Brazil: Brazil’s economy is expected to face headwinds in 2025, with GDP growth likely to slow after a period of rapid expansion. Concerns over sovereign debt remain significant, although modest austerity measures may help stabilize bond yields and the real. While further interest rate hikes are likely, analysts believe the extent of monetary tightening could be less severe than anticipated. These projections underscore the economic challenges Brazil may encounter in maintaining stability amid fiscal pressures. Source
Argentina: Argentina has completed a US$4.3 billion debt repayment, its largest in three years, covering both capital and interest on sovereign bonds. The move, executed by the Central Bank, reflects President Javier Milei’s commitment to improving the country’s financial credibility. While markets have reacted with cautious optimism, analysts warn that Argentina’s economic stability hinges on the government’s ability to implement consistent macroeconomic policies. This significant payment has raised concerns about the Central Bank’s reserves, which will be notably reduced following the transaction. Source
Mexico: The Mexican Peso remained steady against the US Dollar following strong US PMI and employment data releases, suggesting that markets had already priced in these positive indicators. Despite the robust US economic outlook, the Peso showed resilience, reflecting investor confidence in Mexico’s economic stability. Analysts point out that market participants are awaiting further developments, including monetary policy signals from both the US Federal Reserve and Mexico's central bank (Banxico), before making significant adjustments. This underscores the Peso’s ability to withstand external economic pressures. Source
China: China and the UK will hold the 11th Economic and Financial Dialogue in Beijing, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves. This high-level dialogue, resumed after nearly six years, aims to strengthen cooperation in macroeconomic policies, trade, investment, and financial market development. Both sides expect the dialogue to foster economic growth, promote green development, and provide new momentum to the global economy. These discussions highlight efforts to deepen bilateral relations and address shared economic challenges. Source
India: India’s GDP growth has slowed to 5.4% in the second quarter of FY25, marking a seven-quarter low compared to 8.1% a year earlier, mainly due to weaker manufacturing and mining output. Despite the slowdown, agriculture showed signs of improvement. Economists project growth to rebound in the second half of the financial year, with estimates ranging between 6.5% and 6.7%. The Reserve Bank of India has revised its GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.6%, citing challenges such as persistent inflation and declining corporate profits. These factors will be key considerations as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to announce the Budget 2025 in the Lok Sabha. Source
India: Indian fintech firm GrayQuest has raised ₹53 crore (approximately $6 million) in a Series B funding round, co-led by Pravega Ventures and IIFL Fintech Fund, with participation from founder Rishab Sumer Mehta. GrayQuest, which focuses on education fee financing, plans to use the funds to scale its operations and enhance its integrated platform that allows parents to pay education fees in flexible monthly installments without interest. This investment underscores growing interest in fintech solutions targeting India’s education sector. Source
Ghana: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, in his inaugural address, expressed optimism about the country’s economic future and outlined key priorities, including economic recovery, business growth, and governance reforms. His administration plans to stabilize the macroeconomic environment, attract investments, and reform the tax system to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Mahama pledged to combat corruption and pursue constitutional reforms to improve governance efficiency. These measures aim to position Ghana as a favorable investment destination and restore public confidence in the country’s institutions. Source
Nigeria: Nigeria and China have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on security, finance, and economic growth, during a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both countries plan to enhance collaboration in clean energy, defense, and financial sectors. China has pledged support for Nigeria’s issuance of Panda bonds for infrastructure funding and is considering expanding the existing currency swap agreement to boost trade. The two nations also aim to deepen cooperation on regional security challenges, elevating their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." These developments highlight growing economic and diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and China. Source
South Africa: The South African rand weakened by 0.6% to trade at 18.7475 against the US dollar, as investors awaited key US economic data, including Federal Open Market Committee minutes and employment reports, which could impact Federal Reserve interest rate decisions. Domestically, South Africa’s private sector activity contracted in December due to subdued demand and rising inflationary pressures, further contributing to the currency's decline. These factors underscore the rand’s vulnerability to both global economic developments and local economic challenges. Source
Zimbabwe: Cassava Technologies, founded by Zimbabwean entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa, has secured $90 million in an equity investment round with backing from U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Finnfund, and Google. This funding coincides with Cassava’s reorganization to form an integrated digital solutions platform offering broadband connectivity, data centers, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and payment services across over 30 markets in Africa, the Middle East, India, and Latin America. Cassava’s key business units include Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa Data Centres, Liquid C2, Cassava.ai, and Sasai Fintech. Other shareholders include Econet Group, British International Investment, and South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation. Source
UAE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled over a $2 billion loan deposit to Pakistan, providing critical financial support amid the country’s economic challenges. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the rollover after a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Rahim Yar Khan. This financial relief is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and contribute to economic stability. The move underscores the longstanding bilateral relationship and the UAE’s commitment to assisting Pakistan’s economic recovery. Source
Egypt: Egypt has received the initial €1 billion installment of a financial package from the European Union (EU) to support economic stability and address fiscal needs for 2024/2025. The installment, transferred to the Central Bank of Egypt, follows the EU’s approval under the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) program, contingent on Egypt meeting specific policy requirements. This funding is part of the broader EU-Egypt Strategic Partnership, which focuses on economic reform and resilience. Ongoing discussions for a potential additional €4 billion tranche highlight continued EU support for Egypt’s economic recovery. Source
Israel: The Bank of Israel has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.5% for the eighth consecutive meeting, citing inflation remaining above the target range of 1-3%. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty caused by conflicts with Hamas in Gaza, the central bank stated that future rate decisions will depend on inflation trends, market stability, and fiscal policy. Analysts expect rates to remain steady until mid-2025, in line with global monetary policy shifts. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Israel’s economy amid persistent inflationary pressures. Source
Egyptl: Network International has partnered with Money Fellows, a leading Egyptian fintech platform, to power its new digital payment offerings. Through this collaboration, Network International will provide its ‘Digital Payments as a Service’ platform, including secure payment processing, advanced fraud prevention, and managed back-office services. This partnership is expected to enhance Money Fellows’ user experience and support its regional expansion across the Middle East and Africa. The move aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 plan, emphasizing the country’s focus on digital financial services growth. Source
Israel: Israeli proptech startup Jones has raised $15 million in a Series B funding round to enhance its platform, which focuses on simplifying compliance and insurance processes in the real estate sector. The funds will be used to expand Jones’ market presence and further develop its technology, which helps property managers and owners streamline operations. This funding reflects increasing investor interest in proptech solutions aimed at addressing operational inefficiencies in real estate. Source
