As the global economy faces an unprecedented recession, there are warnings that women are bearing the brunt of economic damage. The International Monetary Fund says that three decades of progress towards gender equality is at risk of being wiped out. Women are less likely to be able to work from home, and more likely to be fired during the pandemic. Data indicate they're also picking up more household and family care duties.

In tonight's edition: The International Monetary Fund says it had approved $4.3 billion in aid to South Africa to help the country fight the coronavirus pandemic. South Africa has the largest number of detected Covid-19 cases. Also, Tunisian-French lawyer Gisèle Halimi has died in Paris at the age of 93. The feminist activist, who fought for women's rights in France, initially became known for her struggle in favour of the independence movements in Tunisia and Algeria. And finally we meet Fatou Kiné, one of the few sheep breeders in the Senegalese capital.

Aftermath of protests: Looming food crisis due to looting, vandalisation of farm equipment

The IMF voiced optimism about the global economy, yet emphasized true recovery will depend on mastering the coronavirus pandemic. The institution warned uneven vaccine distribution could hurt emerging markets.

Zambia has been gearing up for talks with the IMF after becoming the first African nation to default on debt since the COVID-19 pandemic started. But analysts say an IMF loan is unlikely until after August elections.

The International Monetary Fund raises US GDP forecast to 6.4% in 2021, making it one of the fastest expansions in the world, whilst also raising its 2021 growth forecast for China to 8.4 percent, the country's strongest growth rate since 2011.

The International Monetary Fund has given a stark warning after "excessive risk-taking" in the markets by investors. Stocks around the world, especially those of tech firms, have surged during the coronavirus pandemic.

Leaders from more than a dozen African countries will attend a summit in Paris from Monday to discuss their financial needs after the Covid-19 pandemic. Ahead of the gathering, the head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, has told FRANCE 24 the international community must step up efforts to ensure a "dangerous divergence" of fortunes between advanced and developing economies is avoided. "This divergence would mean more insecurity, more instability and lost opportunities for the world economy to grow," she warned.

According to Sudanese PM Abdalla Hamdok, the East African country's total debts amount to some $60 billion. France is hosting a conference of several African leaders offering to assist Sudan's transitional government.

IMF and US officials praised the Sudanese civlian government's economic reforms. The African country is now on track to paying off most of its massive debt over the next few years.

The IMF's managing director faces allegations that during her previous stint at the World Bank, she pressured staff to alter data to benefit China.

The revision comes as the post-pandemic recovery falters in advanced economies, including the US and Germany. The IMF has kept its growth forecast for 2022 unchanged but has warned of "dangerous" divergent recoveries.