This paper discusses the Iraqi authorities' request for a Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). The authorities have requested an SMP to establish a track record of policy credibility to pave the way to a possible IMF financing arrangement. Under the SMP, the authorities will implement fiscal...

Background: The three-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for SDR 32.38 million (USD 44.9 million, or 10 percent of quota) was approved on July 20, 2016. The first three reviews under the ECF were completed in May 2017, December 2017, and May 2018. The arrangement supports...

Mali is a fragile state, struggling with insurgency and making efforts to build peace. The 2013-18 ECF-supported program has broadly succeeded in achieving its objectives under difficult circumstances. The program helped stabilize the economy in the context of persistent insecurity, changing...

Economic activity shows incipient signs of stabilization in some sectors while it remains weak in others. The fiscal consolidation efforts continued and the domestic primary balance at end-June 2018 improved by 0.3 percent of GDP relative to the same period in 2017. Inflation has turned positive...

The growth momentum continues, driven by strong port activity, high cotton production, and the recovery of the Nigerian economy. The 2019 budget will bring the commitment-based fiscal deficit below the WAEMU convergence criterion of 3 percent of GDP next year. Program implementation remains...

Program implementation has been satisfactory. Macroeconomic stability has been maintained, external debt has been stabilized, and several reforms have been launched to modernize economic institutions and the policy framework. Growth is expected to accelerate this year to 3 1\2 percent, supported...

The ruling party won about half of the seats in the October 2018 municipal elections, but the political landscape is becoming more complex and uncertain, with the competition among the three traditional parties intensifying ahead of the 2020 presidential elections. The economic outlook remains...

The Government is implementing a (i) Macroeconomic Stabilization Program, which is focused on strengthening fiscal and debt sustainability; reducing inflation; promoting a more flexible exchange rate regime; improving financial sector stability; and addressing pressures on correspondent banking...