Country Reports
2025
January 31, 2025
Bolivia: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Bolivia
Description: Economic activity has slowed reflecting falling natural gas production, lower public investment execution, financial volatility, and disruptions due to socio-political tensions. Bolivia’s inflation rate remains one of the lowest in the region, sustained by price controls and costly subsidies. The combination of sizable fiscal imbalances, declining natural gas exports, a loss of access to international markets, and the ongoing monetization of the deficit in the context of an exchange rate peg have eroded competitiveness, depleted reserves, and left Bolivia in a precarious position.
January 30, 2025
South Africa: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for South Africa
Description: A new Government of National Unity (GNU) has been in place since June 2024, which the markets have welcomed. The GNU faces difficult challenges: declining GDP per capita, high unemployment, poverty and inequality, and rising public debt and debt service, which crowd out other urgent spending needs. Its fresh mandate represents an opportunity to pursue ambitious reforms to safeguard macroeconomic stability and address these challenges, placing the economy on a path toward higher, more inclusive, and greener growth.
January 29, 2025
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: Second Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Supplement; and Statement by the Executive Director for The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Description: The Board approved Ethiopia’s request for a four-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF arrangement) in July 2024 to support the authorities’ Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda. The Fund-supported program addresses macroeconomic imbalances, aiming to restore external debt sustainability, and lay the foundations for high, private sector-led growth. Strong ownership has underpinned early success of reforms, strengthening support for the authorities’ program. Foreign exchange (FX) market functioning is improving; and initial steps to modernize monetary policy, mobilize domestic revenue, enhance social safety nets, strengthen state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and anchor financial stability are promising, with continued commitment needed to sustain their success. Debt discussions with the Official Creditor Committee of the Common Framework are advancing. Staff assesses that there is sufficient progress towards an agreement on the key terms of a debt treatment consistent with reaching a moderate risk of debt distress by the end of the program.
January 28, 2025
Niger: 2024 Article IV Consultation, Sixth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement, Requests for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, Modification of Performance Criteria, Second Review Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Supplement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Niger
Description: Niger remains trapped in high levels of fragility and conflict, which are exacerbated by climate shocks. This year, flooding combined with heavy rain affected more than 1.5 million people. The socio-political environment remains challenging. Political instability and sanctions following the military takeover in July 2023 have severely and persistently affected economic and social conditions. There is still no timetable for the political transition after the military takeover and insecurity remains acute, particularly outside the capital Niamey. The authorities are finalizing a new development strategy, the Resilience Program for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (PRSP).
January 28, 2025
Republic of Congo: Request for an Extension of the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement-Staff Report
Description: The authorities have requested a three-month extension of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement set to expire on January 20, 2025. The three-year arrangement was approved by the Executive Board on January 21, 2022, with access of SDR 324.0 million (200 percent of quota). The extension seeks to allow sufficient time to complete the sixth (and final) review. The additional time needed would allow: (i) the authorities to complete remaining reforms; (ii) staff and the authorities to reach understandings on appropriate policies to support the completion of the 6th ECF review for the Republic of Congo, prepare documents and circulate them for Board consideration; and (iii) the Executive Board to discuss the review of regional policies and policy assurances for CEMAC, which is critical for the success of Congo’s Fund-supported program.
January 27, 2025
Cambodia: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Cambodia
Description: Cambodia’s economy is at a crossroads. While the economic recovery continues, its pace remains uneven. The sharp slowdown in credit growth has exposed the economy to increased financial sector vulnerabilities. Policy formulation must ensure a durable and inclusive recovery in the near term and achieving development goals over the medium term. The path forward will require a refocus on more resilient and diversified growth drivers, with the graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status expected by 2030.
January 27, 2025
Democratic Republic of Congo: Requests for an Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and an Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Democratic Republic of Congo
Description: The authorities have requested a new ECF-supported program, to deepen reforms undertaken under the previous program (completed in July 2024). They have also requested a program under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).