Burundi’s First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria are discussed. Fiscal slippages emerged following the surge in petroleum prices and higher spending needs associated with the peace process and the domestically financed...

The Gambia’s 2008 Article IV Consultation and Third Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility are discussed. A sharp appreciation of the dalasi in 2007 has mitigated the impact of increases in world food and oil prices. The authorities’ response to the continuing rise in these...

This paper discusses the progress report on the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) for Nigeria. The NEEDS 2004–07 is Nigeria’s reform based medium-term plan for economic recovery, growth, and development. Fiscal and monetary policies have been carefully managed in...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. All quantitative performance criteria and structural benchmarks for end-December 2006 were met. Progress continues on structural...

This paper discusses the Republic of Mozambique’s 2007 Article IV Consultation and Sixth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). The post-conflict rebound has largely run its course, and first-generation reforms are completed; a second wave of reforms is needed to sustain...

Niger’s Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Request for Waiver and Modification of Performance Criteria are examined. Economic growth in 2006 has been satisfactory at 4.8 percent, owing to a good harvest for the second year in a row, and strong mining,...

This paper discusses the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Second Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility. Political pressures on tax administration and the granting of concessions to some manufacturers through increased protection on final goods and lower duty rates on raw...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Nepal. The PRGF-supported program is broadly on track. All quantitative performance criteria for the fourth review were met. A number of structural performance criteria and...

This paper discusses Sierra Leone’s Request for a Three-Year Arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Sierra Leone has made considerable progress during the last PRGF-supported program toward macroeconomic stability. Macroeconomic performance was generally strong,...

Rwanda’s Second and Third Reviews Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria are discussed. After an extended period characterized by a strong expansion of economic activity, real GDP growth is estimated by the IMF staff to have slowed to...