Category Archives: PAPERS and REPORTS
Africa IMF Reports : Niger 2011
IMF reports for Niger 2011
IMF Policy Paper: Niger – Assessment Letter for the World Bank and the European Union Summary: Niger’s macroeconomic performance in 2010 was strong, mainly reflecting the exceptional 2010-11 harvest. The bumper crop and the completion of the year-long transition to democracy have also brightened the near-term economic outlook. The recently-adopted revised 2011 budget foresees an increase in expenditure financed in large part by the expected pick-up in external support, helped by the freeing up of resources as ill-targeted fuel price subsidies are gradually phased out. The authorities have expressed a wish to initiate discussions on an economic program that could be supported by the Fund under the Extended Credit Facility in the coming months.
http://www.imf.org/external/pp/longres.aspx?id=4572
Press Release: Christine Lagarde to Visit Nigeria and Niger on First Trip to Africa as IMF Managing Director
http://www.imf.org/external/
Country Report No. 11/358: Niger: Ex Post Assessment of Longer-Term Program Engagement
http://www.imf.org/external/
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2011 Article IV Consultation and Discusses the Ex Post Assessment of Longer-Term Program Engagement with Niger
http://www.imf.org/external/
IMF Survey: Oil, Uranium Projects Brighten Medium-term Prospects in Niger A new crude oil processing project and rising uranium production are set to boost Niger’s economic growth from next year, the IMF says in its regular review of the nation’s economy. Higher resources revenues should bolster Niger’s fiscal and external position in the medium term.
http://www.imf.org/external/
Securing Niger’s Economic Future in Uncertain Global Economic Times By Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
http://www.imf.org/external/
Press Release: Statement by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at the Conclusion of her Visit to Niger
http://www.imf.org/external/
IMF Survey: IMF Chief in Africa Spotlights Jobs, Investment Problems in the advanced economies might seem a world away from Africa, but in today’s interconnected global economy no country and no region is immune to risks, IMF chief Christine Lagarde says in Lagos, Nigeria during her first trip to Africa as head of the IMF.
http://www.imf.org/external/
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
This comprehensive history of Niger during the colonial period is a work based on primary research which attempts an overall appraisal of the colonial past.
The Political Economy of Economic Growth in Africa, 1960-2000 is by far the most ambitious and comprehensive assessment of Africa’s post-independence economic performance to date.
Africa IMF Reports : Namibia 2011
IMF reports for Namibia 2011
Departmental Paper No. 11/01: In the Wake of the Global Economic Crisis: Adjusting to Lower Revenue of the Southern African Customs Union in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland. Summary: The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is facing its biggest challenge in its 100 years of existence. The global economic crisis has significantly reduced its revenue outlook, which is having a disproportionate impact on its smaller member countries, and which calls for an appropriate policy response. This paper discusses specifically the implications for Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland, and provides recommendations regarding the proper fiscal response by these countries to the decline in SACU revenue.
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.cfm?sk=24512.0
Press Release: Statement by IMF Staff Mission to Namibia
http://www.imf.org/external/
All information collated from imf.org
Africa IMF Reports : Sudan 2011
IMF reports for Sudan 2011
Country Report No. 11/86: Sudan: Second Review Under the 2009-10 Staff-Monitored Program-Staff Report; Staff Supplement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sudan
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24788.0
Press Release: IMF Receives Membership Application from South Sudan, Seeks Contributions to Technical Assistance Trust Fund to Help New Country
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11145.htm
IMF Survey: South Sudan Faces Hurdles as World’s Newest Country Since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, South Sudan has set out to build an economy almost from scratch, creating economic institutions and working toward establishing an environment conducive to growth and stability.
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/survey/so/2011/car071811a.htm
Press Release: IMF Statement on South Sudan
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11292.htm
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
The Africa editor of the Economist gives an absorbing account of Sudan’s descent into failure and what some have called genocide.
In his latest book, Robert Collins, a frequent visitor and veteran scholar of the region, traces Sudan’s history across two hundred years to show how many of the tragedies of today have been planted in its past.
