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Low-income countries face huge economic challenges and financing needs. They rely on international institutions, including the IMF's Poverty Reduction and ...

[Group of Twenty Common Framework for debt treatment](https://blogs.imf.org/2021/12/02/the-g20-common-framework-for-debt-treatments-must-be-stepped-up/) is essential to ensure coordination and confidence among creditors and debtors. Clearly, when the finance ministers and central bank governors of our 190 member countries arrive in Washington next week, there will be plenty to discuss. [Although debt ratios are still lower than before the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative of the mid-1990s, vulnerabilities in low-income countries have risen significantly and the trend is worrying. Creditors are more diverse than in the past and coordination mechanisms are largely imperfect. And with low-income countries’ financing needs rising fast, demand for PRGT lending is projected to reach nearly $40 billion (SDR 30 billion) in 2020-24, more than four times the historical average. The Meetings are a historic opportunity for donor countries to show commitment to the continent by reaching agreement on a medium-term strategy to place the PRGT’s finances on a solid footing. The message is clear: Our membership must come together and step up support for these vulnerable countries. So far, pledges amount to around three-quarters of the target for loan resources but less than half that for subsidy resources. And the IMF will continue to work with all its development partners to build economic and financial stability in poorer countries. The PRGT is integral to this effort. Now the PRGT must be adequately funded and subsidized so that this vital source of interest-free financing can continue. But it is imperative that they don’t forget the increasing needs of the world’s poorest nations.

Table Bay executive chef Lindsay Venn has recreated the traditional pickled hake and onions dish using calamari, in an effort to present diners with something ...

Deep fry curry leaves in hot oil until they stop popping. Deep fry squid until golden brown. Mix flour, salt and curry spice in a bowl.

Small businesses can qualify for a tax rebate for installing solar panels and partnerships with lenders can help them afford solar power systems.

With our secured funding options and partnerships with solar-preferred suppliers, we are here to help you power up and keep the lights on. While there are several options for SMEs to stay powered up and ensure continuity during rolling blackouts, solar power is the best choice.” Stuart says with advances in energy storage, including Li-ion batteries, solar power has become fully reliable and dispatchable, ensuring a consistent supply of electricity 24/7. There is indeed a “light at the end of the tunnel”, with many different sectors and businesses collaborating to find sustainable solutions. The loss of power not only disrupts business activities but also leads to significant financial losses.” Starting this month, businesses will be able to reduce their taxable income by 125% of the cost of investing in renewables.