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
Government welcomes digital investors
The government has called on Digital investors to invest in Kenya, saying it is working towards a safe and conducive environment
Centum taps insider as Mworia exits after nearly two decades
Centum Investment Company PLC has appointed Thomas Omondi-Achola as acting group CEO to succeed James Mworia, who is heading to the National Infrastructure Fund.
James Mworia appointed founding CEO of National Infrastructure Fund
The Fund targets mobilising and investing up to Sh5 trillion to accelerate infrastructure development across the country.
How poor leaf quality, politics hurting Rift tea farmers
KTDA chairman Enos Njeru says poor leaf quality, improper handling and political interference are contributing to lower tea bonuses for West of the Rift farmers.
KenGen cuts dividend by 16pc per share as profit stagnates
KenGen has reduced dividends to shareholders by 16.67 per cent to 75 cents per share over the financial year to June 2026, from 90 cents the previous year, after reporting a marginal drop in earnings.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS