In a recent press release, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the approval of an immediate disbursement of approximately $47.4 million (36.16 units of account) for Mauritania.
This decision follows the conclusion of the IMF Executive Board’s 2024 Article IV consultations with Mauritania, the completion of the third review under the “Extended Credit Facility” and “Extended Credit Mechanism,” and the second review under the “Resilience and Sustainability Mechanism.”
The IMF highlighted the resilience of Mauritania’s economy, even as economic growth is expected to slow to 4.6% in 2024. Despite this deceleration, the medium-term growth outlook remains favorable, supported by initiatives to foster inclusive, private-sector-led growth. These efforts include improved revenue mobilization, enhanced banking supervision, and the implementation of the government’s action plan to strengthen governance.
Kenji Okamura, IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair of the Board, commended Mauritania’s performance, stating, “Thanks to sound policies, the Mauritanian economy continued to grow in 2024, with inflation under control and public finances aligned with the goal of reducing external debt over the medium term. Prudent monetary and fiscal policies have underpinned the program’s success, while the authorities have focused on strengthening policy frameworks, building economic resilience, accelerating inclusive growth, and addressing climate change challenges.”
The IMF Directors lauded Mauritania’s commitment to reform and the strong performance of its economic program, emphasizing the importance of continued prudent fiscal and monetary policies. However, they cautioned that the positive outlook remains vulnerable to significant risks, including regional security challenges in the Sahel and climate-related shocks.
To address these vulnerabilities, the Directors underlined the need for sustained efforts to preserve macroeconomic stability, strengthen policy frameworks, and implement reforms aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.