A round-up of public finance stories from the Middle East and Africa you might have missed this week (April 15-19).
Moroccans criticise budget cuts
The Moroccan government's decision to postpone the allocation of 15bn dirhams for investment purposes is drawing heavy criticism (AllAfrica.com).
9.5% deficit forecast for Egypt's 2013/14 state budget
Egypt's budget deficit for the coming 2013/14 fiscal year (beginning 1 July 2013) is forecast to reach LE197.5 billion according to a draft budget referred to Egypt's Shura Council earlier this month (Ahram Online).
Kenyan president calls for a reduction of wage bill
President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed all arms of Government to work towards reducing the ballooning public sector wage bill (The Standard).
Cash-strapped Zimbabwe may slash election budget
Zimbabwean Finance Minister Tendai Biti has mooted a slashing of Zimbabwe’s election budget for the second time this year from $132m to $100m, as the cash-strapped unity government continues to cry foul over election funds (Business Day, South Africa).
Lagos budget performance falls by 4%
The budget performance of Nigeria’s Lagos State in the first quarter of 2013 has recorded a marginal decline of 4% from the performance of 65% the state recorded in the same period in 2012 (This Day).
