Sierra Leone: Joint IMF/World Bank Debt Sustainability Analysis
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International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
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The discussions took place in Freetown during March 29–April 11, 2012; and in Washington (April 21–24, 2012). They focused on conditions for completing the fourth ECF review, corrective measures to be implemented to address fiscal slippages that had occurred in late 2011, and policies for the remainder of 2012. Key performance criteria for end-December 2011 were met. However, sizeable spending overruns resulted in a higher-than-programmed fiscal deficit, financed by an increase in unpaid bills. Implementation of structural reforms was mixed, with some measures postponed to 2012. The authorities implemented all prior actions agreed with staff during the fourth ECF review discussions. Staff recommends completion of the fourth ECF review and the review of financing assurances.

Abstract

The discussions took place in Freetown during March 29–April 11, 2012; and in Washington (April 21–24, 2012). They focused on conditions for completing the fourth ECF review, corrective measures to be implemented to address fiscal slippages that had occurred in late 2011, and policies for the remainder of 2012. Key performance criteria for end-December 2011 were met. However, sizeable spending overruns resulted in a higher-than-programmed fiscal deficit, financed by an increase in unpaid bills. Implementation of structural reforms was mixed, with some measures postponed to 2012. The authorities implemented all prior actions agreed with staff during the fourth ECF review discussions. Staff recommends completion of the fourth ECF review and the review of financing assurances.

I. Background and Assumptions

1. The nominal stock of public and publicly guaranteed external debt3 amounted to US$ 0.9 billion at end-2011. Multilateral creditors accounted for about 62 percent of the stock, while bilateral and commercial creditors accounted for 12 and 26 percent respectively. Figure 1 and Table 1 below show the composition of the stock of debt for 2007–11. Debt to commercial creditors consists of arrears accumulated before and during the civil war that ended in 2002. The authorities have been making goodwill payments to some commercial creditors to avoid litigation.4

Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Indicators of Public and Publicly Guaranteed External Debt under Alternative Scenarios, 2012–321/

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2012, 285; 10.5089/9781475513158.002.A003

Sources: Country authorities; and staff estimates and projections.1/ The most extreme stress test is the test that yields the highest ratio in 2022. In figure b. it corresponds to a Non-debt flows shock; in c. to a Exports shock; in d. to a Combination shock; in e. to a Terms of trade shock and in figure f. to a Terms of trade shock
Table 1.:

External Debt Sustainability Framework, Baseline Scenario, 2009–2032 1/

(In percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

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Sources: Country authorities; and staff estimates and projections.

Includes both public and private sector external debt.

Derived as [r-g - ρ(1+g)]/(1+g+ρ+gρ) times previous period debt ratio, with r = nominal interest rate; g = real GDP growth rate, and ρ = growth rate of GDP deflator in U.S. dollar terms.

Includes project grants (1.5 to 3 percent of GDP annualy), exceptional financing (changes in arrears and debt relief); changes in gross foreign assets; and valuation adjustments. For projections also includes contribution from price and exchange rate changes.

Assumes that PV of private sector debt is equivalent to its face value.

Current-year interest payments divided by previous period debt stock.

Historical averages and standard deviations are generally derived over the past 10 years, subject to data availability.

Defined as grants, concessional loans, and debt relief.

Grant-equivalent financing includes grants provided directly to the government and through new borrowing (difference between the face value and the PV of new debt).

Text Figure 1.
Text Figure 1.

Sierra Leone: Composition of Public Debt, 2007–11

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2012, 285; 10.5089/9781475513158.002.A003

Text Table 1.

Sierra Leone: Debt Stock Evolution, 2007–11

(In indicated units)

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Source: Sierra Leone Authorities.

2. Substantial debt relief in recent years has reduced Sierra Leone’s debt burden. Public sector nominal external debt declined from 142 percent of GDP at end-2005 to about 26 percent of GDP at end-2007, thanks to HIPC and MDRI debt relief.5 It has since remained near that level, totaling about 30 percent of GDP at end-2011; and 125 percent of exports in present value (PV) terms. In 2011, debt service amounted to 1.5 percent of exports and 2 percent of government revenue.

3. Domestic debt amounted to 11 percent of GDP at end-2011. Government marketable securities accounted for about 67 percent of the stock, and the balance comprised the Government’s overdraft facility at the BSL (Ways and Means advances) and domestic payments arrears. The stock of marketable securities increased by 6 percent in 2011, emanating mainly from the conversion of the 2010 stock of Ways and Means advances into marketable securities, particularly 182 day and 364 day treasury bills. Commercial banks, other financial institutions, and the pension fund, accounted for about 66 percent of total marketable securities. The general public held 19 percent and the balance was held by BSL. In 2011, domestic interest payments increased by 58 percent compared with 2010 because of the rise in average interest rate and the conversion of the 2010 stock of Ways and Means Advances. Although the stock of domestic debt declined in the last two years, its maturity structure, with some 78 percent in short-term securities, highlights significant rollover and refinancing risk.

