CAR growth projected to reach 4.3 – IMF

An IMF team in Bangui, Central African Republic, says the country’s economic recovery continues with growth still projected to reach 4.3 percent in 2018 and accelerate in the medium term.

• Economic recovery continues; growth projected to reach 4.3 percent in 2018.
• Strengthening government revenue mobilization remains a priority.

President Touadéra

Led by Norbert Toé, the team visited Bangui during September 7–14, 2018 to review recent developments and program implementation.

The IMF supports the economic and financial program of the Central African Republic by an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement since 2016. On July 2, 2018, the IMF Executive Board approved the fourth review under the ECF, bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$ 123.7 million.

The team met with President Touadéra, Prime Minister Sarandji, President of the National Assembly Meckassoua, Minister of Finance Dondra, Minister of Economy Moloua, the National Director of BEAC Mr. Chaibou, senior government officials, as well as donor representatives.

Discussions covered the draft 2019 budget, structural reforms including the revision of the petroleum price structure, and the government’s strategy to improve public financial management and governance.

Mr. Toé said the economic recovery continues with growth still projected to reach 4.3 percent in 2018 and accelerate in the medium term.

“The projections are predicated on the restoration of peace, the extension of public services throughout the country, and a steadfast implementation of reforms. Strong and sustained growth is necessary to create jobs and reduce poverty,” he noted, adding that based on preliminary data and information collected during the mission, the economic program remains on track.

“Quantitative monitoring indicators for end-June 2018 agreed with the authorities have been met, but social spending underperformed. Structural reforms are advancing, although with some delays. The team emphasized the need to step up social spending to broaden public support for the reform program,” He said

The team and the authorities discussed broad outlines of the 2019 draft budget with a focus on accelerating domestic revenue mobilization, consolidating the single treasury account, strengthening public financial management, and increasing social spending to tackle poverty. Given the impact of higher international oil prices on public finances the team urged the authorities to streamline the complex oil price structure. Strengthening government revenue mobilization remains a priority, including by taking decisive steps against fraud.

The team and the authorities agreed on the need to accelerate the efforts to strengthen governance and transparency and sustain structural reforms aimed at improving the business environment.

 

 

IMF Team warns Nigeria that ‘The outlook for 2018 remains challenging’

• Higher oil prices and portfolio flows have helped strengthen fiscal and external buffers.
• The outlook for 2018 remains challenging, as private sector lending remains low and foreign exchange inflows are mostly short-term.
• Action on a coherent set of policies to reduce vulnerabilities and increase growth over the medium term remains urgent.

         Nigeria President: Muhammadu Buhari

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Amine Mati, Senior Resident Representative and Mission Chief for Nigeria, said though higher oil prices and short-term portfolio inflows have provided relief from external and fiscal pressures for Nigeria, recovery remains challenging.

The team visited Nigeria from June 27 to July 9, 2018 to discuss recent economic and financial developments, update macroeconomic projections, and review reform implementation.

The team said moving ahead with structural reforms is needed to invigorate inclusive growth, particularly in the power sector where faster progress would be needed to ensure financing shortfalls in the sector are met in a sustainable manner.

At the end of the visit, Mr. Mati issued the following statement:

“Higher oil prices and short-term portfolio inflows have provided relief from external and fiscal pressures but the recovery remains challenging. International reserves remained stable at about $47 billion, supported by some convergence in existing foreign exchange windows, and despite some reversal of foreign inflows since April. Inflation declined to its lowest level in more than two years. Real GDP expanded by 2 percent in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of last year. However, activity in the non-oil non-agricultural sector remains weak as lower purchasing power weighs on consumer demand and as credit risk continues to limit bank lending.

“Corporate tax collection efforts improved but revenue shortfalls and the late adoption of the 2018 budget impede its implementation. Revenue from higher oil prices is limited by net losses from retail fuel sales while non-oil revenue remains below expectations, with yields from tax administration measures—including the Voluntary Asset Income Declaration Scheme (VAID) and increased tax audits—yet to fully materialize. Current spending remains in line with expectations. Carryover from 2017 to 2018 helped increase capital spending in the first four months of 2018, despite delayed approval of the 2018 budget. Lower yields have kept interest payments within the budgeted envelope, but the Federal Government’s interest-to-revenue ratio is expected to absorb more than half of revenues this year.

“Reforms to improve the business environment are progressing, including through identification of priority investment projects and the adoption of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA)—a legislative landmark for private sector development. The implementation of the Power Sector Recovery Plan is advancing through a mini-grid policy, and regulations on eligible customers and meter asset providers.

“Under current policies, the outlook remains challenging. Growth would pick up to about 2 percent in 2018, weighed down by lower than expected oil production and relatively weak agriculture growth. The fiscal deficit would narrow slightly, with higher oil revenues offsetting increased spending, including those planned in a supplementary budget. Inflation would pick up in the second half of 2018 as base effects dissipate and higher spending and supply constraints in agriculture put pressure on prices. Increased oil exports would keep the current account in surplus, helping stabilize gross international reserves even if the current pace of foreign portfolio outflows continues.

“A coherent set of policies to reduce vulnerabilities and increase growth remains urgent. This includes specific and sustainable measures to increase the currently low tax revenue—including through avoiding new tax exemptions — and ensuring budget targets are adhered to even in an election year. This process should be supported by keeping monetary policy tight through appropriate monetary policy tools that will help contain inflationary pressures and support a move towards a uniform market-determined exchange rate. Moving ahead with structural reforms is needed to invigorate inclusive growth, particularly in the power sector where faster progress would be needed to ensure financing shortfalls in the sector are met in a sustainable manner.

“The team held productive discussions with senior government and central bank officials. It also met with representatives of the banking system, the private sector, civil society, and international development partners. The team wishes to thank the authorities and all those with whom they met for the productive discussions, excellent cooperation, and warm hospitality.”