IMF Staff Country Reports

This paper describes economic developments in Burundi during 1993–97. The external current account (excluding grants) narrowed significantly during 1993–95, owing mainly to strong international export prices for coffee and subdued demand for imports. This trend continued in 1996 with a further compression of imports stemming from a sharp reduction in project aid and the economic embargo. The overall balance of payments shifted from a surplus of 0.2 percent of GDP in 1995 to a deficit of 7.3 percent mainly as a result of a sharp drop in external financial assistance.