IMF Projects 4.5% GDP Growth for Burundi in 2011

The International Monetary Fund projected that Burundi's economy would grow by 4.5 percent in 2011, an increase from the estimated 3.9 percent growth this year. The IMF also forecast that real GDP would rise by 4.5 percent in 2011, with headline inflation expected to reach about 8 percent. The IMF noted that the central African economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly the tea and coffee sectors.

The IMF stated that the macroeconomic outlook for Burundi in 2011 is generally positive, though the foremost downside risk is an uncertain external environment. The IMF recommended that Burundi boost infrastructure spending and reform its financial sector.

The International Monetary Fund is currently assessing the economic status of Malawi and the Central African Republic, and projects the lowest GDP-PPP per capita for Burundi.