The Kingdom of Lesotho’s 2005 Article IV Consultation reports that the government’s fiscal position and the external current account have improved markedly. The authorities are preparing an action plan, in collaboration with development partners, to improve the business climate....

Nepal’s public debt-to-GDP ratio is set to decline from 68 percent of GDP at end-2002–03 over the medium term. The 2003–04 budget makes a start in implementing the medium-term fiscal strategy. Government spending will be redirected to social sectors, for poverty alleviation,...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that Guinea-Bissau’s economic performance has weakened substantially in recent years. Real GDP declined by 7 percent in 2002 and was flat in 2003. Structural reforms stalled after the war; the private sector remained incapacitated because of...

This paper focuses on Mali’s Request for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility. Mali’s economic situation improved in 2003, in spite of a difficult regional environment. The IMF staff considers that the government’s medium-term program,...

Mozambique’s strong macroeconomic performance continued in 2005 and early 2006, despite exogenous shocks. Fiscal results were commendable, and all performance criteria through end-March 2006 were met. Although the macroeconomic outlook remains favorable, vigilance will be required, in...

Tonga’s growth is likely to be low in the near term as remittances remain constrained by global economic conditions. The staff report for Tonga’s 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights economic developments and policies. The reconstruction of the central business district and...

This paper presents Malawi’s First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility. The overvalued exchange rate has put external reserves under pressure, and the backlog of unpaid import invoices persists. The impact of the overvalued exchange rate on the value of donor inflows...

Structural reforms and strong macroeconomic policies of Burkina Faso have promoted economic growth and low inflation over the past decade. Executive Directors welcomed this development, and encouraged the authorities to reduce the fiscal deficit and maintain fiscal and external debt...