Benin : Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility

This paper assesses Benin's Fourth Review Under The Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Macroeconomic performance remained broadly in line with the objectives of the PRGF-supported program in 2002. All performance criteria for end-September 2002 were met, and the four structural benchmarks were observed by end-December 2002. However, spending on health and education remained below quantitative benchmarks, and the civil service reform continued to stall. The authorities finalized the poverty reduction strategy for 2003–05, which aims at achieving strong economic growth and reducing poverty, while maintaining financial stability.