** Benin to the test of growth: analysis of the support of the IMF to the country’s economic policy **
The support provided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Benin as part of its sixth program review under the enlarged credit ease of credit and the third review of the arrangement for resilience and sustainability represents a significant step for the country. The preliminary results indicate a growth of 7.5% in 2024 and maintaining the public deficit at 3% of GDP, in accordance with the standards of the organization for the harmonization in Africa of business law (OHADA) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). However, this dynamic poses several questions about the sustainability of these successes in a complex economic context.
Economically, Benin’s growth is instilled by value -added exports and a booming technological sector. These indicators are encouraging, but it would be relevant to look into the long -term effects of this rapid growth. Will this increase allow a sustainable reduction in poverty and inequalities within the population? Does export emphasis mean that local sectors should also benefit from this dynamic?
From a budgetary point of view, the government has succeeded in bringing the public deficit back to a level in accordance with pre -established objectives, thanks to an improvement in tax revenues and rigorous management of expenses. These advances deserve to be underlined, but they also raise questions about the sacrifices made to achieve such results. Is budgetary consolidation made to the detriment of investments in essential social sectors such as education and health? Should not financial rigor, although Esntiale, not to be combined with policies that strengthen social cohesion and inclusion?
Structural reforms, such as the introduction of a single electronic window for the investment and extension of the digital cadastre in Cotonou, are initiatives that could transform the Beninese economic landscape by making it more transparent and more accessible. However, their implementation requires special attention to ensure that no social group is left behind and that the profits are distributed fairly.
In addition, it is important to mention that although the IMF has welcomed these efforts, the viability of an agreement funded by international institutions also depends on the will of local governments to maintain this momentum beyond periods of external support. The issues of governance and civic engagement are therefore to be monitored with care. How to guarantee a recommendation from the IMF does not turn into a series of unpopular measures that could harm social harmony?
Thus, while Benin seems to be moving towards a period of economic growth, it is essential to question the socio -political implications of this trajectory. Cooperation with institutions such as the IMF can provide short -term solutions and an international deposit, but it also presents challenges that deserve nourished attention. Benin’s long -term success will not only depend on the effective execution of its economic reforms, but also its ability to build an inclusive and lasting future for all its citizens.
The quest for a balance between economic rigor and social well-being remains a fundamental issue, which cannot be neglected in the development process. The question remains: what measures will the Beninese government take to ensure that its economic growth is fair and beneficial for the entire population? In a global context in perpetual change, this engaging reflection is more than ever necessary to clarify future decisions.