Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 30 Apr 2020, 11:54 pm Print
Pixabay
Washington/Sputnik: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in a statement on Thursday that it has approved emergency funding of $411 million for Ethiopia to help the country address the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
"Ethiopia is facing a pronounced economic slowdown and an urgent balance of payments need owing to the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement said.
"To address this urgent need, the IMF approved US$411 million emergency assistance for Ethiopia under the Rapid Financing Instrument. The country will also benefit from IMF debt service relief under the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust."
Earlier this month, the IMF said it was providing some $100 billion as a short-term liquidity line to more than 100 countries requiring emergency financing due to hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Africa alone faced a budget shortfall of $44 billion due to economic stress from the pandemic, according to a joint World Bank-IMF statement on April 17.
- UN report shows global economy shows signs of growth, but experts believe recovery remains fragile
- Shocking! Pakistanis spend two-thirds of their income on food and power—Remittances are now lifeline
- SoftBank goes all in on OpenAI, takes 11% stake after $22.5 billion infusion
- World’s top 100 weapons makers hit record $679 billion in 2024
- Asia on the move: Why millions are being driven out by job crises and failing services

