IMF Staff Country Reports

This paper reviews the request from the São Tomé and Príncipe authorities for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). In 2004, the economy continued to grow at a moderate pace, but inflation increased to 15 percent by year-end, as bank credit to the private sector rose sharply and the government loosened fiscal policy. The proposed program for 2005–07 aims at correcting macroeconomic imbalances and sets the conditions for sustained strong growth. Real GDP growth is envisaged to slow down in 2005 in response to tight financial policies.