Fintech PR
WorldRemit Data: 2023 Global Cost of Living Index Shows Significant Increases Since 2022
- WorldRemit’s data shows that 73% of respondents in the US, 70% in the UK, and 78% in Australia, have reported an increase in the daily cost of living.
- Over a third of respondents noted a significant increase in housing costs, a 27% increase from 2022.
- One billion people worldwide – approximately one in eight – depend on remittances.
- Nearly a third of respondents reported a significant decrease in disposable income.
LONDON, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Global payments company WorldRemit announces the results of its third Global Cost of Living Index. The year-on-year study assesses how the cost of living crisis is affecting financial decisions, including those of remittance senders who regularly send money home to support their loved ones.
Results show 73% of respondents in the US, 70% in the UK, and 78% in Australia reported an increase in the daily cost of living and globally, 81% said they felt utility costs increased in recent months. Housing costs continue to be impacted with 72% of respondents reporting an upswing in mortgage and rent payments, while 46% of respondents noted an increase in education and 74% in transportation.
One billion people worldwide – approximately one in eight – depend on remittances. As per WorldRemit’s 2023 Cost of Living Index, remittances sent to family and friends remain the main reason for money transfers (85%), with nearly a third (30%) of participants expressing a strong inclination to solely send money to their closest family members.
One in ten remittance senders are feeling heightened pressure to send money home. Against this backdrop, the number of respondents who reported an increase in the cost of living for those they send money to grew by 73% since the start of 2023. 54% of respondents reported going out less and trying to cook more at home; 47% said they are actively finding ways to save more money on their own day to day expenses; and 31% reported no longer going out for social gatherings to save money.
“As international money senders report rising living costs both for themselves and their families, they are increasingly making the tough decision between supporting themselves and supporting their loved ones back home. Receivers rely on the hard-earned money delivered by remitters for vital things like day-to-day expenses (such as food, transportation and clothing), healthcare and educational support,” said Mark Lenhard, Group CEO, Zepz.
“Our data shows that as the cost of living crisis looms, many are making sacrifices in order to continue to provide that support to billions across the globe.”
The multi-country study was fielded in July 2023 to determine the ongoing effects of the increased cost of living on international money senders in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, resulting in observations from 3,000 international remittance senders. WorldRemit’s 2022 Cost of Living survey can be found here.
Notes to Editors:
Methodology
International money senders living in the USA, Australia, and the United Kingdom, aged 18+ voluntarily responded to a 13-question survey between 28 July and 3 August 2023 about how the cost of living and inflation has changed behaviours when it comes to sending remittances.
The survey took place on the Attest platform and resulted in 3,000 (1,000 per country) responses from people who have sent remittances in the past year (those who responded that they have not sent remittances in the past year were exited from the survey to create a viable participant base).
No quotas (e.g. gender, age) were set for this survey so results are not intended to be nationally representative.
About WorldRemit
We’re a leading global payments company as part of Zepz Group, a group powering two global payments brands.
We disrupted an industry previously dominated by offline legacy players by taking international money transfers online – making them safer, faster and lower-cost. Zepz Group brands have helped cross-border communities send over $15bn from 50 countries, to recipients in 130 countries in 2022, and operate over 5,000 money transfer corridors worldwide. Zepz Group employs over 1,400 people globally as a remote-first employer, with team members located across six continents.
On the sending side WorldRemit is 100% digital (cashless), increasing convenience and enhancing security. For those receiving money, the company offers a wide range of options including bank deposit, cash collection, mobile airtime top-up and mobile money.
Backed by Accel, TCV and Leapfrog – WorldRemit’s headquarters are in London, United Kingdom with regional offices in the United States, Poland, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, Somaliland, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Belgium.
Media Contact
WorldRemit Press Office
[email protected]
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/worldremit-data-2023-global-cost-of-living-index-shows-significant-increases-since-2022-301925553.html
Fintech PR
Ghana launches USD 550 billion Energy Transition and Investment Plan for achieving net-zero emissions, creating 400,000 jobs by 2060
President Nana Akufo-Addo unveils country’s roadmap for green growth and decarbonizing key economic sectors developed by Government of Ghana and SEforALL
NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, launched the country’s new Energy Transition and Investment Plan yesterday during a Global Africa Business Initiative event in New York.
The plan marks Ghana’s commitment to fighting climate change and fostering economic development in tandem. It details a credible pathway for how Ghana can achieve net-zero energy-related carbon emissions by 2060 through the deployment of low-carbon solutions across key sectors of its economy, including oil and gas, industry, transport, cooking, and power.
Ghana’s government intends to use the plan as its main tool to engage the international community and investors for support with its energy transition. All measures suggested in the plan represent a USD 550 billion opportunity for the international community to invest in sustainable development in Ghana. If the plan is achieved in full, it would generate 400,000 net jobs within Ghana’s economy.
The country’s existing Energy Transition Framework previously set a target of net zero by 2070, but this new plan shows Ghana has increased its ambition and is targeting net zero by 2060.
Various sectoral changes and technologies are proposed in the plan. Four main decarbonization technologies – renewables, low-carbon hydrogen, battery electric vehicles and clean cookstoves – would cover over 90 percent of the targeted abatement by 2060.
Without pursuing the plan, under a business-as-usual scenario, Ghana’s emissions are expected to rise from 28 Mt CO2e in 2021 to over 140 Mt in 2050, with the bulk of emissions growth coming from transport, driven by population growth, GDP per capita growth, and vehicle ownership.
