The Mozambican economy has weathered the financial storms created by cyclones Idai and Kenneth earlier in the year, according to a report by an International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team after a visit early in November. Team leader Ricardo Velloso said: “As a result of Tropical Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, real GDP growth decelerated to 2 ¼ percent (year-on-year) in the second quarter of 2019, affected by a weak performance in agriculture.” The IMF put pressure on the government to speed up VAT refunds. “The mission welcomed the significant progress on clearing domestic payments arrears to suppliers and noted that, despite some progress, additional efforts will be needed to address the VAT refund backlog”.