Month: April 2026

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed authorities to streamline distribution systems and identify alternative sourcing options to prevent shortages during the ongoing agricultural season, News.Az reports, citing CNN.
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Government orders tighter controls and alternative sourcing
According to the President’s Media Division, the president directed officials to improve the efficiency of fertiliser distribution while introducing stricter controls to prevent hoarding.
Measures include enhanced oversight of supply chains, enforcement against stockpiling, and efforts to diversify import channels in response to global uncertainties.
Officials have also been tasked with maintaining strategic reserves to ensure continuity of supply under current conditions.
Focus on timely delivery to farmers
During a high level meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, authorities reviewed existing stock levels and distribution mechanisms.
Dissanayake emphasised the importance of effective district level coordination to guarantee that fertilisers reach farmers on time, particularly as planting activities begin in several provinces.
Ensuring timely access is seen as critical to avoiding disruptions in crop production and safeguarding food security.
Agricultural season raises urgency
The move comes as the agricultural season is already underway in parts of the country, increasing pressure on the government to prevent supply bottlenecks.
Any delays or shortages could have direct consequences for yields and rural livelihoods.
Global tensions impact supply chains
The government’s actions reflect broader concerns about the impact of geopolitical tensions on global supply chains, particularly for essential agricultural inputs.
Analysts note that countries reliant on imports are especially vulnerable to disruptions in fertiliser availability and pricing.
Sri Lanka’s latest measures signal a proactive approach to mitigating risks, as authorities seek to stabilise supplies and support farmers amid an uncertain global environment.

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The decision was announced on Thursday following a Monetary Policy Committee meeting, according to Yamungu Kayandabila, deputy governor of the Bank of Tanzania responsible for economic and financial policies, News.az reports, citing Xinhua.
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Geopolitical tensions weigh on outlook
Kayandabila said policymakers opted for a steady rate to maintain stability amid external pressures, particularly ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
“The MPC resolved to keep the central bank rate unchanged at 5.75 percent to balance risks to inflation and the economic growth outlook,” he said at a press briefing in Dar es Salaam.
He added that geopolitical developments have disrupted global trade flows, investment patterns, and overall economic stability, reinforcing the need for a cautious policy approach.
Monetary policy framework adjusted
Alongside the rate decision, the central bank announced a technical adjustment to its monetary policy framework.
The Monetary Policy Committee agreed to narrow the central bank rate corridor from 200 basis points to 150 basis points, effective from April 2026, in a move aimed at improving policy transmission.
Following the change, the target range for the 7 day interbank rate will be set between 4.25 percent and 7.25 percent during the second quarter.
Focus on liquidity management and stability
The central bank said it will actively manage liquidity conditions to ensure that the 7 day interbank rate remains within the new corridor.
Analysts say narrowing the corridor could help anchor short term interest rates more effectively, improving the transmission of monetary policy to the broader economy.
Balancing inflation and growth risks
The decision to hold rates reflects a balancing act between supporting economic growth and containing inflationary pressures.
While domestic conditions remain relatively stable, external risks, including global market volatility and geopolitical tensions, continue to shape the policy outlook.
Economists note that maintaining the current rate signals confidence in Tanzania’s economic trajectory, while also leaving room for adjustments should global conditions deteriorate further.

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