May 13, 2025
Luanda, Angola: Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) African Department, held a meeting in Luanda with President João Lourenço of Angola. Following their discussions, Mr. Selassie released a statement summarizing the outcomes.
“It was very good to meet President Lourenço this morning. We had constructive discussions on Angola’s economy and the actions the government is taking in this challenging external environment," Mr. Selassie stated.
He commended President Lourenço for Angola's economic performance in 2024 and efforts to reduce inflation and manage public debt vulnerabilities. “I congratulated him on Angola’s strong economic performance in 2024 and his administration’s efforts in reducing inflation and containing public debt vulnerabilities,” he added.
The meeting addressed strategies for managing emerging risks to ensure macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability. Mr. Selassie noted that the IMF aligns with President Lourenço's priorities of sustainable public finances while protecting vulnerable populations and sustaining growth momentum.
“The reforms the government has been pursuing in recent years have been gaining traction, as evidenced by the country’s improving attractiveness to private investment,” said Mr. Selassie.
He affirmed the IMF's readiness to support Angola's initiatives and emphasized a commitment to strengthening their partnership. “I emphasized the IMF’s readiness to continue supporting Angola’s efforts, and our commitment to maintain and strengthen our longstanding partnership," he remarked.
Mr. Selassie expressed gratitude for the reception from President Lourenço, his ministers, and officials at Banco Nacional de Angola during his visit. “I thanked President Lourenço, his Ministers, and the Governor of the Banco Nacional de Angola for the warm reception and very productive discussions they afforded me during my visit,” he concluded.