This paper examines the case for internationally coordinated indirect taxes on aviation (as a source of general revenue-not (necessarily) as a source of development finance). The case for such taxes is strong: the tax burden on international aviation is currently limited, yet it contributes...

We examine the behavior of forecasts for real GDP growth using a large panel of individual forecasts from 30 advanced and emerging economies during 1989–2010. Our main findings are as follows. First, our evidence does not support the validity of the sticky information model (Mankiw and...

Estimates of the current and future structure of employment in sub-Saharan Africa (2005–20) are obtained based on household survey estimates for 28 countries and an elasticity-type model that relates employment to economic growth and demographic outcomes. Agriculture still employs the majority...

This paper discusses key findings of the Detailed Assessment of Compliance on the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision in South Africa. The South African banking system is highly concentrated with more than 90 percent of banking assets being controlled by the five largest...

This Technical Note discusses stress testing (ST) results for the financial system of South Africa. The bank STs suggest that banks have adequate capital to withstand severe shocks, but need larger liquidity capacity to meet regulatory requirements. Even in the severe scenario in which GDP falls...

This paper discusses findings of the Detailed Assessment of Implementation on the IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions) Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation in South Africa. Although South Africa’s level of implementation of the IOSCO principles is...

This paper discusses findings of the Financial System Stability Assessment for South Africa. South Africa’s financial sector operates in a challenging economic environment. Despite remarkable progress since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa still has one of the world’s...

This Technical Note discusses recommendations made during the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) for South Africa in the areas of contingency planning, crisis management, and bank resolution. The proposed scope of the new resolution regime and of the South African Reserve Bank’s...

We examine the role of global and domestic shocks in driving macroeconomic fluctuations for Ghana. We are able to study the impact of exogenous shocks including productivity, credit supply, and commodity price shocks. We identify the shocks with a combination of sign and recursive restrictions...