## Review of Program Design and Conditionality: Initial Considerations – Background Paper

_Policy Papers, September 24, 2026_

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Review of Program Design and Conditionality: Initial Considerations – Background Paper](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/policy-papers/issues/2026/09/10/review-of-program-design-and-conditionality-initial-considerations-background-paper-579546)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/publications/policy-papers/issues/2026/09/10/review-of-program-design-and-conditionality-initial-considerations-background-paper-579546/index.md)
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## Bibliographic details
- Published: September 24, 2026
- Series: Policy Papers
- Volume: 2026
- Issue: 028
- Pages: 86
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229059077.007
- Stock No: PPEA2026028
- ISBN: 9798229059077
- ISSN: 2663-3493

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### Summary and Purpose
- Provides the analytical foundation for the diagnostic findings presented in the Initial Considerations paper.
- Draws on extensive empirical analysis, stakeholder surveys, and cross-country program experience.
- Examines program performance, key policy areas, and emerging challenges that informed the reform themes subsequently developed in the Reform Proposals paper.

### Major Themes and Analytical Focus
- Program performance assessment across IMF-supported programs.
- Key policy areas examined: exchange rate arrangements, exchange rates, external debt, foreign exchange, public debt.
- Identification of emerging challenges that shaped reform themes in the Reform Proposals paper.

### Methodology and Evidence Base
- Empirical analysis: extensive cross-country empirical work.
- Stakeholder engagement: stakeholder surveys.
- Practical experience: cross-country program experience.

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## Content in this bundle

- **Policy Paper**
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_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/policy-papers/issues/2026/09/10/review-of-program-design-and-conditionality-initial-considerations-background-paper-579546_