How the IMF Keeps Sub-Sahara Africa in Poverty

Daniel J. Mitchell A couple of months ago, I thought I did something meaningful by sharing six separate examples of the International Monetary Fund pressuring sub-Saharan African nations to impose higher tax burdens. This was evidence, I suggested, that the IMF had a disturbing agenda of bigger government for the entire region. I didn’t imply the bureaucrats were motivated ...

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Structural Adjustment—a Major Cause of Poverty

Debt is an efficient tool. It ensures access to other peoples’ raw materials and infrastructure on the cheapest possible terms. Dozens of countries must compete for shrinking export markets and can export only a limited range of products because of Northern protectionism and their lack of cash to invest in diversification. Market saturation ensues, reducing exporters’ incom...

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The effects of IMF programs on poverty, income inequality and social expenditure in low income countries: an empirical analysis

Graham Bird,Faryal Qayum ABSTRACT This paper examines the effect of IMF programs on poverty, income inequality and government expenditure on education and health. It distinguishes between non-concessional and concessional programs and examines the effect of contingent factors; program completion, IMF resources, the size of the initial economic problems and aid dependency...

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