Africa IMF Reports : Mozambique 2011
IMF reports for Mozambique 2011
Press Release: Statement by IMF Staff Mission to Mozambique
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11122.htm
Country Report No. 11/132: Republic of Mozambique: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24918.0
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Second Review Under Policy Support Instrument for Mozambique
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11240.htm
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2011 Article IV Consultation with Mozambique
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pn/2011/pn1182.htm
Country Report No. 11/149: Republic of Mozambique: Staff Report for the 2011 Article IV Consultation, Second Review Under the Policy Support Instrument, and Request for Modification of Assessment Criteria – Staff Report; Staff Supplement; Public Information Notice and Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Mozambique.
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24996.0
Press Release: Statement by IMF Staff Mission to Mozambique
http://www.imf.org/external/
Press Release: IMF Completes Third Review Under the Policy Support Instrument for Mozambique
http://www.imf.org/external/
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Mozambique, Republic of: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, November 14, 2011
http://www.imf.org/External/
Country Report No. 11/350: Republic of Mozambique: Staff Report for the Third Review Under the Policy Support Instrument and Request for Modification of Assessment Criteria – Staff Report; Supplement; and Press Release.
http://www.imf.org/external/
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
Lonely Planet Mozambique (Country Travel Guide)
Culture and Customs of Mozambique (Culture and Customs of Africa)
Africa IMF Reports : Senegal 2011
IMF reports for Senegal 2011
Press Release: IMF Mission to Senegal
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11120.htm
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes First Review Under Policy Support Instrument for Senegal
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11219.htm
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Senegal: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, May 19, 2011
http://www.imf.org/External/NP/LOI/2011/SEN/051911.pdf
Country Report No. 11/139: Senegal: First Review Under the Policy Support Instrument – Staff Report; Staff Supplement; Press Release; and Statement by the Executive Director for Senegal
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24974.0
Press Release: Statement by IMF Mission to Senegal
http://www.imf.org/external/
Press Release: IMF Completes Second Review Under the Policy Support Instrument for Senegal
http://www.imf.org/external/
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Senegal: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, December 2, 2011
http://www.imf.org/External/
Country Report No. 11/373: Senegal: Second Review Under the Policy Support Instrument and Request for Modification of Assessment Criteria-Staff Report; Informational Annex; Press Release;
http://www.imf.org/external/
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
Author Pierre Thiam grew up in its capital, Dakar, surrounded by bright, flavorful ingredients and passionate home cooks.
Lonely Planet’s 4th edition of “The Gambia & Senegal” will take you from the arid desert lands of the north to the lush tropical forests in the south, and from the capital cities of Dakar and Banjul to the more remote Bassari country.
Africa IMF Reports : Zimbabwe 2011
IMF reports for Zimbabwe 2011
Press Release: Statement at the Conclusion of the 2011 Article IV Consultation Mission to Zimbabwe
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11116.htm
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2011 Article IV Consultation with Zimbabwe
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pn/2011/pn1171.htm
Country Report No. 11/135: Zimbabwe: 2011 Article IV Consultation-Staff Report; Staff Supplement; Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24948.0
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
The book provides accommodation options for all budgets – from luxury safari camps to budget stays for younger travellers.
British diplomat Philip Barclay witnessed the downfall of what used to be Africa’s finest country, culminating in the tumultuous events of 2008 when Zimbabwe’s people voted against Robert Mugabe.
Africa IMF Reports : Zambia 2011
IMF reports for Zambia 2011
Press Release: Statement by the IMF Staff Mission at the Conclusion of a Visit to Zambia
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr1184.htm
Transcript of Press Conference Following the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)
http://www.imf.org/external/np/tr/2011/tr041611.htm
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Sixth and Final Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Zambia and Approves US$29.3 Million Disbursement
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11244.htm
Country Report No. 11/197: Zambia: Ex Post Assessment of Longer-Term Program Engagement – Update
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=25072.0
Country Report No. 11/196: Zambia: Sixth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility, Requests for Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances Review – Staff Report; Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zambia
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=25071.0
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Zambia: Letter of Intent, and Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, June 3, 2011
http://www.imf.org/External/NP/LOI/2011/ZMB/060311.pdf
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
Zambia is one of the best destinations in Africa for walking and river safaris, hot springs, and waterfalls.
Africa IMF Reports : Sierra Leone 2011
IMF reports for Sierra Leone 2011
Press Release: Statement at the Conclusion of an IMF Mission to Sierra Leone
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr1179.htm
Country Report No. 11/195: Sierra Leone: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper – Progress Report, 2008-10
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=25070.0
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Second and Third Reviews Under ECF with Sierra Leone and Approves $US 13.8 Million Disbursement
http://www.imf.org/external/
Country Report No. 11/361: Sierra Leone: Second and Third Reviews Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility, Request for Waivers of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria, Request for Modification of Performance Criteria, and Financing Assurances Review – Staff Report; Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sierra Leone.
http://www.imf.org/external/
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
This is the only guide, in any language, devoted solely to Sierra Leone.
A Dirty War in West Africa recounts Lansana Gberie’s harrowing experiences as a journalist during the decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone.
Africa IMF Reports : Nigeria 2011
IMF reports for Nigeria 2011
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2010 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pn/2011/pn1125.htm
Country Report No. 11/57: Nigeria: 2010 – Article IV Consultation-Staff Report; Debt Sustainability Analysis; Informational Annex; Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for Nigeria
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24673.0
Transcript of a Press Briefing by Caroline Atkinson, Director, External Relations Department, International Monetary Fund
http://www.imf.org/external/np/tr/2011/tr030311.htm
Press Release: Christine Lagarde to Visit Nigeria and Niger on First Trip to Africa as IMF Managing Director
http://www.imf.org/external/
IMF Survey: Africa Enjoying Newfound Optimism In the latest issue of the IMF’s quarterly magazine, Finance & Development (F&D), articles by a range of African experts confirm the upbeat outlook for the continent and, while acknowledging continued and deep-rooted poverty, spell out what Africa needs to do to further spur opportunities for growth.
http://www.imf.org/external/
Africa’s Future: Responding to Today’s Global Economic Challenges – Speech By Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
http://www.imf.org/external/
Press Release: Statement by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at the Conclusion of her Visit to Nigeria
http://www.imf.org/external/
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
- Identity Economics: Social Networks and the Informal Economy in Nigeria (African Issues)
- Knowledge, Productivity and Innovation in Nigeria: Creating a New Economy (Directions in Development)
Africa IMF Reports : Morocco 2011
IMF reports for Morocco 2011
Working Paper No. 11/34: What Drives the Performance of Selected MENA Banks? A Meta-Frontier Analysis Author/Editor: Ben Naceur, Sami ; Ben-Khedhiri, Hichem ; Casu, Barbara Summary: This study examines the effect of financial-sector reform on bank performance in selected Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries in the period 1994 -2008. We evaluate bank efficiency in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon and Tunisia by means of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and we employ a meta-frontier approach to calculate efficiency scores in a cross-country setting. We then employ a second-stage regression to investigate the impact of institutional, financial, and bank specific variables on bank efficiency. Overall, the analysis shows that, despite similarities in the process of financial reforms undertaken in the five MENA countries, the observed efficiency levels of banks vary substantially across markets, with Morocco consistently outperforming the rest of the region.Differences in technology seem to be crucial in explaining efficiency differences. To foster banking sector performance, policies should be aimed at giving banks incentives to improve their risk management and portfolio management techniques. Improvements in the legal system and in the regulatory and supervisory bodies would also help to reduce inefficiency.
