UN agency, firm to host credit rating forum in Nairobi

Business
By James Wanzala | May 23, 2024
Credit ratings have become an important part of Africa's development financing landscape. [iStockphoto]

The United Nations Development Programme Africa (UNDP Africa) will next week host a high-level panel discussion on credit rating in partnership with Africatalyst.

Themed developing credit rating solutions for Africa's financial needs, the event will feature in-person sessions and virtual participation on the sidelines of the 59th annual meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Nairobi.

Panellists will explore the challenges associated with financing development in Africa, shedding light on the regulatory framework governing credit rating agencies while exploring alternative innovative solutions to empower governments to access critical financing.

Participants will include experts from government, academia, research, finance, private sector, civil society and development partners.

"Credit ratings have become an important part of Africa's development financing landscape. However, we're finding that the costs of those Eurobonds are usually really high and are linked to how African countries are rated," said Chief Economist and Head of Strategy, Analysis and Research at UNDP Africa Raymond Gilpin.

"Our high-level panel on May 28, 2024, will interrogate some of the issues relating to credit ratings their costs and practical things that African countries must do to lower the costs of borrowing."

The event will seek to evaluate the impact of credit ratings on investment decisions and access to international capital markets by African countries, examine the regulatory environment governing credit rating agencies and propose measures to mitigate negative effects.

Share this story
MPs pledge site visist as KTDA gives progress on hydro power project
Appearing before the parliamentary committee on Public Petitions, KTDA Acting CEO Engineer Francis Miano stated that the Chemosit project is currently 51 per cent complete.
Why Gen Zs are not sending money to parents
Kenya’s Gen-Z is rejecting black tax, prioritising savings, business ventures, and home ownership, leaving Millennials to bear the burden of supporting dependents.
The true impact of Iran-US war on the Kenyan economy
Keproba urged the roundtable of Mombasa exporters to diversify their export markets, particularly by exploring intra-African trade opportunities to offset the losses.
KPA steps up plans for expansion of Kisumu Port
The Kenya Port Authority has taken steps to strengthen the transport corridor on Lake Victoria and increase cargo capacity.
Infrastructure, trust key to cities success as Nairobi, Rome stagnate
Residents in high-performing cities tend to perceive more transparency in their habitats and want to be actively engaged in the processes that shape their quality of life.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS