The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has successfully implemented key reforms under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, despite experiencing exceptional challenges since the decision point, including a challenging security situation. Revised present value of...

The main risk to the program is that inflationary pressures would reemerge owing to improper management of the scaling up of aid and fiscal spending, or a protracted crisis in Kenya. The structural agenda focuses on maintaining the momentum in the previously initiated areas, particularly in the...

Economic activity is estimated to have softened below program expectations in January-March 2012, due to a continued contraction in the construction sector which dominated a relatively strong outturn in tourism. Despite this growth underperformance and the continued global uncertainty, the...

The key issue facing Congo is how to use oil and mineral resources effectively in support of inclusive growth. Economic conditions are supportive--macroeconomic stability is in place, the terms of trade are favorable, and the external position is strong. External risks are mitigated by...

On the basis of the authorities’ record and actions, IMF staff supports the authorities’ request for waivers of two structural performance criteria and one quantitative performance criterion and completion of the sixth review. The authorities completed most of their ambitious...

The authorities view the program as providing a valuable anchor for their macroeconomic policies during a period of high economic and political uncertainty, and providing access to budget financing. The discussions for this review were delayed owing to lengthening data lags resulting from the...

Afghanistan has made substantial progress toward macroeconomic stability, but structural reforms need to be accelerated. The uncertainty affecting the fiscal outlook warrants a prudent expenditure policy. Monetary policy has been instrumental in reducing inflation and safeguarding external...

This paper is an account of Seychelles’ monetary efforts to establish its position in 2012. After the recovery in 2008, the country had solid growth through 2011. The important threat was external risks, which could lower tourist inflows, and piracy. Alternatively, the authorities were...

A 28-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for the Dominican Republic was introduced against the global recession. The main objective of the program is to limit the procyclicality of policies. The countercyclical macroeconomic program improved confidence and fostered aggregate demand. Monetary policy...