Egypt’s central bank keeps its policy rate corridor at 19%-20% after its August meeting. Official data show that the annual urban inflation rate increased to 14.9% in July from 14.3% in June. During the same period, the CBE’s calculated core inflation rose to 14.7% from 14.3%. On a monthly basis, both headline and core inflation remained unchanged in July. The Central Bank of Egypt attributed the higher annual readings to unfavorable base effects. The urban consumer price index for Egypt is compiled by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. This August decision signifies the fourth hold since meetings in April, May, and July. The last adjustment to policy rates occurred on February 12, when the CBE reduced key rates by 100 basis points. This cut brought the overnight deposit and lending rates to their current levels of 19% and 20%, respectively. The main operation and discount rates also decreased to 19.5%. Since that February reduction, the Monetary Policy Committee has maintained the entire rate structure unchanged at each subsequent meeting. Inflation Climbs Annually While Monthly Prices Stay Steady The central bank noted that real economic activity continued to slow during the second quarter, according to its latest estimates. This slowdown followed a 5% growth in real gross domestic product during the first quarter of 2026. The CBE anticipates an average real GDP growth of around 5% throughout the fiscal year 2025
DR Congo expands its Ebola response as Bundibugyo cases spread across six provinces. Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of the doses after the national authorities sought supplies from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO announced that 20,000 doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial focusing on Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses will be allocated to frontline healthcare workers and responders under existing vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC expressed their support for the allocation, which was announced on Aug. 20. Ervebo is licensed for use against Ebola virus outbreaks, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it is not specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest the potential for cross-protection; however, its efficacy in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness during the ongoing outbreak and provide further data to inform public health strategies. WHO emphasized that recipients should be informed about known risks, benefits, and the current limitations of the vaccine.
Business
Egypt’s central bank keeps its policy rate corridor at 19%-20% after its August meeting. Official data show that the annual urban inflation rate increased to 14.9% in July from 14.3% in June. During the same period, the CBE’s calculated core inflation rose to 14.7% from 14.3%. On a monthly basis, both headline and core inflation remained unchanged in July. The Central Bank of Egypt attributed the higher annual readings to unfavorable base effects. The urban consumer price index for Egypt is compiled by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. This August decision signifies the fourth hold since meetings in April, May, and July. The last adjustment to policy rates occurred on February 12, when the CBE reduced key rates by 100 basis points. This cut brought the overnight deposit and lending rates to their current levels of 19% and 20%, respectively. The main operation and discount rates also decreased to 19.5%. Since that February reduction, the Monetary Policy Committee has maintained the entire rate structure unchanged at each subsequent meeting. Inflation Climbs Annually While Monthly Prices Stay Steady The central bank noted that real economic activity continued to slow during the second quarter, according to its latest estimates. This slowdown followed a 5% growth in real gross domestic product during the first quarter of 2026. The CBE anticipates an average real GDP growth of around 5% throughout the fiscal year 2025
News
A 6.1 magnitude quake struck off the coast of Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on Tuesday, causing tremors across various parts of Sumatra. The seismic event happened at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC. According to official data, the epicenter was located in the sea, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. The quake had a depth of 29 kilometers, originating beneath waters west of Sumatra.
Health
DR Congo expands its Ebola response as Bundibugyo cases spread across six provinces. Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of the doses after the national authorities sought supplies from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO announced that 20,000 doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial focusing on Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses will be allocated to frontline healthcare workers and responders under existing vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC expressed their support for the allocation, which was announced on Aug. 20. Ervebo is licensed for use against Ebola virus outbreaks, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it is not specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest the potential for cross-protection; however, its efficacy in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness during the ongoing outbreak and provide further data to inform public health strategies. WHO emphasized that recipients should be informed about known risks, benefits, and the current limitations of the vaccine.
