Finance & Economics | WPN World People News

Buoyed by falling oil prices, Kenya’s growth is projected to rise from 5.4 percent in 2014 to 6-7 percent over the next three years (2015-2017), making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa according to the latest Kenya Economic Update (KEU) published by the World Bank.

On March 4, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a US$214.73 million loan for the Serving People, Improving Health Project to support the implementation of reforms and improved service delivery in Ukraine’s health sector.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. George Tsibouris visited Antananarivo during February 18-March 4, 2015. It held discussions with the government on reforms aimed at addressing the macroeconomic pressures, accelerating growth, and achieving a durable reduction in poverty that could be supported by the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Ulrich Jacoby, visited Cabo Verde from February 19-March 4, 2015, to conduct discussions on the 2015 Article IV Consultation.

Health and employment services should intervene earlier, involve key stakeholders and ensure they work together in order to help people with mental-health issues find work and stay in a job, according to a new OECD report.

Consumer prices, selected areas

January 2015 percentage change on the same month of the previous year

On March 3, the World Bank Board of Directors approved a US$ 75 million Development Policy Loan with Jamaica which aims to strengthen support for reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and competitiveness, and public financial management.

Belizeans will strengthen the climate resilience of its Barrier Reef and adopt sustainable alternative livelihoods as a result of a US$5.53 million Adaptation Fund project approved by the Board of Directors on March 3.

Uganda's urban population will increase from six million in 2013 to over 20 million in 2040. Policy makers need to act now to ensure that this rapid urbanization is managed well, so it can contribute to Uganda’s sustainable and inclusive growth, a report released by the World Bank Group shows on March 3.

Malaysia’s well diversified economy continued to perform well in 2014. Growth accelerated to 5.9 percent, aided by robust domestic private demand and a recovery in exports. Lower energy costs helped contain inflation to 3.1 percent despite the removal of fuel subsidies and increase in electricity tariffs. Investment sustained its rising trend, reaching 26.8 percent of GDP in 2014, fueled by accommodative financial conditions and continued public spending on infrastructure. Growth is expected to moderate to 4.8 percent in 2015. Strong investment momentum should help offset headwinds from continued fiscal consolidation.