The extension will give the Beninese authorities additional time to complete the seventh and final review of the EFF and ECF programmes, as well as the fourth and final review under the RSF arrangement. It will also allow space to prepare the ground for possible future engagement between Benin and the Fund.

Benin’s EFF and ECF arrangements were originally approved on July 8, 2022, for a period of 42 months, with total financing equivalent to 391% of the country’s IMF quota. The programmes were designed to support macroeconomic stability, fiscal consolidation and structural reforms, while protecting social spending.

The RSF arrangement was approved on December 14, 2023, providing 120% of the quota, over 24 months. The RSF focuses on helping Benin address longer-term challenges linked to climate change and economic resilience. That arrangement had already been extended to January 7, 2026, in December 2025, before the latest decision aligned all programmes to end in late February 2026.

According to the IMF, the additional time will enable the authorities to finalise programme assessments and consolidate reforms already underway, while laying the basis for any future programme discussions. The Executive Board took the decision under its lapse-of-time procedure, which is used when proposals do not require a formal meeting or debate by Directors.

Benin has been relying on IMF support as it navigates external shocks, security pressures in the wider region and the need to sustain growth while managing public finances. The completion of the final reviews will determine the remaining disbursements under the current arrangements.

–IMF/ChannelAfrica–