This paper discusses the Financial System Stability Assessment for South Africa, and reviews the Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes on Securities Regulation. The assessment reveals that South Africa’s sophisticated financial system is fundamentally sound and has so far...

The discussions centered on the needed steps to tighten monetary conditions, curb banks’ external borrowing, and reduce banks’ vulnerability to a sharp deterioration in the quality of loan portfolios. Strong expansion in oil and non-oil receipts in 2005 permitted continued rapid...

This paper presents the staff report on the Republic of Mozambique’s Third Review under the policy support instrument. Mozambique is vulnerable to the global financial crisis and economic slowdown. Lower import prices will help reduce inflation and likely benefit the trade balance. Lower...

In this study, the processes involved in the financial stability of Rwanda after the global crisis are imparted. High growth and major risks included in macroeconomic stability are analyzed. In the case of the banking sector, the structure, performance, and competition of Rwandan banks are...

The staff report for Rwanda’s combined 2008 Article IV Consultation, Fifth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, and Request for Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion is examined. Sound macroeconomic and structural policies...

The current account deficit in Bulgaria, which doubled in 2005 to 11.8 percent of GDP, deteriorated further to 14.6 percent of GDP during the first four months of 2006. The current account deficit continues to be substantially financed by foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. Fiscal policy has...

The staff report for the First Review under the Policy Support Instrument and Modifications to Assessment Criteria discusses Uganda’s medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF). The MTEF aims at higher public savings based on spending restraint and a rising domestic revenue ratio. The Bank...

Despite the effects of the international crisis, real nonhydrocarbon GDP (NHGDP) growth in 2009 exceeded the average of 6 percent. Algeria’s good economic performance supported by the authorities’ prudent fiscal and monetary policies and the favorable external environment are...

This study focused on the medium-term objectives, the 2004 government budget, and other policies and measures for the program period. The preparation of a full Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) will play a crucial role in the process, as this would provide a road map for the government's...

Bulgaria's macroeconomic performance in the face of the prolonged slowdown in the EU has been impressive, but risks have intensified. The response of fiscal policy to these risks has been adequate. Plans to increase reliance on state enterprises to carry out public sector activities are...