Over the past two decades, sub-Saharan Africa has lagged behind other regions in economic performance. The important overall indicators of performance, however, mask wide differences among countries. On the whole, countries that effectively implemented comprehensive adjustment and reform programs showed better results. Their experiences demonstrate that an expansion in private saving and investment is key to achieving gains in real per capita GDP. The four papers included in this publicati...

The Gambia, one of the least developed countries in Africa, has been pursuing corrective economic policies since 1985, aimed at restroing financial stability and laying the basis for strong and sustainable economic growth. Supported by IMF policy advice and financing. The Gambia's economic performance has improved considerably since 1985. This study discusses Gambian adjustment policies and their benefits.

This paper assesses the economic performance during 1986-93 of sub-Saharan African countries as a group and of selected analytical subgroups of countries.

The first sub-Saharan African country to pursue broad economic and structural reform - aided by external finance and technical aid - Ghana is an example of adjustment with growth. Ghana's experience, discussed in this paper, illustrates the need for complementary policy actions and the right sequencing and speed of reforms.