IMF Staff Country Reports

Sierra Leone: 2016 Article IV Consultation and Fifth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility and Financing Assurances Review and Request for an Extension of the Extended Credit Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sierra Leone

Publication Date:

July 21, 2016

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This 2016 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic outcomes in Sierra Leone have deteriorated sharply over the past two years. Growth declined dramatically from 20.7 percent in 2013, to 4.6 percent in 2014, and further to –21.1 percent in 2015. The budget is under severe pressure. Between mid-2014 and end-2015, the Leone depreciated 22 percent against the U.S. dollar. Banking sector vulnerabilities have increased. Living standards have also deteriorated significantly since late 2014. The medium-term outlook is somewhat positive, with growth projected to recover to 4.3 percent in 2016, increasing gradually to about 6.5 percent by 2020.

Series:

Country Report No. 2016/236

Subject:

Budget planning and preparation Commercial banks Debt sustainability analysis Expenditure External debt Financial institutions Public financial management (PFM)