Credit Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa—Sources, Risks, and Policy Responses

Author/Editor:

May Y Khamis ; Plamen K Iossifov

Publication Date:

August 1, 2009

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

In this paper, we analyze credit growth in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade focusing on the post-2002 rapid credit growth in select countries. We develop regression models of the fundamental determinants of bank credit and use them to examine whether they can fully explain developments in rapid credit growth countries. We then argue that rapid credit expansion, whether a manifestation of a credit boom or driven by fundamentals, can give rise to prudential and macroeconomic risks. We detail these risks and discuss the choice of policies to mitigate them. We conclude by evaluating the likely impact of the ongoing global recession and financial crisis on credit growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2009/180

Subject:

Frequency:

Biannually

English

Publication Date:

August 1, 2009

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451873276/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2009180

Pages:

29

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org