all our needs locally, petroleum, and other similar products: no one would come to the facility and he would not be inspired or encouraged to ensure that all the support that the company requires should be given to it.
The MAN President said the government should do all that is humanly possible to ensure that the facility works Optimally. “It is prudent and expedient that the necessary supports are given to the company for the economic benefits of Nigeria.
“If the facility can produce 650,000 barrels of crude per day and Nigeria is producing far above this volume per day, she should give the facility all crude it needed to produce”.
He noted that apart from the fact that the facility can give Nigerians what they need locally, the excess will be exported, and when they are exported, the country benefits because it will earn foreign exchange for the government.
“So, whichever way we look at it, the facility requires the government’s support to be able to operate optimally. We have seen the laboratory which is in a class of its own. It is first among equals around the world. It is functioning very well. It is a complex on its own.
“With this kind of facility that starts from quality control to quality assurance, just to ensure that the harmful effects of the products are at zero level, what can be greater than this? This is very unique and I will encourage all stakeholders to give maximum support, and not by the way support, but maximum support.
“I cannot see anything that is lacking in this company, we have been here since morning and went through all the units. The facility can deliver products between 1760 trucks to 1800 trucks per day. So if you have such several trucks going out of the facility a day to various destinations in Nigeria, so many people will benefit from it. There will be more jobs, many families will be comfortable because of the jobs this will create, many artisans will benefit and it will have a spillover effect on so many sectors of the economy.
“If they can produce AGO, gasoline and Jet A fuel, this is good and the government should have no reason not to ensure the facility gets its backing to carry out its activities, because it is going to benefit massively,” he added.
The MAN boss who stated that his organization is an advocacy group, said to a large extent it will support the Dangote Refinery by pushing its case with the government, and also solicit the support of necessary government agencies that can ensure that it operates fully.
The association, he said, always discusses with the government issues that affect its members and it has always listened to it , and always finds solutions to those issues, stating further that Dangote Refinery’s case will not be different.
“The sheer scale and ambition of this project is truly impressive, and we applaud the vision and determination of the Dangote Group in making this refinery a reality.
As manufacturers, we understand the importance of reliable and affordable energy in driving our businesses forward. The Dangote Refinery will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the entire manufacturing value chain, providing a reliable source of fuel and petrochemical products that are essential for capacity utilisation and value addition.
“I believe that the success of the Dangote Refinery serves as an inspiration to all of us in the manufacturing sector. It demonstrates what is possible when we combine innovation, technology, and investment to create world-class facilities that benefit the entire nation,” he asserted.
Bitcoin surpassed the $91,000 mark for the first time on Wednesday, continuing its postelection momentum as traders digested the latest U.S. inflation data.
The cryptocurrency climbed over 2% in trading, reaching a high of $91,705.
READ ALSO: Massive Blaze Ravages Eco Fitness Hub In Abuja
The surge came after the October Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed prices increased by 0.2%, bringing the annual inflation rate to 2.6%, a result that was largely in line with analysts’ expectations.
The steady inflation data fueled investor confidence in assets like Bitcoin, which is often viewed as a hedge against inflation due to its limited supply.
Bitcoin’s recent rally has coincided with a broader uptick in risk assets since the U.S. presidential election.
Investors seem optimistic that fiscal policies under the new administration could drive further growth in the crypto market, though some remain cautious about inflationary pressures.
Other major cryptocurrencies followed Bitcoin’s upward trajectory.
Ether and Solana both saw gains of around 1%.
Dogecoin, meanwhile, soared by 8%, building on its postelection boost.
The meme-inspired token has seen increased attention following the news that Tesla CEO Elon Musk played a role in President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign and has join his administration,
Analysts say that this shift could continue as inflation and fiscal policy debates evolve in the months ahead.
Gas Explosion in Katsina Filling Station Damages Six Vehicles
ECOWAS Court Throws Out ₦5m Police Torture Suit By Nigerian Citizen
JUST IN: Inflation Woes Continue As Nigerian Rates Climb To 33.88%
Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit Seeking To Abolish EFCC
Police Recover N2.3m Extorted From Abuja Resident, Officers Detained
Rivers, Anambra Judges Suspended As NJC Takes Disciplinary Action
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
