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IMF/IMFC Warns Russia-Ukraine War Has Humanitarian Consequences

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The new Chair of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) issued a statement recognizing that Russia’s war against Ukraine has massive humanitarian consequences and detrimental repercussions for the global economy in Washington, DC on Thursday.

The IMFC called for a speedy resolution through diplomatic channels, including “political dialogue, negotiations, mediation and other peaceful means.”

“The statement shows that there has been a constructive and intense dialog at the IMFC as there is an agreement on all elements related to the important work of the institutions. All IMFC members welcome the Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda. There was not only consensus on the work of the institution, but also on the critical policies that members will need to take, and I should add that there was a very close engagement and dialog amongst all countries on the substantive work of the institution and its policies. If there has been a time for multilateralism, it is now. And against this truly challenging background, we need the international community to come together, stand strong, and demonstrate our full commitment to cooperation,” said Nadia Calviño in a virtual press briefing co-chaired by IMF’s Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva held in Washington, DC.

A new IMF tool created to service members needing longer maturity for longer term transformation, in particular climate change and pandemics, received significant financial backing. Twelve countries stepped forward to support the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST). Now the RST has about $40 billion in commitments which can be credibly moved towards the implementation of the trust’s goals.

“We do face a war in Europe. It is creating all the impacts, including making it possible to have a communique with everybody signing in on it. But the overwhelming majority of the membership sees this crisis as proof that we have to cooperate, compare notes on policies, find ways in which we can act in solidarity and this is why I find it remarkable that we got nearly around $40 billion in commitments the first time we openly ask for support for Resilience and sustainability trust because it is walking this talk, it is a demonstration that we need each other,” said Georgieva.

Georgieva announced yesterday (Wednesday, April 20) in her press briefing on the Global Policy Agenda that the IMF has been engaged very closely with the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance on the estimates they have provided of what would be necessary to retain the functioning of the Ukrainian economy over the next three months. The Ukrainian financial authorities came up with the number of $5 billion a month.

“Five billion is the estimate of Ministry of Finance and more broadly the financial authorities of Ukraine for what is their monthly financial gap for the next couple of months. Our staff has worked on verifying, ascertaining, whether this amount broadly is the right, the right order of magnitude, and they confirm that indeed for the observable future, for the next couple of months, this is an amount that would be necessary to provide for Ukraine’s performing its functions in terms of paying salaries, pensions, paying for social services, for the displaced population and of course, the costs that are coming up on top of the normal payments related to the war,” said Georgieva.

The IMF provided Ukraine with $1.4 billion in emergency financing that is now in the Special Drawing Rights account of Ukraine. The IMF also is starting preliminary discussions for a full-fledged program for Ukraine once the conditions in the country allow it.

Calviño concluded her remarks by emphasizing the role of the IMF in reinforcing existing instruments for financial support to middle-income and vulnerable countries.

“I would like to emphasize that there was a unanimous call on the International Monetary Fund to press ahead and to reinforce existing instruments for financial support in particular to most vulnerable countries. Not only also middle-income countries are going to be accessing some of the newly created instruments. And there was also a unanimous commitment to reinforce the common framework to making it operational and to try to have a clear concrete calendar, clear deliverables, thanks to the strong engagement of some key players,” said Calviño.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Lagos Eyes Investment Surge as Sanwo-Olu Unveils Growth Strategy

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is spearheading a bold push to attract significant investment inflow to boost the state’s economic growth.

During a Pre-Summit Investor Roundtable at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 3.0), held at Eko Hotels and Suites, the governor outlined strategic opportunities for investors.

With the theme “Invest Lagos – Investment Opportunities,” the summit was organized by the Sterling One Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment.

Attended by business leaders, chambers of commerce, and industry captains, the event underscored Lagos’ potential as a hub for economic activity.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ positive economic outlook, citing an expanding population and sustainable infrastructure as key growth drivers.

Despite challenging business environments, the state’s economy has shown resilience, welcoming new investments while sustaining existing ones.

The governor emphasized reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. He mentioned that digitizing services had reduced bureaucratic hurdles, fostering a stable business climate.

Sanwo-Olu assured potential investors of the state’s commitment to creating a supportive environment that ensures returns and security for investments.

“In the last five years, Lagos’ GDP has grown by 50 percent,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “We aim to sustain this growth and ensure the gains of the past years are not reversed.”

Sanwo-Olu identified sectors ripe for investment, including transportation, tourism, health insurance, and waterways. He expressed the government’s dedication to advancing development plans in these areas.

Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, highlighted Lagos’ economic strides, noting that the state’s GDP had increased from N27 trillion to N41 trillion in five years.

She detailed strategic investments, particularly the allocation of N550.7 billion for infrastructure in 2024, and the commitment of N44.33 billion to food security initiatives.

Sterling Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, pointed out that economic growth in Africa is often hindered by an unstable investment climate.

The summit aimed to build investor confidence by fostering trust and transparency in business environments.

“Lagos remains a leading destination for investors,” Suleiman noted. “The state provides clarity and access to markets, maintaining consistency in its investment strategies.”

Sanwo-Olu’s administration continues to focus on diversifying Lagos’ economy through strategic investments in various sectors.

The state’s proactive approach has positioned it as a global city and an emerging African financial center.

The governor’s initiative is expected to further solidify Lagos’ reputation as a prime investment destination, paving the way for sustained economic growth and development.

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Vice-President Harris Gathers Momentum as Democratic Nominee

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Vice-President Kamala Harris has secured the support needed to become the Democratic nominee for president.

This was after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election, endorsing Harris as his successor.

According to CBS News, Harris has received endorsements from over 1,976 delegates, surpassing the threshold needed to clinch the nomination in the first round of voting at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) scheduled for August.

Delegations from at least 27 states have expressed full support, showcasing a strong backing across the nation.

In her address to campaign staff in Wilmington, Delaware, Harris expressed gratitude for the widespread support, adding that she committed to uniting the party and the country.

“We have 106 days until Election Day, and in that time, we have some hard work to do,” she stated.

Harris laid out her vision for America, contrasting it with that of her likely opponent, Donald Trump.

Speaking on the direction of the campaign thus far, she said “Our campaign has always been about two different versions of what we see as the future of our country. One focuses on the future, the other focuses on the past.”

She acknowledged the accomplishments of the Biden administration, highlighting her pride in serving as vice-president.

“My time serving as vice-president was one of the greatest honors of my life,” Harris said, underscoring her dedication to continuing the work they started.

In a phone call to his campaign team, Biden praised Harris, urging his supporters to rally behind her. “I’m hoping you’ll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala,” he said.

Despite stepping back from the race, Biden vowed to remain actively involved in supporting Harris and emphasized the importance of defeating Trump, calling him “a danger to this nation.”

Harris’s nomination marks a significant milestone, but challenges remain. The campaign will focus on addressing key issues such as healthcare, climate change, and economic inequality.

With millions of dollars pouring into her campaign since Biden’s announcement, Harris aims to capitalize on the momentum and build a coalition that appeals to a broad spectrum of voters.

As the DNC approaches, Harris is expected to formally accept the nomination, solidifying her position as the Democratic leader.

The coming months will be crucial as she works to unite the party and reach out to undecided voters. With her historic nomination, Harris stands poised to make a lasting impact on the future of American politics.

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President Declines Nomination, Endorses Harris for 2024

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In a significant political announcement on his X.com account, President Joe Biden has decided to forgo the opportunity to seek re-election in 2024, instead throwing his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

The surprise move, shared with the public this morning, represents a pivotal moment in the Democratic Party’s journey toward the upcoming presidential election.

In his statement, Biden said that his choice to step aside is driven by a desire to concentrate on his remaining duties as President.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside Harris, calling her selection as his Vice President in 2020 “the best decision” he has made. “My fellow Democrats,” Biden began, “I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

The President’s announcement signifies a strategic shift in the 2024 election landscape. By endorsing Kamala Harris, Biden not only aims to consolidate support within the party but also to set the stage for a unified front against former President Donald Trump.

“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” Biden declared. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

This endorsement comes as a surprise to many, given Biden’s earlier commitment to seeking re-election.

However, it reflects a broader strategic maneuver to ensure party unity and strengthen the Democratic position in the face of a formidable opponent. By focusing on Harris, Biden aims to leverage her growing popularity and political acumen to fortify the party’s chances in the upcoming election.

Kamala Harris, who has served as Vice President since January 2021, will now be thrust into the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Her campaign is expected to build on the legacy of the current administration while addressing key issues facing the nation.

The move also raises the stakes for the Republicans, who will need to prepare for a robust campaign from a seasoned political leader in Harris.

As the 2024 election cycle ramps up, Biden’s endorsement is likely to reshape the dynamics of the race, influencing both Democratic strategies and Republican responses.

The coming months will be critical as Harris and her team work to solidify their platform and rally support from voters across the nation.

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