Burkina Faso; 2003 Article IV Consultation and Request for a New Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility-Staff Report; Public Information Notice and Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion

This paper assesses Burkina Faso’s 2003 Article IV Consultation and a Request for a New Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Burkina Faso’s performance under PRGF-supported programs during 1993–2002 and in implementing the policy agenda laid out in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper adopted in 2000 was satisfactory. Real GDP recovered strongly, and inflation remained low. The economic, financial, and social situation remains fragile and difficult. The IMF staff has supported the government structural reform strategy aimed at promoting good governance, economic diversification, competitiveness, and private sector development.