02084cas a2200241 a 4500 AALejournalIMF018936 230101c9999 xx r poo 0 0eng d 5.00 USD 9781484388600 1934-7685 BD-DhAAL BD-DhAAL International Monetary Fund. African Dept. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia : 2018 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Washington, D.C. : International Monetary Fund, 2018. 1 online resource (83 pages) IMF Staff Country Reports <strong>Off-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required <strong>On-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required Electronic access restricted to authorized BRAC University faculty, staff and students Context: In 2017/18 growth slowed due to political uncertainty and appropriately restrictive macroeconomic policies. The external current account deficit narrowed to 6.4 percent of GDP reflecting public-sector fiscal consolidation and a tight monetary policy stance. Reserves were thin and foreign exchange shortages persisted. Prime Minister (PM) Abiy Ahmed took office in April 2018, catalyzing a drive for reforms, including towards economic opening. Outlook: Output growth is expected to accelerate to 8.5 percent in 2018/19 as political uncertainty abates and financial inflows temporarily ease external constraints. The Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) continues to assess Ethiopia at high risk of debt distress. Reforms announced by the authorities-including privatizations and opening key sectors to competition and private investment-pose a substantial upside growth potential. Mode of access: Internet IMF Staff Country Reports; Country Report ; No. 2018/354 Full text available on IMF http://elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2018/354/002.2018.issue-354-en.xml IMF e-Library