IMF urges Guinea to boost domestic revenue mobilization

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Guinea.

Although overall growth was strong, at 7.1 percent of GDP in 2020, buttressed by a buoyant mining sector, the non-mining economy-which employs the vast majority of the population-was significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Inflation surpassed 10 percent at end- 2020 and has since accelerated to above 12 percent, as a result of rising food prices and freight rates associated with COVID-19-related supply disruptions, as well as the impact of the policies to respond to the pandemic.

The current account deficit increased to 13.7 percent of GDP as imports of management, freight, and telecommunications services spiked, offsetting strong export growth from the mineral sector. Reserves continued to rise, partly a result of donor support during the pandemic, reaching USD 1.3 bn at end-2020.

The fiscal deficit reached close to 3 percent of GDP, reflecting the implementation of the authorities' crisis response plan to expand health spending and support vulnerable households and the private sector and that the improved mining production did not translate into higher fiscal revenue. As a result, public debt increased to 43.4 percent, also reflecting the first disbursement of the large loan for the Souapiti dam project. Monetary policy was accommodative, which, together

with accommodative regulatory measures, helped sustain the supply of credit to the economy. The crisis deteriorated already weak social indicators. In addition to a spike in COVID-19 cases in April 2021, Guinea also faced an additional health challenge due to a new Ebola outbreak in February 2021fortunately localized.

The Guinean authorities and the WHO declared the end of the Ebola outbreak on June 19. The authorities started vaccinating the population against COVID-19 and Ebola in March 2021. Real growth is projected to remain strong in 2021, at 5.2 percent, supported by continued robust growth in the mining sector, and compounded by a gradual recovery of the non-mining sector.

Inflation is likely to remain above the BCRG's single digit target throughout the year. Risks are tilted to the downside, mostly reflecting the potential for an intensification of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commodity price shocks are another significant source of vulnerability. Other external risks include reduced availability of donor financing and increased geopolitical tensions. Guinea is also increasingly vulnerable to climate change. On the upside, mining activity could increase faster than expected. Accelerated implementation of investment activities, particularly the Simandou iron ore project, would also provide a significant boost to growth.

Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities for their prompt response to the COVID?19 pandemic, which took a significant toll on the non?mining economy and social outcomes. Directors welcomed Guinea's resilient growth in 2020 and noted the favorable near?term outlook, subject to downside risks.

They emphasized that implementing the vaccination plan and maintaining targeted support for vulnerable households and businesses remain key priorities. Directors stressed the need to diversify the economy and secure more inclusive, balanced, and sustainable growth over time.

Directors encouraged continued efforts to create fiscal space for investment in infrastructure, human capital, and social protection. They highlighted the urgency of domestic revenue mobilization, particularly from the mining sector. Specifically, they recommended addressing profit shifting risks from transfer mispricing, fully applying the Mining Code to new contracts, minimizing tax exemptions, and adopting the General Tax Code.