IMF Approves Final Review of Mali’s Staff Monitored Program
Management of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the second and final review of Mali’s Staff Monitored Program (SMP), describing the program implementation as robust.
In a statement released on March 18, 2026, the IMF explained that the SMP, which was approved in March 2025, aims to ensure fiscal sustainability, strengthen governance and public financial management, and protect the most vulnerable.
The Fund highlighted that all quantitative and indicative targets under the second review, including priority social spending, net tax revenues, domestic and external arrears, and the primary fiscal deficit, were observed, with overperformance recorded in some instances.
The IMF also noted that all structural benchmarks were met, including the digitalization of tax receipts, interconnectivity of tax administration and the development of an action plan related to the census of public accounts.
The Fund however cautioned that whiles fiscal policy remains appropriate, careful management of potential windfalls is needed amid high gold prices, warning that elevated borrowing costs and large development and security needs continue to limit fiscal space.
The IMF further noted that Mali’s economy is rebounding from setbacks experienced in late 2025, following easing security tensions and a recovery in gold production, with inflation remaining below 3 percent.
The Fund called on Malian authorities to remain committed to prudent fiscal management whiles it commended them for their strong performance under the program.
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