Global Scans · Economy · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: The global economy still faces serious headwinds and political uncertainty potentially balanced by the enormous promise of technological advancements in many fields. Read on to get a solid handle on the opportunities and risks you and your organization may likely face and set your sails accordingly.

• [New] As Kenya seeks to achieve food security and agricultural transformation, the disconnect between budget allocations and sector demands poses a risk to ongoing reforms and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. allAfrica.com
• [New] Asia could be the region most affected by new U.S. tariffs, which are likely to lead to a sharp and synchronized economic slowdown as corporate spending and trade suffer from uncertainty around U.S. trade policy. Morgan Stanley
• [New] Nvidia plans to launch a new artificial intelligence chipset for China at a significantly lower price than its recently restricted H20 model, and plans to start mass production as early as June. Business Tech Africa
• [New] Any war in the Middle East will drive up the prices of oil; and under Western sanctions, increased oil prices mean the generation of more revenue by the war-hit Russian economy. The Express Tribune
• [New] Only additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to cease fire. Space War
• [New] Listen to article Nvidia will launch a new artificial intelligence chipset for China at a significantly lower price than its recently restricted H20 model and plans to start mass production as early as June. The Express Tribune
• [New] The Middle East and Africa, along with Latin America, are emerging markets where economic development and infrastructure expansion are expected to boost the demand for commercial vehicles, thereby driving turbocharger adoption. ReAnIn
• [New] Commentators debate whether 'de-coupling' between the US and China will accelerate and include higher trade barriers or even economic sanctions; alternatively, there is an opportunity for a 'grand bargain' to be struck, reducing tensions. QuotedData
• [New] The US and China are competing for supremacy in the suite of advanced technologies that will affect the means of future economic production. South China Morning Post
• [New] Concerns about the risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have left the Federal Reserve in wait-and-see mode for lowering interest rates. CNet
• [New] The growth of XR technology in Pakistan presents significant opportunities for job creation and economic development. CertLibrary Blog
• [New] A reserve manager of a central bank in Africa highlighted how improved fiscal policy has raised expected reserve levels mainly as a result of improved government revenue and lower spending. Central Banking
• [New] A reserve manager of a central bank in the Asia-Pacific region countered: European countries may underperform due to the lingering economic uncertainty, relatively high inflation risks and the potential volatility from geopolitical challenges. Central Banking
• [New] Unsustainable fiscal deficits and depressed global growth were ranked lowest in terms of risks on a global level, although unsustainable fiscal deficits posed acute challenges for some jurisdictions and central banks. Central Banking
• [New] Many central banks have now finished their hiking cycle, but Trump's tariffs threaten the resurgence of inflation both in the US and abroad. Central Banking
• [New] US protectionist policies and volatile inflation pose major risks by impacting trade flows and reserve asset returns, while geopolitical tensions add uncertainty to asset security and liquidity management, said a reserve manager of a central bank in the Americas. Central Banking
• [New] After the analysis of the prices of Bitcoin in previous years, it is assumed that in 2026, the minimum price of Bitcoin will be around $208,053. Changelly
• [New] Germany's growing investment in Africa's energy sector signals a transformative shift toward sustainable development and economic growth, unlocking new opportunities and accelerating Africa's energy transition. Engineering News
• After the analysis of the prices of Ethereum in previous years, it is assumed that in 2026, the minimum price of Ethereum will be around $7,264. Changelly

Last updated: 27 May 2025