Legislative elections in January 2025 widened the ruling party’s majority.
Economic activity softened during 2024, but with signs of year-end recovery that have
continued in the first months of 2025. Real GDP growth in 2024 is estimated at 3.3
percent. Inflation has been persistent, averaging 5 percent in 2024, and reaching 7.3
percent (y/y) in March 2025, reflecting elevated food prices. Domestic credit growth
accelerated to 9.6 percent (y/y) in March 2025, driven by a sustained increase in credit to
the government and emerging recovery in private sector credit supported by renewed
demand from importers and improving prospects for key exporters. Severe weather
events, including Cyclone Chido in December, as well as turnover in revenue
administration leadership weighed on fiscal performance. The external position,
however, remains stable, with continued reserves accumulation equivalent to 7.4 months
of prospective imports as at end-December 2024.