The continuing weakness of activity in the euro area reflects an amalgam of cyclical and long-term forces that are likely to shape the outlook and to challenge policies. Financial conditions in the area have improved along with those in global markets, though financial fragilities may be...

The staff report on Euro Area Policies highlights cyclical growth developments and risks. The area’s real GDP growth has picked up, responding to strong foreign demand and relaxed financial conditions. The final domestic demand growth remains subdued, and the area lags global growth by a large...

The euro area recovered from the economic doldrums. Executive Directors welcomed the recovery, supported by strong financial conditions, global growth, and improved financial positions. They encouraged the reformed Stability and Growth Pact over fiscal policies, and underscored the need for...

This paper reviews the request from the São Tomé and Príncipe authorities for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). In 2004, the economy continued to grow at a moderate pace, but inflation increased to 15 percent by year-end, as bank credit to the...

This paper discusses United Republic of Tanzania’s Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria. A principal challenge for monetary policy continues to be liquidity management in the face of high foreign aid inflows. A...

This paper examines Sudan’s 2005 Article IV Consultation and the Final Review of the 2004 and 2005 Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). Between 2001 and 2004, the economy of Sudan grew at an average rate of 6.4 percent per year, and the non-oil sector expanded at an annual rate of 5.3 percent. The...

This paper presents key findings of the Fifth Review under the Policy Support Instrument for Cape Verde. All quantitative assessment criteria for end-June 2008 were met. GDP growth remains generally resilient, and inflation pressures have been contained. Progress on structural measures has been...

The 2006 Article IV Consultation on Rwanda highlights medium-term stimulating growth to reduce poverty. The government of Rwanda’s medium-term policies address the country’s challenges to increase growth and make headway toward the Millennium Development Goals. Executive Directors commended...

The staff report for the Second Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility highlights the Islamic Republic of Mauritania’s economic and financial policies. The basic non-oil fiscal balance was significantly higher than projected, owing mainly to...