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Can the Global South ever escape the debt trap? The economist's view

  With the heavy debt burdens that the Global South faces, questions of economic sovereignty and equitable growth have gained increased urgency. Both the present-day global financial architecture and trade orientation provide significant barriers but also potential opportunities for these countries to break out of their debt crises. Here, this paper discusses ways through which the Global South could surmount such challenges with concrete examples that might illustrate possible pathways. The Challenge of Debt in the Global South The accumulation of debt in the Global South is no doubt linked to structural issues such as dependence on commodity exports, reliance on foreign financing, and exposure to external shocks like fluctuating exchange rates or a rise in global interest rates. The global financial architecture, dominated by institutions like the IMF and World Bank, often conditions loans on structural adjustment policies, which are then implemented with austerity measures...

When Employees Go to Court: Lessons for Rwanda's Accounting Sector

  The auditing profession thrives on the trust, reputation, and expertise of its human resources. The current research topic was brought to light through an incisive paper, entitled "When Employees Go to Court: Employee Lawsuits and Talent Acquisition in Audit Offices," that appeared in the Journal of Accounting Research and a collaboration between authors Jade Huayu Chen. Whereas this study investigates U.S.-based firms, it would seem there is much herein for teachings that may relate to what transpires in Rwanda's emerging accounting industry. Chen's study addresses the impact of employee lawsuits on audit offices. The findings indicate that these incidents damage an office's reputation and diminish its ability to attract superior professionals. An employee lawsuit, often filed for reasons such as wage disputes, discrimination, or wrongful termination, serves as an information intermediary reflecting inadequate workplace culture and mismanagement. It means, stud...

East Africa’s Top Investment Destinations: Why Rwanda and Kenya Lead the Way for Business Growth

  The "Business Ready 2024" report reveals the business climate of different economies, analysing those economies across three key components: the Regulatory Framework, Public Services, and Operational Efficiency. In East Africa, in this case, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda all differ one from another, each with its unique business climate that has different attractions for investors. Rwanda: First in Public Services and Operational Efficiency It is distinguished within the region for being highly efficient in business operation, with policies that put much emphasis on e-government and simplified procedures. Also, with heavy investment in digital infrastructure that allows businesses to easily access government services, it scores exceptionally in Public Services. This effort towards reducing bureaucratic red tape is what, altogether, makes Rwanda create a vibrant and easily accessible business environment, especially for its small and medium enterprises. The opera...

Rwanda's Industrial Surge: How the Index of Industrial Production Shapes Economic Understanding

  The industrial output for Rwanda has been marking noticeable changes, and fresh statistics reveal growth amidst key sectors presenting challenges. The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda just released the Index of Industrial Production for August 2024, giving a necessary snapshot of the country's industrial performance. Being one of the key indicators of economic performance, the IIP monitors the short-term changes in the volume of industrial production. It therefore gives a clean picture of the health of Rwanda's formal sector. This important composite measure is an aggregate of mining, manufacturing, electricity, and water & waste management sectors, which all are very crucial to the nation's economy. The output of the industry in Rwanda increased 4.8% this year from August 2023, which is impressive and a fall from the annual average of 6.3%. While these figures add up to general growth, a closer look shows that there are important differences between sectors...

Why do Central Banks Change Banknotes?

  Banknotes are something very important to the health of an economy, symbolizing a level of confidence and national identity in economic stability. Due to several factors and aspects, central banks from time to time update and redesign banknotes to ensure that their respective currency remains secure, functional, and representative of the values of a nation. While these changes do take place, they may be regarded by the general public as cosmetic changes; quite contrary, as they more often than not come with deep economic and security implications. One of the major causes for replacing banknotes is counterfeiting. The better technology gets, the closer to reality counterfeiters can get in terms of making money. Outsmarting them, central banks issue new notes with holograms, watermarks, and microprinting as state-of-the-art security features. This renewal will avoid corruption of the currency and give confidence to the public about this means, thus avoiding mass economic fraud. The...

Understanding the Divide: Exploring the Debt Disparity Between the United States and the Global South

  In the world of economics, debt plays a pivotal role in shaping the development trajectory of nations. However, not all debts are created equal. A glaring contrast exists between the debt burdens of developed nations like the United States and those of the Global South. This contrast not only reflects economic inequality but also serves as a significant factor contributing to underdevelopment in many regions. In this article, we delve into the disparities between the United States' debt and that of the Global South, exploring why it perpetuates underdevelopment and the role of international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in perpetuating this cycle. The United States Debt: A Different League The United States boasts one of the highest national debt levels globally, currently exceeding USD 28 trillion [1]. However, the nature and implications of this debt significantly differ from those faced by countries in the Global South. Th...

Rwanda's Retail Revolution: Decoding the Workforce Mosaic

Rwanda's Wholesale and Retail Trade sector stands as a pillar of economic activity, employing a substantial portion of the nation's working-age population. This article delves into the intricacies of the sector's workforce, offering insights gleaned from the 2022 report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Join us as we explore key facets such as employment distribution, educational backgrounds, gender dynamics, enterprise statuses, and the future outlook within this vital sector. Workforce Composition: A Snapshot of Diversity In 2022, the Wholesale and Retail Trade sector boasted a workforce of 372,408 individuals, with a balanced gender representation. The sector's youthfulness is evident, with the average working age pegged at 36 years. This demographic trend highlights the sector's appeal to the younger workforce. Source: overview of the wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles Sector- 2022 published by RDB.   Educationa...

Tackling Unemployment Challenges in Rwanda's Eastern Province: Insights from Nyagatare District

  Unemployment remains a pressing concern globally, impacting communities and economies alike. In Rwanda's Eastern Province, particularly in Nyagatare District, addressing unemployment is a multifaceted challenge with varied opportunities for improvement. This article delves into the comprehensive data from the 5th Rwanda Population and Housing Census (5RPHC) in 2022, shedding light on the intricacies of the employed population, gender disparities, youth unemployment, and the underlying causes of unemployment. Additionally, it explores strategic responses to mitigate this issue, providing a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders.   In Nyagatare District, the employment-to-population ratio (EPR) stands at 51.5%, revealing significant labor force participation among individuals aged 16 and above. However, urban-rural disparities are evident, with urban areas boasting a higher EPR of 54.0% compared to 47.9% in rural regions. This data emphasizes the need for nuanced region...

The Silent Struggle: Exploring the Impact of Mental Health Degradation on Business Performance

  image from :  Depression clipart cartoon, Depression cartoon Transparent FREE for download on WebStockReview 2023 In today's fast-paced and demanding work environment, mental health has emerged as a critical aspect of overall well-being. Employers are increasingly recognizing that the mental health of their workforce has a direct influence on business performance. As research continues to shed light on the profound effects of mental health degradation, it becomes imperative for businesses to address this issue proactively. This article delves into the intricate relationship between mental health and business performance, highlighting its impact and providing evidence from various studies. The Link Between Mental Health and Business Performance The concept of "employee well-being" encompasses physical, emotional, and mental health. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology , employees who experience poor mental health are more likely to ex...