African Economies Reassess Interest-Rates Path With Eye on Trump

Central banks in South Africa, Egypt and several other African nations will pronounce on interest rates over the course of the next month and stake out different approaches to counter the risks posed by US President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies.

“The common theme across these countries is expected to be a cautious approach to monetary policy, as central banks navigate the delicate balance between controlling inflation and fostering economic growth,” said EY Africa Chief Economist Angelika Goliger. “This balancing act is influenced by a myriad of factors, including domestic economic conditions and global economic trends – which are now much more at the forefront in terms of foreign and trade policy coming out of the US — and its global impacts.”