Country Reports
2024
June 28, 2024
Central African Economic and Monetary Community: Common Policies in Support of Member Countries Reform Programs-Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director
Description: The CEMAC’s economy lost some momentum in 2023 and the external position deteriorated somewhat, while inflation cooled but remained high. Updated statistics revealed a much more deteriorated fiscal situation than originally estimated. The near-term outlook is one of continued recovery, with growth projected at 3.6 percent in 2024, reflecting still-high oil prices and a strong rebound in oil output. In the medium term, however, sustained growth projected at the regional level masks divergences across the region, with weaker economic performance in countries with no program or off-track Fund-supported programs. In the absence of decisive corrective actions, and with current policies unchanged, fiscal and external imbalances are set to widen in the medium term, threatening to reverse reserve accumulation and add to financial stability risks.
June 28, 2024
Islamic Republic of Mauritania: Second Reviews Under the Arrangements Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Extended Fund Facility, Requests for Modification of Performance Criteria and a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and First Review Under the Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility-Press Release; and Staff Report
Description: Economic performance in 2023 has been broadly positive, with decreasing inflation and a narrowing current account deficit, although real GDP growth slowed somewhat. Still, challenges related to infrastructure, governance, vulnerability to economic shocks, and limited economic diversification constrain Mauritania’s economic development. While the political situation appears stable, security risks persist, especially in the Sahel region. Additionally, frequent and severe climate-related disasters create large adaptation needs, though opportunities for boosting clean energy exist.
June 28, 2024
Islamic Republic of Mauritania: Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy
Description: Since 2016, public development action in Mauritania by 2030 has been framed by the Strategy for Accelerated Growth and Shared Prosperity (SCAPP). This reference framework for strategic planning for the country's economic, social and environmental development also incorporates the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). In addition, the SCAPP has been the subject of a framework law that makes it possible to establish it as a reference framework for development interventions carried out by the Government with the support of its technical and financial partners (TFPs).
June 27, 2024
Dominica: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Dominica
Description: Dominica is a small island developing state that is vulnerable to external shocks. Key economic drivers (agriculture and ecotourism) have limited downstream integration and are vulnerable to disaster shocks. During the past decade, consecutive natural disasters (NDs) followed by the pandemic and cost of living shocks have taken its toll on Dominica’s economy. Policy responses have eroded essential fiscal buffers, despite large Citizenship by Investment (CBI) revenues which have supported reconstruction, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation. The country remains exposed to shocks, while tight fiscal space constrains development initiatives. The ongoing economic expansion provides an opportunity to rebuild essential buffers and reorient policies towards increasing prospects for more sustained and resilient growth.
June 27, 2024
Panama: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report
Description: GDP growth in 2023 was strong (7.3 percent), exceeding expectations for the third year in a row since the downturn in 2020. Unemployment is near pre-crisis levels while inflation has moderated. Government bond spreads increased in the second half of 2023 as markets became concerned that failure to meet the fiscal targets would lead to a loss of investment grade status. However, the overall fiscal deficit dropped from 4.0 percent of GDP in 2022 to 3.0 percent in 2023, and the Social and Fiscal Responsibility Law (SFRL) target was met. Following a Supreme Court ruling that the new contract with copper mine Minera was unconstitutional, the government ordered the closing of the mine. Banks are, on average, well capitalized and liquid, and stay broadly resilient in an adverse scenario.
June 26, 2024
Zambia: Third Review Under the Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility, Requests for Augmentation of Access, Modifications of the Monetary Policy Consultation Clause and of Quantitative Performance Criteria, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zambia
Description: Zambia faces a severe drought that has significantly impacted agriculture and electricity generation and affected a substantial share of the population, leading the President to declare it a national disaster emergency and plan a revision of the 2024 Budget. Despite these challenges, the government remains focused on supporting macroeconomic stability, restoring fiscal and debt sustainability, and addressing humanitarian needs. The government continues to work with its external creditors to restructure its debt in line with program parameters. While mobilizing external financing, exchange rate flexibility will help manage balance-of-payment pressures. Enhancing regulatory frameworks and financial oversight is crucial for financial stability and inclusion, with efforts to improve governance and advance structural reforms continuing to enhance growth.
June 25, 2024
United Republic of Tanzania: Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Request for Extension of the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Rephasing of Access, and Request for an Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the United Republic of Tanzania
Description: Context and outlook. Economic growth is recovering from the impact of the unfavorable global economic environment and domestic factors. Growth is expected to continue strengthening, supported by improvements in the business environment and subsiding global commodity prices. Inflation is projected to remain within the central bank’s target range. Growth-friendly fiscal consolidation is underway, anchored by the ECF arrangement, and the current account deficit is narrowing reflecting fiscal consolidation, easing commodity prices, and tight external financing conditions. The medium-term outlook is positive contingent on implementation of the authorities’ reform agenda, anchored by the ECF arrangement. Climate change poses a major threat, as Tanzania is highly vulnerable but not well-prepared to address the effects of climate change.
June 24, 2024
Switzerland: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Informational Annex; and Statement by the Executive Director for Switzerland
Description: Growth is recovering gradually (projected at 1.3 percent in 2024) after slowing in 2023 (0.8 percent). A tight monetary stance and disinflation abroad have brought inflation within SNB’s 0–2 percent price stability range, and the SNB lowered its policy rate in March 2024, ahead of other major central banks. The external current account has remained in surplus but declined, while the general government surplus declined in 2023. Fiscal fundamentals are strong with low debt levels, but mounting spending pressures and remaining future financing gaps in the pension system, including stemming from the recent vote on a 13th monthly pension payment, need to be addressed. The state-facilitated acquisition of Credit Suisse (CS) by UBS stabilized markets, and the authorities have published reform proposals based on their review of the transaction and the TBTF framework. Negotiations with the EU restarted. Climate policy progressed. Medium-term challenges include labor shortages and skill gaps.