Haiti and IMF launch fourth review of economic program

The Haitian government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have launched the fourth review of the Stand-By Arrangement (SMP) established in 2024. The assessment mission, conducted via videoconference, is led by Minister of Economy and Finance Serge Gabriel Collin and the Governor of the Banque de la République d'Haïti, Ronald Gabriel.

Minister Collin reported positive macroeconomic developments, specifically noting that inflation decreased from 32.2% at the start of the fiscal year to 17.5% in July 2026. Other cited progress includes reforms to petroleum pricing mechanisms, public finance reforms, and the gradual return of internally displaced persons to their neighborhoods.

Despite these indicators, the government emphasized that security, the organization of elections, humanitarian response, and social protection remain critical priorities. Collin noted that expenditures related to strengthening law enforcement, electoral processes, and social welfare are essential and cannot be fully reduced, especially as public revenue remains insufficient and geopolitical tensions limit budgetary flexibility.