IMF Mission Reviews São Tomé and Príncipe’s Economy Amid Inflationary Pressures and Power Shortages
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Slavi Slavov has concluded a mission to São Tomé and Príncipe, held between September 22 and 26, 2025, to review recent economic developments and assess progress under the country’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
In a statement at the end of the visit, Mr. Slavov noted that the Santomean economy has shown resilience despite a challenging global and domestic environment. Inflation, however, has returned to double digits, driven by both supply and demand factors, even as export revenues were buoyed by stronger tourism inflows and elevated cocoa prices.
Discussions also focused on structural challenges facing the economy, including electricity shortages, fiscal and monetary policy measures, public debt management, and demographic outlook. The IMF mission also reviewed the government’s performance in meeting programme commitments ahead of the second review of the ECF arrangement, scheduled for October 2025.
“The Fund-supported programme continues to play a pivotal role in restoring macroeconomic stability, fostering structural reforms, and catalyzing support from other development partners,” Mr. Slavov stated.
The mission engaged with senior government officials, including Minister of State for Economy and Finance Gareth Haddad do Espírito Santo Guadalupe, Acting Governor of the Central Bank Lara Simone Beirão, representatives of the private sector, and development partners.
