World Bank warns of uncertain outlook and subdued growth in global economy

The global economy is heading for its strongest - but most uneven - recovery on record. The World Bank has warned that more international cooperation is needed to ensure more equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines to help developing economies rebuild. Franziska Ohnsorge, Manager of the Prospects Group at the World Bank, says that vaccinations and economic recovery will go hand in hand. Also in the show: French gyms prepare to reopen after a more than seven month closure.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said China was "a major threat to our economic and national security." Four Chinese nationals were charged for the hack.

Fueled by hot and dry weather, the Dixie Fire in Northern California continues to grow, prompting more orders for residents to flee their homes. The blaze has swelled to almost 255,000 acres in size and is 35 percent contained, local authorities say.

As Afghan civilian life continues to suffer following the Taliban's takeover, the World Bank is the latest international organisation to suspend dispersements of development funds to the country. This, as western governments increase pressure on the insurgents by squeezing their cash flows, while negotiating a safe exit for people wanting to leave. Also, the "naked baby boy", on the iconic cover of Nirvana's 1991 album "Nevermind", sues the band and record labels for child sexual exploitation.

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India's economy grew by a record 20.1 percent between April and June, compared to the same period last year when the country was experiencing a deep recession. The strong growth comes despite India seeing a surge in Covid-19 cases during that period. Also today, we hear how French luxury giants saw tens of billions of euros wiped off their market value after a warning that China's rich may have to pay more tax.

African economies are due to emerge from recession this year, but their recoveries remain fragile, according to the World Bank's Africa's Pulse report. Axel van Trotsenburg, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, tells FRANCE 24 that rising inflation has led to more food insecurity across Africa. He wants the Covid-19 vaccine rollout to be accelerated in order to get 40 percent of the continent fully vaccinated by the end of the year.

African economies are due to emerge from recession this year, but their recoveries remain fragile, according to the World Bank's Africa's Pulse report. Axel van Trotsenburg, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, tells FRANCE 24 that rising inflation has led to more food insecurity across Africa. He wants the Covid-19 vaccine rollout to be accelerated in order to get 40 percent of the continent fully vaccinated by the end of the year.

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.

China's Q3 GDP growth came in below forecasts at 4.9%, as power shortages, supply chain disruptions and a liquidity crisis in the real estate market continue to weigh on the economy. Also, Facebook announces a plan to hire 10,000 new EU workers to build its "metaverse", and Hollywood narrowly avoids a major production crew strike.

Consumer demand is driving continued recovery, but Europe's largest economy grew by a less-than-expected 1.8% in the third quarter. Supply chain hold-ups prevented some manufacturers from producing at full capacity.

The World Bank is backing Nigeria’s quest to get rid of fuel subsidy. The Country Director of the World Bank Shubham Chaudhuri, who led his team on a courtesy visit to The Guardian Group on Tuesday, November 30, explained why fuel subsidy is not sustainable. Chaudhuri, nevertheless, advised the Nigerian government to build consensus before its scheduled removal of the controversial subsidy policy.