Text Figure 2.
Text Figure 2.

Sierra Leone: Domestic Debt Stock, 2011

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2012, 285; 10.5089/9781475513158.002.A003

4. The analysis in this report is based on the macroeconomic framework underlying the current ECF-supported program, and updates the 2010 DSA6. The assumptions have been updated to take into account recent developments, notably the onset of iron ore production and exports in 2011/12. In addition, the previous DSA was based on the debt stock at end-2009, while the current DSA is based on the stock at end-2011. Medium- to long-term projections for the stock of debt reflect the authorities’ resolve to scale up infrastructure investment and boost growth, while resorting mostly to grants and concessional borrowing to safeguard long-term debt sustainability. Regarding commercial debt, the external commercial debt buy-back, which the 2010 DSA assumed to take place in 2011, was not completed. Recently, the World Bank and the authorities reinitiated the preparation of a World Bank supported buyback operation.

Comparison with the 2010 DSA

(Averages in percent of current GDP unless indicated)

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Sources: Sierra Leone authorities; and staff projections.

5. The baseline macroeconomic assumptions underlying this DSA are summarized in Box 1. They reflect the following:

  • Strong growth prospects. Agriculture, mining, and services, as well as public investment in infrastructure remain the key drivers of economic growth under both DSAs. The non-iron ore economic growth projection remains at 6 percent in the long term, partly reflecting the expected increase in productivity in the agriculture sector, the impact of downstream activities from the Tonkilili iron ore project, and higher infrastructure investment. The current projections exclude iron ore production under phases II and III of the Tonkolili iron ore project, pending updated information on the scope of planned investment and commencement of operations.7

  • Improved fiscal position. Government revenue is forecast to be higher than under the 2010 DSA on account of fiscal and tax administration reforms, stronger economic growth, and additional revenue from iron ore exports. PFM reforms are expected to enhance expenditure and treasury cash-flow management.

  • Price stability. Monetary policy would continue to support price stability. In addition, continued adherence to the 2011 reform on government financing from the Central Bank8 is expected to enhance coordination between monetary and fiscal policy and support macroeconomic stability in the medium term.

  • Improved external position in the long term. Although import growth is forecast to remain strong given higher investment and domestic demand, the current account is set to benefit from increased exports of agriculture and extractive industries. In addition, the exchange rate policy is expected to remain flexible and facilitate adjustment to adverse exogenous shocks.

Baseline Macroeconomic Assumptions

Economic growth. Real GDP is projected to increase from 6 percent in 2011 to 21.3 percent in 2012 mainly on account of iron ore production. After this initial upshot, economic growth is projected to decelerate somewhat in 2013–17, and average 5.3 percent a year during 2018–32. Economic growth would be supported by the authorities’ policies to consolidate macroeconomic stability, support productivity gains in agriculture, scale-up infrastructure investment, and create a business-friendly environment. Downside risks to the outlook include terms of trade shocks and a global economic slowdown. On the upside, additional investment in the extractive industries, notably iron ore and oil would enhance long-term growth prospects.

Inflation. Continued prudent monetary and fiscal policies are expected to support price stabilization. Average inflation is forecast to decline from 18.5 percent in 2011, to about 4.8 percent in 2017 and remain below 5 percent thereafter.

External current account. The external position is expected to strengthen. Exports are projected to surge almost 200 percent in 2012 on account of production expansion in the extractive industries. Under the current conservative assumptions for iron ore production, export growth is expected to stabilize at an average growth rate of 5.7 percent over the long run. That notwithstanding, the current account deficit is forecast to narrow from 52.3 percent of non-iron ore GDP in 2011 to 7.2 percent of non-iron ore GDP in 2017, and 4.8 percent in 2032. Import growth remains around 6 percent, slightly higher than non- iron ore GDP, and terms of trade are expected to improve slightly.

Fiscal position. Continued PFM reforms and revenue-enhancing measures are expected to improve the fiscal position over the long-term. The primary deficit is projected to narrow from 3.8 percent of non-iron ore GDP in 2011 and stabilize at 2.7 percent by 2017. Government revenue is forecast to increase from 11.5 percent of non-iron ore GDP in 2011 to 13.1 percent by 2032, while expenditure is projected to stabilize around 20 percent of non-iron ore GDP, with an increasing share allocated to domestically financing capital outlays.

External financing. To preserve long-term debt sustainability, financing needs would continue to be covered mainly through grants and highly concessional loans. The grant element of new borrowing is expected to remain above 35 percent.

