This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that in the last two years, Benin has experienced a pickup in growth and low inflation supported by prudent fiscal policies and external debt relief. However, progress in addressing core economic vulnerabilities has fallen short of expectations, and...

The financial stability of Chad is analyzed in this study. Chad's financial system is one of the least developed in the CEMAC region. Chad’s financial system is highly dependent on oil and agriculture, since it is a low-income country. In structuring the financial sector, the soundness...

In this study, the ex post assessment (EPA) of longer program engagement with Mauritania is discussed. From this program, macroeconomic stability has been achieved. EPAs are intended to provide an opportunity to step back from continuing program relations to consider an analysis of the economic...

Samoa has achieved a major economic transformation over the last decade and a half. This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that real per capita GDP in Samoa has increased by more than 3 percent per year on average, and external public debt has fallen below 40 percent of GDP. The external...

The Rwandan economy continued to grow strongly in 2011, and significant progress in poverty reduction has been achieved. The Fourth Review Under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI) highlights that the fiscal framework for 2012/13 is in line with the main objectives of the PSI, and the...

Mozambique’s strong macroeconomic performance continued in 2005 and early 2006, despite exogenous shocks. Fiscal results were commendable, and all performance criteria through end-March 2006 were met. Although the macroeconomic outlook remains favorable, vigilance will be required, in...

The main challenges for this review were to further redress long-running problems in the energy sector and to balance fiscal policy requirements for development spending with macroeconomic stability. The financial position of the state-owned electricity company (KESH) deteriorated significantly...

The January 2010 earthquake represented a major setback for Haiti, after several years of improved economic performance. Executive Directors commended the authorities for quickly restoring basic government functions and maintaining sound policies during the crisis. Directors welcomed the...

This paper discusses Armenia’s request for a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with exceptional access of 400 percent of quota. Given the urgency of the situation, the request is being considered under the Emergency Financing Mechanism. The new program aims to achieve the necessary external...

The economy continues to recover at a steady pace, buoyed by strong activity in the oil and gold sectors, as well as public investment. In the wake of the January 2011 devaluation and concurrent increase in taxes, the fiscal balance shifted from a deficit of 3 percent of GDP in 2010 to a surplus...