Audio By Carbonatix
South Africa’s economic recovery plans face serious constraints with growing debt of state firms domestically and capital outflows as a result of global trade tensions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Monday.
In October the global lender said it saw Africa’s most industrialised economy expanding by 0.8 percent in 2018, down from a prior forecast of 1.5 percent. South Africa’s Treasury predicts growth of 0.7 percent.
The recession-bound economy and a bleak budget in October have piled pressure on President Cyril’s Ramaphosa.
“Some of the initial optimism has dissipated as growth remains stuck in low gear and reform implementation has faced constraints,” the IMF said, naming the state power firm Eskom as a key risk.
The president’s work is made harder by cash-strapped state-owned firms, including debt-ridden Eskom, which is struggling to supply the nation’s power.
The IMF said the proposal to amend property laws to allow for expropriation without compensation should be carefully considered and be guided by lessons of international experience.
“Land reform should focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening tenure security,” said the IMF.
A parliamentary team has recommended a constitutional amendment to make it possible for the state to expropriate land without compensation.
The recommendation will now go to the national assembly for a vote.
Latest Stories
-
Confidence high as Vice President visits Black Stars ahead of Panama showdown
1 hour -
BECE 2026: Five important steps JHS graduates should take before starting SHS
1 hour -
2026 World Cup: Ghana fails in bid to have Partey’s Canada visa denial overturned
2 hours -
University of Nottingham cyberattack triggers CSA warning to Ghanaian universities
2 hours -
Ghana-South Africa Business Chamber condemns xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians
2 hours -
“US Justice Department hasn’t gotten back to Ghana that it has served Ofori-Atta” – OSP
2 hours -
Deputy Energy Minister reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to gas-led development at West Africa Gas Summit
2 hours -
Protect Ghanaians in South Africa through diplomacy – Bosome Freho MP to gov’t
2 hours -
About 49,000 Ghanaians still live in South Africa – Bosome Freho MP discloses
3 hours -
Bosome Freho MP urges South Africa to take decisive action against Xenophobic attacks
3 hours -
Mfantsipim SHS final-year student commits suicide
3 hours -
Complete Farmer launches CF Grower and CF Buyer to deepen digital agriculture in Ghana
3 hours -
Nukunu Sports Academy to support young football enthusiast until he turns 14
3 hours -
With green card, Ofori-Atta has far more protection than he had previously – Kpebu
3 hours -
Ghana Gas pays courtesy call on NPA CEO
3 hours