KEY ISSUES Context: Real GDP growth is projected to remain robust at 8.1 percent in 2013, led bymining, construction, and services. Inflation should reach 8.5 percent in December (y/y)due to higher international food prices and recent exchange rate pressures. The baseline outlook is positive,...

This paper reviews the Annual Progress Report (APR) on Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) on Benin. The APR presents an overview of the implementation of the strategy addressing in turn the new vision of development in Benin, the major projects initiated for the creation of national wealth...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country

This technical assistant report on South Africa focuses on monetary and financial statistics (duty station-based) mission. The mission developed bridge tables from the source data of money market funds (MMFs), the Land Bank, and Ithala SOC to 2SR. The mission estimated that reclassifying the...

This Selected Issues paper explores the link between social grants and employment in South Africa. Social grants have played an important role in alleviating poverty and inequality in South Africa. The literature has analyzed the link between social grants, means-tested and unconditional on...

This 2023 Article IV Consultation highlights that South Africa's economy is facing mounting economic and social challenges. Growth moderated from 4.9 percent in 2021 to 2.0 percent in 2022 as the country was buffeted by Russia's war in Ukraine, global monetary policy tightening, severe floods,...

South Africa has made significant progress in strengthening its macroprudential policy framework and foundations since the 2014 FSAP. Institutional arrangements were overhauled by the 2017 Financial Sector Regulations Act that, among others, introduced the current 'Twin Peaks' structure,...

The South African insurance sector is large, complex, internationally active, and competitive. Supported by high penetration and density of insurance products, the insurance sector has grown to account for 18 percent of the financial sector in South Africa. The industry hosts an unusually...

The implementation of a twin peaks model represents a significant change to the South African financial supervisory architecture. The Prudential Authority (PA), operating within the administration of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), is responsible for promoting and enhancing the safety and...

The South African financial markets are the most developed and liquid in Africa and well developed by global standards, as well, reflecting credible and independent policy making, a diverse economy and strong financial institutions. Foreign exchange market turnover is consistently among the top...