This paper examines Madagascar’s 2002 Article IV Consultation, Second Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), and Requests for Extension of Arrangement. Madagascar’s performance under the PRGF-supported program in 2001 was strong, with the exception of weak revenue...

In the fiscal area, the primary budget balance of São Tomé and Príncipe has turned around from a deficit of 2.2 percent of GDP in 1997 to a surplus of 0.7 percent of GDP in 1998 (Dobra 1.9 billion). The primary surplus is estimated to have increased further to 1.3 percent of GDP in 1999....

Although the impact of the global crisis has been severe, real per capita GDP growth stayed positive in two-thirds of low-income countries (LICs), unlike in previous global downturns, and in contrast to richer countries. Emerging from the Global Crisis explores how LICS have coped with the...

Burkina Faso's sustained adjustment effort has been supported by the IMF under successive programs since 1991. Macroeconomic performance was favorable in 1999. Monetary policy is conducted at the regional level by the Central Bank for West African States and remained prudent. In 1999 and early...

Liberia has begun the long process of recovery and rehabilitation after the civil war. The government should expand its focus from near-term relief and reconstruction to a more comprehensive reconstruction and economic reform program. The government remains committed to its economic and...

Five priority programs were identified to help stabilize the economy and lay the groundwork for equitable growth. The government's priority with this core strategy is to enhance macroeconomic management, government operations, and effective fiscal management to promote domestic and international...

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...

Grenada quickly recovered from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ivan. Executive Directors welcomed the economic reform program aimed to promote economic growth, restore fiscal and debt sustainability, reduce vulnerabilities, and alleviate poverty. They emphasized the need to strengthen the...

Economic activity in the Kyrgyz Republic has been buffeted by the political upheaval, and output growth has fallen short of expectations. The program builds on the country’s entrenched fiscal prudence and features a tightening in monetary policy, so as to secure rapid sustained growth in a...