What can the IMF do to help Africa?
Sayeh: The Fund significantly expanded its assistance to a number of African countries following last year’s food and fuel crisis. Last September, the IMF approved a new financing instrument to support African countries and other low-income countries that are experiencing exogenous shocks. Since that facility was put in place, we have been able to extend support to four African countries, most recently Ethiopia. So the Fund now has the flexibility to respond more quickly and with streamlined conditionality to urgent demands for financing. The Fund is also expanding its technical assistance to Africa to help build capacity needed for sustained, medium-term growth. Technical assistance has been a significant factor in the progress made by some African countries over the past two decades, and the Fund has been a key partner. IMF Survey online: How does the upcoming conference in Dar es Salaam fit with the IMF’s broader work in helping Africa cope with the crisis? Sayeh: The IMF and the go
