IMF Working Papers

Fiscal Sustainability in African HIPC Countries: A Policy Dilemma?

Author/Editor:

Annalisa Fedelino ; Alina Kudina

Publication Date:

September 1, 2003

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This paper looks at the link between fiscal policy and debt sustainability in a number of African countries participating in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. The paper finds that, on the basis of current fiscal policies, debt levels will remain unsustainable even after these countries graduate from the HIPC Initiative. This finding has important policy implications. By the very requirements of the HIPC Initiative, these countries are expected to increase significantly their poverty-reducing expenditure-possibly resulting in weaker fiscal primary balances and worsening debt sustainability outlook. As offsetting fiscal tightening may not be viable, ensuring debt sustainability may thus require increased availability of (nondebt-creating) grants. Otherwise, debt sustainability in HIPC countries may prove elusive in the long term.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2003/187

Subject:

Debt sustainability Exchange rate adjustments External debt Fiscal policy Fiscal stance Foreign exchange

Frequency:

Annually