Domestic
The Bank of Zambia yesterday announced the new policy rate of 10.25% up 50 basis points from the previous rate of 9.75% in quarter one of 2019 in order to keep inflation within the range of 8% as government’s target goal was an inflation rate of 6-8%. Read more: BOZ
Luapula Province Minister Nixon Chilangwa says investment inflows into the province have continued to increase after hosting the Tourism and Investment exposition. Mr. Chilangwa says in the last 24 months several investors have shown interest in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism. Read more: ZNBC
The World Bank has called on Zambia to identify areas of support in higher Education and Skills Development. Read more: ZNBC
International
Nigeria will sign the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement as soon as President Muhammadu Buhari approves an impact-assessment report he asked for, the country’s trade minister said. Read more: MSN
Zimbabwe’s dollar shortage is getting worse, but the central bank is going to try to do something about it. The regulator will inject $500 million into the foreign-exchange market on Monday. Read more: MSN
Federal Reserve officials remained firmly committed to a “patient” policy stance at their meeting earlier this month, saying rates likely will remain unchanged well into the future. Read more: CNBC
Britain’s second biggest steel maker collapsed on Wednesday, putting about 5,000 jobs at the company directly at risk, and threatening another 20,000 at suppliers. Read more: CNN
Theresa May is facing a cabinet revolt as ministers plotted behind the scenes on Wednesday to force the prime minister to pull a parliamentary vote on her revamped Brexit deal. Read more: Financial Times
China’s three biggest airlines are demanding compensation from Boeing over its grounded 737 Max fleet while Europe’s aviation safety agency has set out strict conditions before it will allow Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft back into the skies. Read more: BBC News and Financial Times