This paper offers possible explanations for three generally observed facts about fiscal policy and development: (F1) The relative size of government increases as an economy develops, (F2) The rise in government and taxation are associated with rising or constant economic growth rates, and (F3)...

Despite economic hardships during the past 20 years, Africa has recently enjoyed positive real economic growth, transformed its economic structures and systems, and improved living standards. Much of this owes to the determined pursuit of growth-oriented adjustment efforts, with IMF support, by...

This chapter explores the key relationships between participatory democracy and successful economic development and reviews the early steps of participatory decision making in Ghana. More generally, it sets the stage for a discussion of Ghana's main achievements and failures since 1992 in...

This paper charts Tunisia's transformation from an inward-looking, heavily regulated economy into a predominantly market- and export-oriented one. The paper highlights some of the major challenges facing the country and draws lessons from Tunisia's experience that can be useful for other countries

This paper evaluates progress made under ESAF-supported programs in attaining external viability, restoring economic growth, and implementing structural reforms. Performance is evaluated for 19 countries that entered ESAF arrangements by mid-1992, against the background of their initial...

Given the large size of aggregate remittance flows (billions of dollars annually), they should be expected to have significant macroeconomic effects on the economies that receive them. This paper directly addresses the two main issues of interest to policymakers with regard to remittances--how...

KEY ISSUES Context: The current account is worsening, coinciding with peak debt service, limited market access, and low reserves. Although the authorities have taken ad hoc measures to curb acute exchange rate pressures during the summer, a stronger policy response is urgently needed to reduce...

KEY ISSUES Growth has continued to recover from the 2011/12 low. In an environment of declining inflation—recently halted by a drought-driven food price shock—the fiscal stimulus has been successful in driving economic activity, and a planned program of infrastructure investment is expected...