Angola has made significant progress toward economic stabilization. Under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), the government’s key fiscal anchor is the non-oil primary fiscal deficit (NOPD), and the revised 2010 budget is determined to avoid any increase in the non-oil primary deficit. Policy...

Zambia showed strong economic performance with robust growth and moderating inflation under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). It showed sound macroeconomic policies and progress in structural reforms. The Zambian authorities consider their main challenge to create fiscal space for priority...

In this study, despite recovery in the aftermath of the global crisis, the following challenges faced by Mauritania are discussed: vulnerability to external shocks, an insufficiently diversified economy, weak business climate, lack of fiscal space, and high unemployment and poverty rates. The...

Angola’s economy was badly buffeted by the sharp drop in global oil prices. Policy discussions for the review focused on the 2011 budget, the handling of the arrears problem, monetary and exchange rate policies, and key elements of the authorities’ administrative and policy reform...

This paper discusses key findings of the Sixth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for The Gambia. Recent performance under the ECF-supported program continued to be broadly satisfactory. All quantitative performance criteria for end-September 2009 were achieved, except for the...

The Mozambican economy recorded a strong performance in 2011, showing little sign of being affected by the global turmoil. Given the declining trend in foreign aid in the medium term, the government is tapping more into nonconcessional borrowing to close the infrastructure gap. To promote...

Dominica was struck by Hurricane Dean during August 16–17, 2007. A recent earthquake also underscores the vulnerability of the economy to natural disasters. Output growth slowed during the first half of 2007 as tourist arrivals stagnated across the region. Inflation was 3½ percent in...

Albania’s macroeconomic performance over the past year has been good, with strong growth and a significant reduction in poverty under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility Arrangement. Executive Directors commended the new strategy for maintaining the macroeconomic stability,...

This paper focuses on the observance of standards and codes on fiscal transparency for Switzerland. The assessment reveals that the fiscal role of the executive and legislative branches of government, and the legal framework for the management of federal public finances, are clearly defined. The...

This paper discusses a Request from Albania for a Three-Year Arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). This arrangement aims to prepare Albania for graduation from IMF-supported programs. If properly implemented, the policies it embodies will reduce vulnerabilities,...