The staff report for St. Kitts and Nevis’ first review under the Stand-By Arrangement and the Financing Assurances Review is presented. Economic activity is estimated to have been flat in 2011, as continued weakness in the construction sector offset the moderate recovery in tourism and...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the implementation of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF)-supported program was broadly satisfactory for Congo in 2004–05. However, expenditure overruns and delays in structural reforms pushed the program off track in 2006....

The macroeconomic performance for Lao People’s Democratic Republic is encouraging, but underlying fragilities remain. Progress needs to be made on structural reforms. On the fiscal side, the immediate challenge is to avoid an unsustainable expansion of spending. The medium-term priority...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review Under the Policy Support Instrument for Nigeria. All assessment criteria through end-September were met except for one civil service-related measure. Remedial measures have prevented the civil service reform program from being compromised....

This paper discusses key findings of the Seventh Review Under the Policy Support Instrument for Cape Verde. All assessment criteria were met with a margin, and all but three structural benchmarks were met. Growth is holding up at 4 percent in 2009, and inflation is low. The authorities have...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that Namibia recorded robust real GDP growth, falling inflation, a strong external current account surplus, and continued low external indebtedness over the last two years. Real GDP grew by 6 percent in 2004, as new marine technologies prompted a...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for Burkina Faso. All quantitative performance criteria (PC) were met. The indicative floor on social expenditures was not achieved, mainly because of capacity weaknesses in implementing...

Kenya’s economy is bouncing back following multiple shocks between 2008 and 2009. The program targets a gradual reduction in the central government primary balance through tax reform and strict control of current spending to bring the debt-to-GDP ratio below 45 percent at the end of the...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic developments in Trinidad and Tobago continue to be underpinned by a favorable international environment. Surging energy prices, the exploitation of new gas fields, and an expansion of industrial capacity helped sustain robust economic...