‘Robust’ growth in Mali

Economic reforms in Mali have
led the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) to provide an
extended credit facility of
around US$139 million.
Announcing the decision,
Min Zhu, deputy managing
director and acting chair
of the IMF executive
board, said: “The Malian
authorities are continuing
to make good progress with
the implementation of their
economic programme.
“Growth is robust and
inf lation remains low,
although security conditions
continue to be a challenge.”
Mali is also in the process
of improving tax collection
at the borders and
internally by “increasing
the effectiveness of
tax audits, reducing
exemptions, and reforming
the system of incentives for
tax inspectors.
“Efforts to address
financial sector weaknesses
are ongoing. Priorities
include strengthening
the balance sheet of the
restructured housing
bank, reforming the
microfinance sector, and
further modernising the
framework for anti money
laundering as well as
combating the financing of
terrorism,” he said.