IMF Conference
January 29, 2016
In recent years, small middle-income countries (SMICs) in sub-Saharan Africa have enjoyed stronger growth and economic development than most other countries in the region. More recently, however, a number of external developments have led to headwinds and a slowdown in economic activity. As a result, SMICs in the region need to adjust their policies to preserve stability and restore growth, while at the same time decide on the structural reforms that would set the basis for long-term growth and transition to high-income status. This high-level conference aims to take stock of recent developments and provide a forum to policy makers to exchange views on the above challenges and the policies needed to confront them.
Against this background, the conference will comprise three sessions and a roundtable discussion noted in the agenda below.
| 0845hrs | Opening Remarks: Hon. Minister O K Matambo (Botswana) |
| 0920hrs | Keynote Address: "SMICs: Taking Development to the Next Level" - IMF Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Min Zhu
Presentation |
| 1000hrs |
Session 1: Living in a more challenging external environment: A Small Middle-Income Country (SMIC) perspective on recent external developments and best policy responses Panel:
Moderator: Ms. Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf, Deputy Director, IMF African Department |
| 1115hrs | Coffee Break |
| 1130hrs |
Session 2: Labour markets, structural constraints, and reform options Expert address by Dr. Graham Scott: “Motivating and Implementing Deep Structural Reforms – The Experience of New Zealand.”
Panel:
Moderator: Prof. Happy Siphambe (Economics Department, University of Botswana) |
| 1300hrs | Lunch Address: Professor Andre Sapir: “The Political Economy of Structural Reforms—Lessons from Europe.”
Presentation |
| 1430hrs |
Session 3: Financing for development: fiscal challenges and financing options for SMICs Panel:
Moderator: Mr. Lamin Leigh (Coordinator, IMF AFRITAC West) |
| 1545hrs | Wrap-up: Mr. Min Zhu, Deputy Managing Director (IMF) |
| 1830hrs |
Dinner Concluding Remarks: Governor Linah Mohohlo (Botswana) |
