By Our Reporter
OUAGADOUGOU (CONVERSEER) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the release of SDR 24.08 million (approximately US$33.2 million) to Burkina Faso following the completion of the fourth review of its 48-month Extended Credit Facility arrangement.
This latest tranche increases total disbursements under the programme to SDR 120.4 million (about US$165.8 million).
At the same meeting, the IMF Executive Board also endorsed a new arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility amounting to SDR 90.3 million (around US$124.3 million), running through September 2027. Initial disbursements under this new facility will follow the completion of its first review.
The IMF cited stronger macroeconomic performance as a key factor behind its decision.
Real GDP growth rose to 5.0 per cent in 2025, up from 4.8 per cent in 2024, largely supported by artisanal gold mining amid high global prices and sector reforms.
Inflation averaged -0.5 per cent in 2025 due to declining food costs, with projections pointing to stabilisation around 2 per cent over the medium term.
The current account shifted from a 3.4 per cent GDP deficit in 2024 to a projected 1.1 per cent surplus in 2025, reflecting robust gold exports.
Fiscal consolidation also exceeded expectations, with the 2025 deficit remaining below the 4 per cent programme ceiling.
IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura commended the country’s economic resilience and prudent policy management, while urging continued governance reforms, protection of social spending, and integration of climate risks into public financial management to strengthen long-term sustainability.
