The discussions took place in Freetown during March 29–April 11, 2012; and in Washington (April 21–24, 2012). They focused on conditions for completing the fourth ECF review, corrective measures to be implemented to address fiscal slippages that had occurred in late 2011, and policies...

This paper discusses Sierra Leone’s First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement, Request for Modification of Performance Criteria (PC), and Financing Assurances Review. Program performance has been strong. All PCs were met with comfortable margins, and all indicative...

KEY ISSUES The Ebola outbreak and sharp drop in iron ore prices have dealt a severe blow to Sierra Leone’s economy. The Ebola epidemic, which continues to spread albeit at a lower rate than in latter parts of 2014, has exacted a heavy human toll (at least 3000 lives to date) and disrupted...

Over the period 2001-2004, Sierra Leone was a major recipient of MFD Technical Assistance, generally among the 10 countries in the world receiving the most assistance. This involvement represented a substantial contribution by the IMF towards the reconstruction of the country after the...

KEY ISSUES Background. The Ebola outbreak that started in one district in late May has spread to the entire country, overwhelming already weak institutions and ill-equipped medical facilities. At end-August, over 1000 people were infected and more than a third had died from the disease. The...

This paper examines Sierra Leone’s 2004 Article IV Consultation, the Fifth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), and Requests for Waiver of Performance Criteria. Growth prospects in the medium term are encouraging, largely based on some mining projects coming to...

This paper examines Sierra Leone’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). Sierra Leone’s PRSP considers a number of short- to medium-term challenges that should not only impact immediately on the living conditions of people but also lay solid foundations for addressing the long-term causes...

This study focused on the medium-term objectives, the 2004 government budget, and other policies and measures for the program period. The preparation of a full Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) will play a crucial role in the process, as this would provide a road map for the government's...