Evaluating Fiscal Rules for Lesotho
Evaluating Fiscal Rules for Lesotho

Author: Mr. Yibin Mu

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-12-06

Total Pages: 23

ISBN-13:

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A key challenge for Lesotho is the downward rigidity in public expenditure—which increases when SACU transfers are buoyant but fails to be pared back when they fall. Fiscal rules would be of value in Lesotho to help provide constraints on spending and resist political pressure to overspend, while embedding fiscal responsibility within the country’s macro-fiscal framework and ensuring debt sustainability. This paper evaluates options for fiscal rules for Lesotho, discusses the institutional framework required to help underpin a sound fiscal-rule framework, posits a possible fiscal-rule framework for Lesotho, and offers a roadmap to introduce the framework.

Fiscal Rules
Fiscal Rules

Author: Mr.Jiro Honda

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2017-09-12

Total Pages: 53

ISBN-13: 1484318889

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Over the past decade, Lesotho and Swaziland have faced significant volatility in their fiscal revenues, owing to highly unstable Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts. Based on model analysis, this paper explores the advantages of implementing fiscal rules to deal with such volatility. It finds that the use of a structural balance target could smooth the growth impact from revenue shocks while helping preserve sufficient international reserves during bad times. From a long-term perspective, it suggests possible welfare gains from introducing fiscal rules. Last, it concludes that, based on experiences in other countries, developing strong institutions and improving public financial management are necessary steps to ease the transitions to a rules-based fiscal policy framework.

Kingdom of Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho

Author: International Monetary Fund. African Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2016-02-03

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13: 1513535587

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The 2015 Article IV Consultation discusses key issues related to the economic growth of Lesotho. Although Lesotho achieved solid economic growth with only moderate inflation in the several years, this growth has failed to reduce poverty in the country. Lesotho's major chunk of revenue comes from South African Customs Union to finance large government expenditures, but this revenue will fall sharply in fiscal year 2016/17. Despite having substantial international reserves and fiscal buffers, a major fiscal adjustment over the next two to three years will be needed to maintain macroeconomic stability. The private sector needs to be the engine for job creation to strengthen inclusiveness.

Kingdom of Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho

Author: International Monetary Fund. African Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2013-05-22

Total Pages: 48

ISBN-13: 1484370546

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The Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program extended to Lesotho after a sharp fall in revenues remained broadly on track. Lesotho maintained positive growth supported by expansion of mining and construction. Fiscal consolidation efforts have helped to strengthen international reserves, despite weak diamond prices. Executive Directors welcomed the government’s continued efforts to improve the business climate and promote private sector development. They also suggested the need to maintain fiscal consolidation efforts, while safeguarding priority social and growth-promoting capital spending.

Kingdom of Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho

Author: International Monetary Fund. African Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2013-09-20

Total Pages: 50

ISBN-13: 1484348699

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This paper highlights the Kingdom of Lesotho’s Sixth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility. Lesotho has maintained robust economic growth, with moderate inflation. The IMF report shows that economic growth is expected to exceed 4 percent, supported by a recovery in agricultural production, enhanced construction, and mining sector expansion. The reconciliation of treasury accounts has been delayed, largely owing to insufficient collaboration between the treasury and budgetary agencies. To address the problem, the Ministry of Finance issued a circular in June 2013 to enforce reconciliation reporting by all such agencies.

Kingdom of Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2010-01-07

Total Pages: 34

ISBN-13: 1451823908

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In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country.

Kingdom of Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2010-07-21

Total Pages: 87

ISBN-13: 1455205745

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Lesotho’s fiscal and external balances have deteriorated as a result of the global economic downturn and a surge in spending. Undertaking key fiscal adjustments to restore macroeconomic stability is necessary for raising Lesotho’s growth potential. Executive Directors commend the measures taken in the budget to reduce expenditure. Further strengthening of debt management and accelerating structural reforms is crucial for raising Lesotho’s growth potential. Strengthening the institutional and regulatory framework for banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) will help to support financial sector health and stability.

Fiscal Policy and Long-Term Growth
Fiscal Policy and Long-Term Growth

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2015-04-20

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1498344658

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This paper explores how fiscal policy can affect medium- to long-term growth. It identifies the main channels through which fiscal policy can influence growth and distills practical lessons for policymakers. The particular mix of policy measures, however, will depend on country-specific conditions, capacities, and preferences. The paper draws on the Fund’s extensive technical assistance on fiscal reforms as well as several analytical studies, including a novel approach for country studies, a statistical analysis of growth accelerations following fiscal reforms, and simulations of an endogenous growth model.

Fiscal Regimes for Extractive Industries—Design and Implementation
Fiscal Regimes for Extractive Industries—Design and Implementation

Author: International Monetary Fund. Fiscal Affairs Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2012-08-16

Total Pages: 82

ISBN-13: 1498340067

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Better designed and implemented fiscal regimes for oil, gas, and mining can make a substantial contribution to the revenue needs of many developing countries while ensuring an attractive return for investors, according to a new policy paper from the International Monetary Fund. Revenues from extractive industries (EIs) have major macroeconomic implications. The EIs account for over half of government revenues in many petroleum-rich countries, and for over 20 percent in mining countries. About one-third of IMF member countries find (or could find) resource revenues “macro-critical” – especially with large numbers of recent new discoveries and planned oil, gas, and mining developments. IMF policy advice and technical assistance in the field has massively expanded in recent years – driven by demand from member countries and supported by increased donor finance. The paper sets out the analytical framework underpinning, and key elements of, the country-specific advice given. Also available in Arabic: ????? ??????? ?????? ???????? ???????????: ??????? ???????? Also available in French: Régimes fiscaux des industries extractives: conception et application Also available in Spanish: Regímenes fiscales de las industrias extractivas: Diseño y aplicación