We study the long-run relationship between public debt and growth in a large panel of countries. Our analysis takes particular note of theoretical arguments and data considerations in modeling the debt-growth relationship as heterogeneous across countries. We investigate the issue of...

Tanzania’s economic growth continues to be buoyant. The planned monetary policy tightening is aimed at entrenching gradual disinflation. Executive Directors recommend further enhancing the degree of exchange rate flexibility, and the fiscal deficit reduction envisaged in the draft budget...

Tanzania’s macroeconomic outlook is favorable with buoyant growth and declining inflation. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended its prudent policy management and progress in stabilizing the economy. The country’s 2012–13 budget appropriately...

We estimate ex post returns to emerging market debt by combining secondary-market prices with observed flows based on World Bank data. From 1970-2000, returns averaged 9 percent per annum, about the same as returns on a ten-year U.S. treasury bond. This reflects the combined effect of the 1980s...

Tanzania’s economy experienced adverse supply shocks in 2011. The Fourth Review under the policy support instrument (PSI) discusses that tighter fiscal and monetary policies are addressing the inflationary impact of the drought/energy shock. Performance under the PSI-supported program has...

Tanzania’s fiscal policy has been tightened owing to the deteriorating financing climate and rising inflation. The Bank of Tanzania has tightened its reserve money program for 2011/12, and domestic interest rates have risen sharply since mid-2011. The authorities are expanding...

Tanzania has weathered the adverse shocks of recent years relatively well. Revenue collection for 2010–11 has fallen short of targets, constraining public spending and contributing to the emergence of arrears. Monetary policy has become less accommodative. The near-term economic outlook...

An assessment is provided of The Gambia’s performance in meeting the requirements for reaching the completion point under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative is provided. Next, the paper reviews the status of creditor participation and presents an updated debt...

In 2008–09, economic activity in Burkina Faso was negatively affected by the increase in global food and fuel prices, the global economic and financial crisis, and heavy flooding in Ouagadougou in September 2009. These shocks are estimated to have contributed to a deterioration in poverty...