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South Africa faces fiscal reform challenges

Location:

SOUTH AFRICA

However, there are question marks over his ability to deliver on the ambitious spending cuts needed as tax collection falls in a weak economy.

Nigeria's 2024 budget projections are likely untenable

Location:

NIGERIA

Defence and security get the largest sectoral allocation at NGN3.25tn, followed by education at NGN2.2tn and health and infrastructure, each at NGN1.33tn. However, the budget is…

Australian income tax changes will have limited impact

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AUSTRALIA

Labor’s changes reduce help for higher earners and instead prioritise workers on low and middle incomes. Parties on the political right have condemned the move, but opinion polls…

Russian banks will face tougher conditions in 2024

Location:

RUSSIA

Banking sector profitability surged from RUB199bn (USD2.2bn) in 2022 to around RUB3.3tn in 2023. Rising profitability was generated by robust credit expansion, lower loan…

North Caucasus will remain under Moscow's control

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RUSSIA

Russia has managed to ensure relative order and stability in the region in recent years, with transfers from the federal budget helping tame local opposition groups that…

Weak policing hampers South Africa’s crime response

Location:

SOUTH AFRICA

However, the policing response has been beset by deficiencies of leadership, resources and policies, compounded by structural weaknesses that are the legacy of state capture.

New Irish leader will struggle to reverse polls

Location:

IRELAND

Harris replaces Leo Varadkar, who surprisingly announced that he was stepping down ahead of local, EU and national elections. In his first speech as party leader, Harris suggested…

No end in sight for Japan’s economic stagnation

Location:

JAPAN

Lower household consumption, residential investment and companies’ capital investment all contributed to the 2.9% (annualised) contraction. Although inflation is decelerating…

Tensions between Afghan Taliban factions will rise

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

Talib had spent several months putting the guard together. His appointment formalises the establishment of the new force, which will be under Haibatullah’s direct orders.

Biden's re-election campaign will now focus on Trump

Location:

UNITED STATES

In January, Biden shifted his re-election campaign into a higher gear, adding new personnel and a more direct focus on Donald Trump, whose success in Iowa and New Hampshire makes…