Country Reports
2024
September 13, 2024
Denmark: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Alternate Executive Director for Denmark
Description: Denmark has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of the energy crisis, high inflation, and tighter financial conditions. In recent years, growth has been increasingly driven by an exceptional surge in the pharmaceutical sector, while the rest of the economy has largely stagnated. Staff expect robust growth to continue in the near term, driven by pharmaceutical exports, the reopening of the Tyra natural gas field, and a gradual recovery in the non-pharmaceutical sectors. With the sharp decrease in global energy prices and lackluster domestic demand, inflation has fallen sharply. The positive outlook is, however, clouded by considerable external risks, most notably geopolitical tensions. The financial system has remained stable, although risks remain due to still-high interest rates and vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate markets.
September 13, 2024
Dominican Republic: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release and Staff Report
Description: The Dominican Republic has grown strongly over the last two decades supported by political and social stability and a sustained track record of strong policies and strengthened institutional policy frameworks. The next term of government affords the opportunity to further advance and update ambitious reforms, including to tackle low levels of tax revenues, high electricity sector subsidies and climate change challenges.
September 11, 2024
Kingdom of Lesotho: 2024 Article IV Consultation—Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kingdom of Lesotho
Description: Lesotho’s economy has been struggling with subdued growth, high unemployment, and widespread poverty. The government-led growth model has resulted in an economy heavily reliant on public spending, with a small and undiversified private sector. This has led to low private investment, declining competitiveness, and high informality. Additionally, the economy is highly dependent on rain-based agriculture, making it vulnerable to climate-related shocks.
September 11, 2024
Uganda: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Uganda
Description: Uganda's economic recovery is strengthening on the back of low inflation, favorable agricultural production, and strong activity in industrial and services sectors. The envisaged start of oil production in late 2025 is expected to further boost growth and improve fiscal and external balances in the medium term. Risks are mostly on the downside, including continued fallout from the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), which complicates already tight external financing conditions, potential delays in oil production, and climate-related shocks.
September 10, 2024
Botswana: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release and Staff Report
Description: Botswana is experiencing a significant slowdown from a diamond market contraction in 2023–24. Inflation has declined sharply since the peak of mid-2022 and returned to the central bank’s objective range, where it is expected to remain in the medium term. The authorities plan a fiscal expansion in FY2024 followed by two years of substantial adjustment to reach a fiscal surplus by FY2026. The external position should soften over the medium term, with FX reserves decreasing to 5 months of imports. The financial sector remains sound and stable despite the economic downturn.