The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provisionally extended a financial lifeline to Egypt, offering the nation access to $820 million. This decision, however, hinges on final approval by the IMF's board.
The announcement comes after the IMF and Egyptian authorities reached a staff-level agreement, the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). This program provides extended repayment schedules for countries facing significant imbalances due to structural weaknesses in their economies.
The agreement underscores the IMF's acknowledgement of Egypt's efforts towards maintaining macroeconomic stability. In March, Egypt secured an $8 billion loan package from the IMF contingent on a series of economic reforms. These included transitioning to a more flexible exchange rate system, tightening monetary policy to curb inflation, and reigning in infrastructure spending to ensure long-term debt sustainability.
Following the initial loan agreement, Egypt's central bank aggressively raised interest rates by a staggering 600 basis points, bringing them to a record 27. 25%. This aggressive action was maintained in the subsequent meeting, holding rates steady. The central bank also implemented a policy allowing the Egyptian pound to float freely on the foreign exchange market. This move resulted in a depreciation of the pound, with it currently trading at around 47. 59 to the US dollar.
The IMF mission noted with approval the central bank's commitment to improving its operational efficiency. The specific details of the $820 million disbursement will likely be revealed upon final board approval.
This financial assistance from the IMF is crucial for Egypt as it grapples with the ongoing economic ramifications of the global pandemic and the continuing war in Ukraine. The rising cost of food and fuel imports has placed immense strain on the Egyptian economy. The IMF loan will provide much-needed resources to bolster Egypt's foreign exchange reserves and support essential government spending programs.
While the staff-level agreement paves the way for the $820 million loan, the final decision rests with the IMF's executive board. The board's approval process typically involves a thorough review of the agreement and an assessment of Egypt's continued adherence to the economic reform program outlined in the initial loan package.