Port-au-Prince, October 13, 2025 — The Minister of Economy and Finance, Alfred Fils Métellus, accompanied by the Governor of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), Ronald Gabriel, met this Monday with DMD Clarke, representative of the Western Hemisphere Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This meeting, held in Port-au-Prince, is part of the continuity of the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) signed in December 2024 and marks a new stage in cooperation between Haiti and the international financial institution.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the objective of this working session was to strengthen the economic and institutional reforms already undertaken by the Haitian government, with a view to ensuring macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, and good governance.
« I welcome the IMF's constant support for Haiti. This collaboration is based on a shared vision of macroeconomic stabilization, fiscal discipline, and good governance, » declared Minister Métellus, emphasizing the need for sustained support to ensure the success of ongoing reforms.
Positive Assessment of the Staff-Monitored Program
Minister Métellus presented to Mr. Clarke the recently adopted 2025–2026 Budget, which focuses on security, economic recovery, governance, social investment, and transparency. He mentioned several advances made under the SMP, notably:
- the maintenance of monetary financing at zero for the second consecutive year,
- increased transparency in public management,
- the modernization of tax and customs administrations through the interconnection between the DGI and the AGD.
Discussions also focused on the positive results of the second review of the SMP, conducted from September 30 to October 8, 2025, by an IMF team led by Mr. Camilo E. Tovar. All objectives set for the end of June were met: maintenance of monetary financing at zero, increase in social spending, tax revenues in line with forecasts, and international reserves higher than projections.
Towards a Prolonged and Strengthened Partnership
Following the discussions, both parties agreed to extend the Staff-Monitored Program until September 2026, in order to consolidate achievements and prepare for the transition to a Upper Credit Tranche (UCT) financing program.
« We are counting on strengthened technical support from the IMF, particularly to increase the mobilization of domestic revenues and improve the management of public investments, » specified Minister Métellus.
The IMF representative, for his part, welcomed the efforts of the Haitian authorities in a difficult economic and social context. He recalled that the Haitian economy remains fragile, marked by a contraction in production for the seventh consecutive year and high inflation approaching 32% year-on-year. Nevertheless, foreign exchange reserves reached over 3.1 billion dollars, representing approximately seven months of prospective imports, while public debt remains at a low level, estimated at 12.4% of GDP by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
The IMF also noted progress in financial governance and budgetary transparency, while encouraging the authorities to continue reforms to strengthen the fight against corruption, improve revenue mobilization, and consolidate the monetary credibility of the BRH.
A Partnership in a Context of Fragility
The October 13 meeting takes place in a complex national situation, marked by the security and institutional crisis. The IMF welcomed the implementation of reforms despite persistent challenges and highlighted the strong ownership of the program by the Haitian authorities.
Minister Métellus recalled, on the political front, the adoption of the text framing the elections, a step deemed crucial towards the restoration of constitutional order. He also mentioned the upcoming transformation of the Multinational Support Mission (MSM) into a robust force to combat gangs, an essential element for restoring security and reviving the economy.
The IMF reaffirmed its willingness to continue its technical support and mobilize international cooperation to meet Haiti's urgent development and governance needs.
The Haitian government, concluded Minister Métellus, « remains determined to continue its close cooperation with the IMF in a spirit of responsibility and transparency. »
The October 13 meeting between the Haitian government and the IMF confirms the continuity of a partnership focused on economic stability, good governance, and fiscal rigor, with a view to a gradual exit from economic and institutional fragility.