Domestic debt. Domestic debt is projected to increase from 11.1 percent of GDP in 2011 to 17.7 percent in 2032, as the financial sector develops and allows for mobilization of domestic resources. The real interest rate in the securities market is forecast to increase, mostly reflecting the projected decline in inflation.

II. External Debt Sustainability

Baseline

6. Under the baseline scenario, all debt indicators remain below the policy-dependent indicative thresholds (Table 1 and Figure 1). The nominal external debt stock is forecast to increase over time, but, as a share of GDP, it stabilizes at about 23 percent over the long run mainly reflecting prudent borrowing policies. In PV terms, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to remain in the 15–17 percent range, while the PV of debt-to-exports ratio is expected to rise from about 47 percent in 2012 to some 60 percent in 2032, in line with the projected deceleration in export growth, while remaining below the indicative threshold. The PV of debt-to-revenue ratio is projected to decline slightly in 2012–17 before stabilizing in the long-term. Debt service ratios point to low liquidity risk as they are projected to remain significantly below their relevant policy-dependent indicative thresholds.

Alternative scenario and stress tests

7. DSA results highlight Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to adverse exogenous shocks affecting exports, exchange rate, real growth and non-debt creating flows (Table 2a and Figure 1). Stress tests show that the most extreme shock is represented by the combination shocks with respect to the PV of debt-to-revenue9 and lower export value growth10 with respect to the PV of debt-to-exports. The latter indicator stays below its threshold throughout the projection period. Regarding the PV of debt-to-revenue, the threshold is breached in the medium term for more than one of the bound tests. Under the combination shocks, the PV of debt-to-revenue would rise from 152 percent in 2012 to 258 percent by 2014, before declining below the threshold to 163 percent in 2032. A one-time 30 percent nominal depreciation in 2013 would also lead to a temporary breach of the PV of debt-to-revenue threshold. Under an alternative scenario assuming less favorable borrowing terms,11 all debt indicators increase over the long run while remaining below the policy-dependent indicative thresholds.

Table 2a.

Sierra Leone: Sensitivity Analysis for Key Indicators of Public and Publicly Guaranteed External Debt, 2012–2032

(In percent)

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Table 2b.

Sierra Leone: Sensitivity Analysis for Key Indicators of Public and Publicly Guaranteed External Debt, 2012–2032

(In percent)

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Sources: Country authorities; and staff estimates and projections.

Variables include real GDP growth, growth of GDP deflator (in U.S. dollar terms), non-interest current account in percent of GDP, and non-debt creating flows.

Assumes that the interest rate on new borrowing is by 2 percentage points higher than in the baseline., while grace and maturity periods are the same as in the baseline.

Exports values are assumed to remain permanently at the lower level, but the current account as a share of GDP is assumed to return to its baseline level after the shock (implicitly assuming an offsetting adjustment in import levels).

Includes official and private transfers and FDI.

Depreciation is defined as percentage decline in dollar/local currency rate, such that it never exceeds 100 percent.

Applies to all stress scenarios except for A2 (less favorable financing) in which the terms on all new financing are as specified in footnote 2.

III. Public Sector Debt Sustainability

Baseline

8. DSA results for public sector debt mirrors those of external debt (Table 3). The stock of public debt is forecast to fall from 41 percent of GDP in 2011 to 34 percent in 2017, and to stabilize around 40 percent over the long run. The outlook shows a similar trend compared to the previous DSA, although the ratios are lower, consistent with the projected fiscal outlook. Domestic debt accumulation is expected to remain moderate, rising from 11 percent of GDP in 2011 to 18 percent of GDP over the long term. As the investor base broadens, the long-term fiscal projections assume that the domestic market can absorb about half of the public sector borrowing requirements at a sustainable interest cost. While this would be in line with expected progress under the financial sector development plan and improved fiscal management, domestic public debt needs to be carefully managed to avoid jeopardizing public debt sustainability.

Table 3.

Sierra Leone: Public Sector Debt Sustainability Framework, Baseline Scenario, 2009–2032

(In percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

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Sources: Country authorities; and staff estimates and projections.

[Indicate coverage of public sector, e.g, general government or nonfinancial public sector. Also whether net or gross debt is used.]

Gross financing need is defined as the primary deficit plus debt service plus the stock of short-term debt at the end of the last period.

Revenues excluding grants.

Debt service is defined as the sum of interest and amortization of medium and long-term debt.

Historical averages and standard deviations are generally derived over the past 10 years, subject to data availability.

