IMF Approves $67.3m Grant To Boost Equatorial Guinea’s Fight Against COVID-19

Posted by African Examiner African News, Featured, Latest Headlines Monday, September 20th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a disbursement of US$67.38 million to assist Equatorial Guinea in addressing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and accidental explosions.

The fund which is approximately (30 percent of quota), was approved by the IMF under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), following the request for emergency assistance by the government of Equatorial Guinea.

The pandemic and the Bata explosions have inflicted heavy damage on Equatorial Guinea’s economy, substantially weakened its near-term economic outlook, increased economic and financial stress, and severely affected the livelihood of much of the population.

In addition, it has also increased external financing needs in the balance of payments by an additional projected US$625 million (5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021-22 (relative to the EFF-supported programme.

The disbursement will help meet the urgent fiscal and balance of payments needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and March Bata explosions, and catalyze additional external resources as well as bolster the regional reserves of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).

The authorities are committed to taking further steps as part of their ongoing effort to address macro-critical governance and corruption challenges facing Equatorial Guinea.

Meanwhile, the government have appropriately boosted critical frontline healthcare spending, including the purchase of a large batch of vaccines, and rolled out social assistance to households severely affected by the pandemic and the Bata explosions.

While tackling these crises, the authorities have taken an important initial step to address macro-critical governance and corruption challenges by adopting an anti-corruption law, which is in line with international good practices.

Notably, to boost transparency, they have established two escrow accounts at the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) for pandemic and Bata emergency-related spending, and are undertaking audits of such spending.

The IMF has reaffirmed its commitment to providing policy advice and further support to Equatorial Guinea as it battles the fallout from the pandemic and the Bata explosions, including as part of the ongoing cooperation under the EFF-supported programme.

Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair of Executive Board, Mr. Bo Li said the Bata explosions and still unfolding COVID-19 pandemic have inflicted heavy human and economic damage on Equatorial Guinea.

“The authorities, according to him, are taking measures to contain and mitigate the fallout from these shocks on the most vulnerable segments of the population and limit the impact on economic activity, adding that the government has ramped up frontline healthcare and social spending and have provided limited and temporary tax relief to the private sector to cushion adverse effects on activity and employment.

“Addressing longstanding macro-critical governance and corruption challenges is critical to secure inclusive growth. The authorities met four prior actions. They adopted an anti-corruption law, in line with their obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

“They have also commissioned audits for the pandemic and Bata emergency-related spending, they have established two escrow accounts at the BEAC for emergency spending, and they have committed to adhering to good public procurement practices. Continued implementation of these measures is essential for effective spending on pandemic- and reconstruction-related needs.

“To safeguard macroeconomic stability, promote inclusive growth and fight corruption, the authorities need to accelerate reforms under the EFF-supported program. The recent progress in advancing some governance reforms is welcome, but this effort must be sustained and reforms under the EFF-supported programme need to be fully implemented”, he said.

Mr. Li also harped on the need for the authorities honour their commitment to prepare and publish a list of meaningful public assets for privatization, and approve regulations in line with the anti-corruption law for an asset declarations regime for public officials and the governance of the anti-corruption commission as soon as possible.

He further noted that the measures to strengthen banking sector stability, such as the settlement of domestic arrears and the recapitalization of the largest bank, need to be implemented without further delay.

“Additional efforts to safeguard social spending and enhance social protection are needed, together with continued reforms on revenue administration and strengthening public financial management framework”, he further recommended.