This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Niger. Program implementation to date is satisfactory and all quantitative performance criteria at end-June 2009 were met. The revenue performance is strong and domestic arrears repayment higher...

This study was carried out in association with an FAD technical assistance mission on public financial management issues. It focuses on transparency aspects of fiscal management reforms reviewed by that mission as well as implementation of key report on observance of standards and codes...

This poverty reduction strategy paper on Nicaragua shows that the main obstacles to poverty reduction are related to culture, historical, and structural factors, as well as weak public policy. The lack of proper physical infrastructure, the weaknesses in the energy matrix, the flaws in the...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fifth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) Arrangement for Burundi. Macroeconomic performance under the PRGF-supported program in 2006 was broadly in line with the program. All end-June and end-September 2006 quantitative...

Burundi showed commendable performance owing to its prudent macroeconomic policies and ambitious structural reforms under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Executive Directors appreciated its macroeconomic stability, strong fiscal discipline, and prudent monetary policies in...

This abstract discusses Benin’s poverty reduction strategy (PRS1). The PRS1 serves as both a strategic frame of reference and a framework for dialogue with technical and financial partners (TFPs). The six major phases involved in the preparation of the growth and poverty reduction...

This report provides an assessment of fiscal transparency practices in Portugal against the requirements of the IMF Code of Good Practices on Fiscal Transparency. IMF staff observed that Portugal meets the requirements of fiscal transparency code in several areas. Significant progress has also...

This Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) focuses on the Second Annual Progress Report for Zambia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). The government’s strategy to reduce poverty focuses on promoting economic growth through macroeconomic stabilization and diversification and...

Togo's macroeconomic situation remained difficult owing to its political uncertainty, falling cotton prices, and continued problems in phosphate production under the Staff-Monitored Program. Executive Directors stressed the need to improve fiscal stance, address structural issues, and reinforce...

In the social sectors, encouraging results were obtained in education. The Ten-Year Education Program was finalized, creating a solid basis for the implementation of actions in this sector. According to the most recent estimates, the basic enrolment rate was 41.7 percent in 2002 compared with...