The Design of Fiscal Adjustment Strategies in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland

Author/Editor:

Luis-Felipe Zanna ; Olivier Basdevant ; Susan S. Yang ; Genevieve Verdier ; Joannes Mongardini ; Miss Borislava Mircheva ; Dalmacio Benicio

Publication Date:

November 1, 2011

Electronic Access:

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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:

Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland face the serious challenge of adjusting not only to lower Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) transfers because of the global economic crisis, but also to a potential further decline over the medium term. This paper assesses options for the design of the needed fiscal consolidation. The choice among these options should be driven by (i) the impact on growth and (ii) the specificities of each country. Overall, a focus on government consumption cuts appears to minimize the negative impact on growth, and would be appropriate given the relatively large size of the public sector in each country.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2011/266

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

November 1, 2011

ISBN/ISSN:

9781463924652/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2011266

Pages:

38

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