The International Monetary Fund has prolonged its visit to Senegal by several days as talks continue on a fresh support programme, a spokesperson confirmed.
According to Reuters reports, IMF team has been in Dakar since 22 October after Senegal had opened discussions last month on a new arrangement.
The visit “has been productive”, the spokesperson said, adding that negotiations are focusing on policies and reforms that could underpin the authorities’ request for an IMF-supported programme. A concluding statement will be issued at the end of the mission.
It is also reported that the IMF froze Senegal’s previous $1.8bn programme in 2024 after the then-new administration revealed billions of dollars in previously unreported obligations.
Hidden debt has since swelled to more than $11bn, and the IMF now estimates the country’s broad debt-to-GDP ratio covering central government liabilities, state-owned enterprises and domestic arrears at 132% as at end-2024.
Investors are divided over whether the IMF will insist on a debt restructuring or re-profiling to restore sustainability a step Senegal’s leadership is reluctant to take heightening interest in the outcome of the extended talks.