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Mobilizing more revenue is a priority for sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Countries have to finance their development agendas, and weak revenue mobilization is the root cause of fiscal imbalances in several countries. This paper reviews the experience of low-income SSA countries in mobilizing revenue in recent decades, with two broad aims: identify empirical norms of how much and how fast countries have been able to mobilize more revenue and empirical determinants (panel estimates) of revenue mobilization. The paper finds that (i) the frequency distribution of changes in revenue ratios for SSA low-income countries (LICs) peaks at a pace of about 1⁄2-2 percentage points of GDP in the s...
To provide policymakers in the Caribbean with a governance framework for improving infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), while limiting their fiscal costs and risks for the government. And to showcase Canada support to FAD technical assistance in the region and FAD collaboration with CARTAC and the Caribbean Development Bank
This paper discusses the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe’s First Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement. The economy remains vulnerable to external and domestic shocks. Growth decelerated to 4 percent in 2012, reflecting persistent global uncertainties, particularly in Europe, which contributed to a slowdown in foreign direct investment, and in the execution of the foreign-financed public investment program. Commercial banks profitability and capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio declined in 2012, reflecting more challenging lending conditions. The central bank continues to strengthen its banking supervision function through on-site inspections and enforcement of banking regulation.
The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe shows prudence in maintaining its fiscal stance assisted by the IMF extended credit facility (ECF). The authorities aim to concentrate on maintaining macroeconomic stability even though debt distress owing to a narrow export base and other issues loom as threats. Focus is on strengthening of existing monetary and public finances policies, banking supervision, and anti-money laundering, which will help in reducing poverty. Revenue from oil production is also expected to help achieve the target by 2015.
This paper discusses Mongolia’s First and Second Reviews Under the Extended Fund Facility. Performance under the program thus far has been strong. Growth in 2017 is projected to reach 3.3 percent, considerably better than forecasted at the time of program approval. The combination of strong policy implementation and a supportive external environment has helped the authorities over-perform on all of the quantitative targets under the program. Performance on structural reforms has also been strong, notwithstanding the delays owing to the change in government in September 2017.
High natural resource prices in recent years have resulted in sizeable increases in fiscal revenue for many resource-exporting countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this revenue source is volatile, and arguably these countries should also rely on other forms of taxation to help fund public expenditure. This paper asks whether the availability of higher resource revenue in these countries has led to lower taxation effort of other revenue categories. The question is analyzed both in terms of the relationship between non-resource tax revenue and resource revenue, and between non-resource tax revenue and statutory tax rates. The paper finds evidence suggesting that nonresource revenue is negatively influenced by a higher resource revenue-to-GDP ratio. The lower take up of nonresource taxes in resource-rich countries is correlated with higher levels of corruption in these countries, suggesting weaker institutions affect nonresource revenue through incentives for tax evasion and/or large tax exemptions as argued in the literature.
This paper discusses Ghana’s Second Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Request for Waiver for Nonobservance of Performance Criterion (PC). Program implementation has been broadly satisfactory to date, but the economic outlook remains difficult, and risks are tilted to the downside. All PCs were met at end-August 2015, with the exception of the continuous PC on nonaccumulation of external arrears, which was not observed owing to some small payments delays. The IMF staff supports the authorities’ request for a waiver for this, given the corrective actions that will be implemented to avoid new external arrears. The IMF staff recommends completion of the second review.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly an important vehicle for several Western Balkan countries to increase investment to reduce their infrastructure gaps. While there are benefits to well-designed and implemented PPPs, they also carry a potential for large fiscal risks and increased costs if not managed well. Countries with successful PPP programs typically benefit from a clear and well-designed PPP governance framework, which covers all stages of the PPP life cycle. Western Balkan countries need to address gaps in their PPP governance frameworks to fully reap the potential benefits from PPPs.
This 2017 Article IV Consultation highlights Saudi Arabia’s launch of a bold reform program under Vision 2030, announced in 2016. The authorities have made considerable progress in initiating the implementation of their ambitious reform agenda. Non-oil growth is projected to pick up to 1.7 percent in 2017. Growth is expected to strengthen over the medium term as structural reforms are implemented. Risks mainly come from uncertainties about future oil prices, as well as questions about how the ongoing reforms will affect the economy. Employment growth has weakened, and the unemployment rate among Saudi nationals has increased to 12.3 percent. The fiscal deficit is also projected to narrow substantially in the coming years.
This book is a sequel to Rural development : putting the last first (AL. 1719, BRN 32006). It explores methods and approaches of participatory rural appraisal (PRA), which, because of its wide application, should, according to the author, be changed to participatory learning and action (PLA).