IMF Reaches Staff-Level Deals Across Three Countries

The IMF has reached staff-level agreements with Niger, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea, with funding dependent on approval by the Fund’s Executive Board. Niger’s agreement covers the final review of its current program and a proposed new 38-month program worth about $203 million; approval could also unlock roughly $36 million in near-term support. Pakistan’s latest reviews of its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility and climate-focused Resilience and Sustainability Facility could pave the way for up to $1.21 billion, as the country confronts energy costs and external-financing pressures. Papua New Guinea could receive up to $189 million after final reviews of its lending arrangements, bringing total IMF support to about $1.19 billion. The IMF expects Papua New Guinea’s growth to slow to 3.1% in 2026 amid plateauing LNG output, climate impacts and higher import costs, while its program remains broadly on track despite a first-half fiscal shortfall.