Alternative scenario and stress tests

9. Stress tests point to vulnerability to permanently lower GDP growth, a high primary fiscal deficit, and a large exchange rate shock (Table 4 and Figure 2). Under an alternative scenario assuming permanently lower GDP growth,12 the PV of public debt-to-GDP ratio, as well as the PV of public debt-to-revenue ratio, would increase continuously over the long term. The former would reach 59 percent by 2032 (34 percent in the baseline scenario), while the latter would rise from 218 percent in the baseline scenario to 363 percent at the end of the projection period. The results also show that the public debt outlook is vulnerable to adverse fiscal and exchange rate shocks. The PV of public debt ratios would rapidly and continuously increase in case of temporary shock to the primary fiscal balance.13 Similarly, a one-time 30 percent real depreciation in 2013 would result in a deterioration of the debt ratios. These results underscore the importance of fiscal consolidation, and continued implementation of growth-enhancing policies.

Table 4.

Sierra Leone: Sensitivity Analysis for Key Indicators of Public Debt 2012–2032

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Sources: Country authorities; and staff estimates and projections.

Assumes that real GDP growth is at baseline minus one standard deviation divided by the square root of the length of the projection period.

Revenues are defined inclusive of grants.

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Indicators of Public Debt under Alternative Scenarios, 2012–321/

Citation: IMF Staff Country Reports 2012, 285; 10.5089/9781475513158.002.A003

Sources: Country authorities; and staff estimates and projections.1/ The most extreme stress test is the test that yields the highest ratio in 2022.2/ Revenues are defined inclusive of grants.

IV. Conclusions

10. The results of debt sustainability analysis based on the LIC-DSA framework indicate that the risk of debt distress remains moderate for Sierra Leone. Under the baseline scenario, all debt indicators remain below their respective policy-dependent indicative thresholds. However, sensitivity analysis shows that the long-term debt outlook is vulnerable to various shocks: adverse fiscal and exchange rate developments, lower exports and growth, as well as reduced FDI inflows and less favorable borrowing conditions.14 Consequently, to preserve long-term debt sustainability it will be important to sustain fiscal consolidation efforts, implement growth-enhancing policies, promote export diversification, and maintain prudent borrowing policies. The authorities agree with the staff’s assessment.

1

This DSA was prepared by the IMF and World Bank staff using the debt sustainability framework for low-income countries (LIC DSF) approved by the Boards of both institutions.

2

Sierra Leone is a weak performer under the World Bank’s Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) classification, with an average rating of 3.19 for 2008–10. As a weak performer, the debt and debt service thresholds under the joint IMF-WB DSA framework for LICs applied to Sierra Leone are: (i) 100 percent for the Present Value (PV) of debt-to-exports; (ii) 30 percent for the PV of debt-to-GDP; and (iii) 200 percent for the PV of debt-to-revenue. The relevant debt service thresholds are (i) 15 percent of exports; and (ii) 18 percent of revenue.

3

Public sector refers to the Central Government and non-financial public sector.

4

Commercial debt comprises US$226.7 million of un-reconciled debt, accumulated before and during the civil war. The government is making good faith efforts to resolve arrears to commercial creditors, and has been making goodwill payments to avoid litigation. It is anticipated that a debt-buy-back operation will be initiated in the period ahead with support from the World Bank.

5

Sierra Leone has received debt relief under the MDRI Initiatives from the IMF, IDA, AfDB, EIB, IFAD, BADEA, IDB, and OPEC Fund. Under the HIPC Initiative, bilateral agreements have been signed with all participating creditors, except China, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

6

IMF Country Report No. 10/370.

7

IMF Country Report No. 11/361.

8

IMF Country Report No. 11/361.

9

Mechanically, the DSA templates identifies net non-debt creating flows as the most extreme shock. However, this shock represents a sudden outflow of non-debt creating flows (FDI, official transfers, and remittances) equal to 12.8 percent of GDP. Since such a scenario is unlikely, the DSA results for the most extreme shock are based on a combination of lower GDP growth, export value growth, US dollar GDP deflator, and net non-debt creating flows.

10

Exports value growth at historical average minus one standard deviation in 2013–14.

11

This scenario assumes that the interest rate on new borrowing is 200 basis points higher than in the baseline scenario, while the grace period and the maturity are the same as in the baseline scenario.

12

This scenario assumes that real GDP growth is at baseline minus one standard deviation in 2013–14.

13

Assuming that the primary balance is at its 10-year historical average minus one standard deviation in 2013–14.

14

The most extreme downside scenario with respect to external debt is generated with simulated combinations shocks, driven by growth, exports, and non-debt creating flows.

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Sierra Leone: Fourth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility, and Financing Assurances Review: Staff Report; Staff Supplement; Press Release on the Executive Board Discussion; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sierra Leone.
Author:
International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
  • Figure 1.

    Indicators of Public and Publicly Guaranteed External Debt under Alternative Scenarios, 2012–321/

  • Text Figure 1.

    Sierra Leone: Composition of Public Debt, 2007–11

  • Text Figure 2.

    Sierra Leone: Domestic Debt Stock, 2011

  • Figure 2.

    Indicators of Public Debt under Alternative Scenarios, 2012–321/