By implementing this plan, Ghana and its partners can instead bring the country’s energy-sector-related carbon emissions to net zero, while demonstrating that action against climate change does not need to come at the expense of economic development.
The Energy Transition and Investment Plan was developed by the Government of Ghana with technical support from Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
Supporting quotes
“This pioneering Energy Transition and Investment Plan maps out Ghana’s journey to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 based on the latest data and evidence, ensuring that as our economy thrives, it does so in harmony with the environment. This plan is a testament to our dedication to fostering green industries, nurturing the evolution of cutting-edge low-carbon technologies, and propelling our nation towards a sustainable industrial revolution while giving equal growth opportunities to men and women.”
-His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana
“Ghana’s commitment to a just and equitable energy transition has translated to an ambitious plan that builds a case for low-carbon and energy-efficient solutions across Ghana’s entire energy system. These solutions present a tremendous opportunity for partners and investors from around the world to contribute to climate action and sustainable development in Ghana.”
–Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ghana-launches-usd-550-billion-energy-transition-and-investment-plan-for-achieving-net-zero-emissions-creating-400-000-jobs-by-2060–301936200.html
ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Recognizing sustainability as the defining challenge of our time, the upcoming UNCTAD World Investment Forum (WIF), to be held from 16 to 20 October 2023 in the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi, will serve as the perfect opportunity to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable economy, particularly for developing countries.
The 8th edition of the Forum, to be anchored on the overall theme of “Investing in Sustainable Development,” will bring together heads of state and ministers, CEOs of largest global companies, and other investment stakeholders from various countries to formulate policies and strategies that will address key and emerging investment-development challenges through a series of local and international forums and conferences.
Over 7,000 investment stakeholders from 160 countries will be participating in the 8th edition of WIF at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The UAE hosting WIF this year coincides with the country’s declaration of the year 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability,” which will encourage nationwide commitment to sustainable practices and innovative solutions to help address environmental issues on a global scale.
His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, reaffirmed the country’s dedication to sustainability, saying that “the UAE is committed to playing a leading role in the global transition to a more sustainable future. We believe that WIF 2023 will provide a unique platform for international leaders to come together to mobilize the necessary investments to make this transition a reality.”
His Excellency Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) said: “Hosting WIF 2023 reflects Abu Dhabi’s approach and commitment to sustainable socio-economic development, which is based on strong beliefs and a long history of the wise use of resources. We will be working closely with all partners to ensure that the Forum’s conversations generate innovative ideas and solutions to create a more sustainable future for all.”
Some of the sustainability sessions include “Delivering Public Sector Investment for Sustainable Development” in partnership with ACCA; “Alignment of Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure with the Paris Agreement” with Middlesex University Dubai; and “Accelerating Green Investments in Tourism for Sustainable Development” with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Media accreditation
Journalists wishing to cover the forum should apply online.
Media accreditation requirements are here.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/world-investment-forum-to-incentivize-global-investment-in-sustainable-development-301936090.html
HEFEI, China, Sept. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As the global spotlight turns to the 2023 World Manufacturing Convention, the economic pulse of a nation’s strength remains deeply rooted in its manufacturing capabilities. Highlighting this, the Anhui Provincial Department of Economy and Information Technology unveiled the ‘Anhui Manufacturing Development Report’. This comprehensive document chronicles Anhui’s strategic steps and milestones in bolstering its manufacturing prowess.
In a strategic move to harness the nation’s prime economic opportunities, Anhui Province has integrated itself into the burgeoning Yangtze River Delta, aiming for top-tier development in the central region and capitalizing on the Yangtze River Economic Belt’s potential. Anchored by their ‘Three Places, One Zone‘ strategy, Anhui is steering its economy towards modern industrialization, with a concentrated effort on sophisticated, eco-friendly manufacturing. This pivot to green and intelligent manufacturing is paying off. Anhui, once known for its nascent industries, now boasts a manufacturing added value surpassing one trillion yuan. The province’s advancements in quality manufacturing cement its place among the nation’s leaders. This economic evolution has elevated Anhui’s stature from ‘mid-tier volume with a lower per capita’ to a ‘front-runner in total volume with a respectable per capita’.
Spotting the profound technological and industrial transformations on the horizon, Anhui Province is positioning itself at the forefront of the next industrial wave. By actively promoting the swift evolution of ten emerging sectors, the province has crafted an industrial landscape valued in the trillions. To illustrate this growth, last year alone, 15 industries in the region posted revenues that exceeded 100 billion yuan each.
On the business landscape, Anhui’s strategy is both diversified and targeted. The province champions its seasoned businesses, kindles the rise of startups, and actively courts significant industry players. Central to this strategy, Anhui has fine-tuned a robust framework aimed at supporting businesses at every stage of their growth journey. In tandem, the province is shaping a collaborative environment where businesses, be it large corporates or small startups, can thrive and intersect. The fruits of this deliberate approach are clear: businesses in Anhui are not only more vibrant but are also carving a stronger competitive edge in the market.
From the perspective of technological content and quality benefits, Anhui is doubling down on enterprise-led innovation. The manufacturing sector is witnessing a wave of fresh, innovative outputs. Concurrently, the province is ramping up its capacity to deliver top-tier products and services. As a testament to these efforts, ‘Made in Anhui‘ products are quickly becoming household names both nationally and internationally.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/anhui-targets-rapid-expansion-into-a-leading-smart-and-green-manufacturing-hub-301936065.html
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