EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background: Kenya’s recent reforms have introduced a more comprehensive system of checks and balances, including accountability and transparency in expenditure control and management. In this context, the new government has taken decisive steps towards devolution supported by...

Economic activity in Kenya has remained resilient to uncertainty surrounding the elections, the impact of the European crisis, and security-related concerns. Fiscal policy is in line with the program despite difficulties. International reserves are on the rise, and the deficit of the external...

This paper highlights Central African Economic and Monetary Community's (CEMAC) common policies in support of member countries reform programs. CEMAC benefited from favorable hydrocarbon prices in 2022. Economic recovery firmed up and the external position strengthened, with external reserves...

This paper highlights Kenya's Third Reviews under the Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility and under the Arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility, Requests for Modification of Quantitative Performance Criteria, and Waiver of Applicability for Performance Criteria. A strong...

This paper discusses Central African Economic and Monetary Community's (CEMAC) Common Policies in Support of Member Countries Reform Programs. CEMAC ended 2021 in a fragile external position, with gross reserves at only 2.7 months of prospective imports and net foreign assets at their lowest...

The WAEMU has seen strong growth and rising living standards over the past decade. Economic growth averaged 5.4 percent in 2013-2019 and 5.8 percent in 2021-2023. Policy efforts from regional and national authorities have cushioned the impact of several external and internal shocks, prompting a...

This Selected Issues paper examines tax policy and administrative changes in Eastern African Community (EAC) countries with a view to benchmark Kenya's experience and draw lessons for future tax reforms. Using granular data from a new IMF database on tax measures announced during 1988-2022, it...

This paper discusses 2023 Article IV Consultation, Sixth Reviews under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangements, Requests for Augmentations of Access, Modification of Performance Criteria, Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria, Waiver of...

Regional growth weakened in 2013 due to a fall in oil production in most countries. GDP growth is expected to pick-up in 2014 due to the recovery of oil production and the continuation of the implementation of public investment plans in most of CEMAC countries. Despite large spending of oil...