Arrears in Sub-Saharan Africa: Paying Bills on Time Matters
Arrears can negatively impact schools and hospitals and undermine the effectiveness of social policy. (iStock by Getty images/epicurean)
In This Episode
The dramatic drop in commodity prices in 2014 has had lingering effects in sub-Saharan Africa. One such effect is a growing backlog of payments by governments to service providers, known as arrears. But despite the prevalence of arrears in the region, their causes and consequences are not well understood. The latest Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa looks at the economic and social impact of increasing arrears in recent years. In this podcast, IMF economists Samuel Delepierre and David Stenzel say domestic arrears can undermine private sector activity and citizens’ trust in the government.
Join Us on Every Major Platform
Latest Podcasts
BEHIND THE MIC
Bruce Edwards
International Monetary Fund
Bruce Edwards produces the IMF podcast program. He's an award-winning audio producer and journalist who's covered armed conflicts, social unrest, and natural disasters from all corners of the world. He believes economists have an important role in solving the world's problems and aspires to showcase their research in every IMF podcast.
Rhoda Metcalfe
RHODA METCALFE is an independent journalist and audio producer.