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24640.0
Morocco–Concluding Statement of the 2011 Article IV Consultation
http://www.imf.org/external/np/ms/2011/071911.htm
IMF Survey: Mideast Outlook Varies Markedly Across Region Countries across the Middle East and North Africa face a diverging economic outlook, with oil exporters experiencing a pickup in growth in 2011 on the back of higher oil prices and oil importers seeing a dramatic downturn as the region faces heightened regional and global uncertainty, the IMF says.
http://www.imf.org/external/
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2011 Article IV Consultation with Morocco
http://www.imf.org/external/
Country Report No. 11/341: Morocco: 2011 Article IV Consultation – Staff Report; Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for Morocco
http://www.imf.org/external/
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
- Moroccan Households in the World Economy: Labor and Inequality in a Berber Village
- Culture and Customs of Morocco (Culture and Customs of Africa)
Africa IMF Reports : Mali 2011
IMF reports for Mali 2011
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Mali: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, December 31, 2010
http://www.imf.org/External/NP/LOI/2010/mli/123110.pdf
Country Report No. 11/37: Mali: Fifth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for Extension of the Arrangement and Rephasing of Disbursement—Staff Report; Joint IDA/IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis; Informational Annex; Staff Statement; Statement by the Executive Director for Mali; and Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24618.0
Country Report No. 11/38: Mali: Poverty Reduction and Strategy Paper-2009 Progress Report
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24619.0
Press Release: IMF, Mali to co-host Conference to Discuss Economic Challenges and Opportunities
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr1163.htm
Press Release: The Bamako Conference Calls for Stronger and Inclusive Growth in Mali in the Context of Strengthened Partnership
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr1194.htm
Press Release: Statement by an IMF Mission to Mali
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11111.htm
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Sixth Review Under Extended Credit Facility for Mali, Approves a US$40 Million Augmentation and US$33.7 Million Disbursement
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11231.htm
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Mali: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, May 26, 2011
http://www.imf.org/External/NP/LOI/2011/MLI/052611.pdf
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Discusses the Ex Post Assessment of Longer-Term Program Engagement with Mali
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pn/2011/pn1178.htm
Country Report No. 11/141: Mali: Sixth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria and Augmentation of Access – Staff Report; Informational Annex; Statement by the Staff Representative; Statement by the Executive Director for Mali; and Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24982.0
Country Report No. 11/153: Mali: Ex Post Assessment of Longer-Term Program Engagement – Staff Report; Statement by the Executive Director for Mali; and Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=25000.0
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Seventh and Final Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Mali and Approves US$ 9.3 Million Disbursement
http://www.imf.org/external/
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Mali: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, October 23, 2011
http://www.imf.org/External/
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Approves New US$46.3 Million Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and US$9.3 Million Disbursement for Mali
http://www.imf.org/external/
Country Report No. 12/3: Mali: Seventh Review Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for a new Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility – Staff Report; Joint IDA/IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis; Informational Annex; Statement by IMF Staff Representative; Statement by Alternate Executive Director for Mali; and Press Releases
http://www.imf.org/external/
All information collated from imf.org
Suggested Books
Kindle Paper: Mali’s Tuareg Rebellion Puts Region at Risk (World Politics Review Briefings) (March 2012)
Culture and Customs of Mali (Culture and Customs of Africa)
Africa IMF Reports : Republic of Congo 2011
IMF Reports for the Republic of Congo 2011
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Fourth Review Under the Republic of Congo’s ECF Arrangement and Approves US$1.9 Million Disbursement
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr1113.htm
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2010 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Congo
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pn/2011/pn1113.htm
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Congo, Republic of: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, December 20, 2010
http://www.imf.org/External/NP/LOI/2010/cog/122010.pdf
Country Report No. 11/61: Republic of Congo: Third Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility—Staff Report; Staff Supplements; and Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24683.0
Country Report No. 11/67: Republic of Congo: 2010 Article IV Consultation and Fourth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility, and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria—Staff Report; Staff Supplement; Public Information Notice and Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Congo.
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=24706.0
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Fifth and Sixth Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for the Republic of Congo and Approves US$3.9 Million Disbursement
http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11296.htm
Country’s Policy Intentions Documents — Congo, Republic of: Letter of Intent, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding, July 14, 2011
http://www.imf.org/External/NP/LOI/2011/COG/071411.pdf
Country Report No. 11/255: Republic of Congo: Fifth and Sixth Reviews Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and Financing Assurances Review – Staff Report; Staff Statement and Supplement; Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Congo.
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=25167.0
All information from imf.org