The IMF’s mission is to promote macroeconomic and financial stability among its 191 member countries. It does so by providing short-term lending to countries in economic crises, by assessing economic conditions and recommending policies that promote economic stability, and by providing technical assistance and training to help countries implement sound economic policies.
The IMF is the world’s chief financial firefighter, offering short-term balance of payments
lending support
to countries in crisis. This financing helps countries meet urgent financial
needs to stabilize their economies,
prevent further economic disruption, and reduce spillovers
to other countries. The programs that accompany
such lending help countries implement policies
that restore long-lasting stability, and encourage private-sector
led growth and investments.
For over 80 years, countries around the world have worked with the IMF to strengthen their economies.
Learn more
about their stories: “Effectiveness of IMF Lending Programs”.
With sound policies and strong economic institutions, countries can achieve better economic outcomes.
That is why the IMF works with countries to provide technical assistance and training on critical economic
issues,
such as improving tax collection, modernizing monetary and exchange rate policies, and strengthening
economic governance. This helps countries develop the foundations they need to deliver better economic
outcomes for their citizens.
IMF capacity development is available to all members upon their request and is tailored to
a country’s specific needs.
Learn more about their stories: Stories From Countries.