The staff report for the 2004 Regional Surveillance on the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) focuses on the economic developments and near-term prospects. The fiscal position of the governments in the region has deteriorated sharply in recent years and resulted in a marked increase in...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the global crisis is hurting the Kyrgyz economy mainly through trade and remittance channels. Russia and Kazakhstan remain key trading partners and the main source of remittances for the Kyrgyz economy. Directors have commended the authorities on...

The Irish authorities steadfastly maintained strong policy implementation despite a sharp escalation and expansion of stress in euro area sovereign bond markets. Strengthened European support is welcome, but early implementation is key, and restoring broader stability in the euro area is...

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...

This paper discusses a request from Cameroon for Disbursement Under the Rapid-Access Component of the Exogenous Shocks Facility (RAC-ESF). Despite improvements, the economy of Cameroon remains vulnerable to commodity shocks, especially from oil; and reducing poverty is a challenge. The...

The staff report for the Fourth Review on Nigeria highlights developments under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI). Robust non-oil sector growth significantly strengthened fiscal and external positions, reducing inflation that surpassed the original program goals. Fiscal risks have increased in...

Economic performance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has improved markedly. To safeguard the fiscal position, the government has to rigorously monitor budget execution and reduce nondiscretionary spending. The current monetary and floating exchange rate regime should be maintained....

This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review under the three-year arrangement for Grenada. All end-2008 quantitative targets were met. Meeting structural benchmarks on submitting investment legislation and a new Excise Bill and on completing a Country Poverty Assessment has been delayed...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Sierra Leone’s macroeconomic performance in 2008 was mixed. Output growth reached 6.4 percent in 2007, led by solid agricultural and mining production and buoyant activity in the construction and services sectors. The external current...