While the country has not specified ways of stopping overspending on wages and stopping fuel subsidies, the authorities have laid out reform plans to address the challenges of budgetary support and generating revenue domestically.
“The authorities are committed to stepping up reforms and improving public financial management. Key reforms include liberalization of the telecommunications gateway, imposing Goods and Services Tax on all electricity bills and significant reductions in tax exemptions and duty waivers,” the release said.
The IMF has disbursed $34.12 million to the country as the executive board of the world body is impressed with the country’s performance. This is the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility arrangement, bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to $226.45 million, Madam Iyabo Masha said.
“After many years of strong growth, Sierra Leone’s economy has deteriorated significantly since mid-2014 when the country was hit by twin shocks: the ebola epidemic and sharply lower iron ore prices. Growth declined from 4.6 percent in 2014 to -21.1 percent in 2015. The budget and exchange rate came under pressure, while banking vulnerabilities have increased,” she said citing the press release.
Madam Iyabo Masha sees the country’s economy revamping with the resumption of mining activities and with investments in the agricultural sector.
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