IMF team to Senegal as debt misreporting issue resolved

Thursday 16th October 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

The International Monetary Fund will send a technical mission to Senegal to negotiate a new loan program after authorities resolved a prior debt misreporting issue, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said. (Reuters)

Georgieva, speaking in Washington at the IMF-World Bank meetings, confirmed she met Senegalese officials and expects talks to begin soon. She did not immediately specify loan size or conditions.

Senegal’s financial credibility had been called into question earlier this year when discrepancies emerged in reported debt levels. The government subsequently submitted revised data, paving the way for renewed engagement.

The potential new program comes amid rising concerns about fiscal strain in West Africa, where several states juggle elevated debt burdens, weak growth, and external funding constraints. Senegal is viewed by investors as a relatively strong credit among peers, making its trajectory important for regional sentiment.

Senegal authorities said the government is committed to fiscal transparency, structural reforms, and boosting revenue mobilization. The IMF team will assess macro policy, debt sustainability, and structural priorities before putting forward a program package.

Market watchers said the move could lower borrowing costs for Senegal if a new agreement is reached. It may also encourage other African nations to resolve data and transparency issues to reengage with multilateral lenders.