Regulating the ratings agencies?
Ratings agencies have come in for a thumping in Africa after downgrading numerous countries during the Covid pandemic. Is the criticism fair?
Ratings agencies have come under fire from African policymakers and politicians in the wake of their decisions during the pandemic. Eleven African countries were downgraded in the first half of 2020 due to the growth and fiscal impact of Covid-19, and 12 had their ratings lowered to negative watch.
While criticism of the agencies is hardly new, it’s been vociferous, with the continent already battling a debt problem and facing enormous resource constraints. It is in this context that many have taken issue with the agencies for what they term a rigid and mechanical approach to assessing creditworthiness, saying it doesn’t adequately account for contextual factors...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.