Economic activity continues to be robust in 2007, driven by foreign investment in tourism-related construction and services. The central bank (BCSTP) strengthened its efforts to control liquidity growth. Progress on structural reforms has been mixed. The authorities intend to accelerate public...

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...

In 2005, the overall macroeconomic performance was broadly satisfactory, notwithstanding an increase in inflation. All performance criteria were met. Structural reforms advanced, and delays in preparing feasibility studies for restructuring the airport and seaport authorities are being...

This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for São Tomé and Príncipe. Structural reforms are progressing. Five of six structural benchmarks through September 2006 were met. The authorities strengthened public financial management...

São Tomé & Príncipe remains at high risk of debt distress, although it has received substantial debt relief. The increases in world food and fuel prices have rekindled domestic inflation pressures. Inflation has declined substantially since 2008, but remains at double-digit levels. A...

The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe shows prudence in maintaining its fiscal stance assisted by the IMF extended credit facility (ECF). The authorities aim to concentrate on maintaining macroeconomic stability even though debt distress owing to a narrow export base and other...

This Selected Issues paper focuses on the prospects of growth in Sao Tome and Principe (STP). This case study seeks explanations for STP's relative under-performance and draws lessons for the future. It compares past economic developments in the islands and recommends policies that could most...

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated long-standing socio-economic vulnerabilities, which were further compounded by persistent energy shortages, flood-related damages at end-2021, and a sharp increase in global fuel and food prices caused by the war in Ukraine. These have put pressure on domestic...

This paper examines the consideration of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe’s debt relief at the completion point under the enhanced Initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries and Debt Relief under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative. Lower-than-projected export...

Sao Tome and Principe stands at the threshold of the oil era. The government’s objective of stabilizing the non-oil primary fiscal deficit over the medium term is appropriate. Executive Directors support the government’s approach to monetary policy, which is consistent with the flexible...