IMF Calls for Better Connectivity, Financial Sector Reforms and Skills Development in Antigua and Barbuda

The International Monetary Fund is urging Antigua and Barbuda to pursue a series of long-term reforms aimed at improving competitiveness, strengthening financial oversight and building greater economic resilience.

In its latest Article IV consultation, the IMF said the country should intensify efforts to improve connectivity in support of trade, tourism and overall competitiveness. Directors also encouraged the government to streamline port and customs procedures while carefully prioritizing infrastructure projects.

The IMF additionally highlighted the need to address skills shortages, which it said could weigh on economic growth if left unresolved.

The recommendations formed part of a broader call for reforms to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s long-term economic resilience amid growing global uncertainty and climate-related vulnerabilities. Directors said resilience-building investments remain critical for the country’s future development.

The IMF also pointed to the importance of strengthening oversight of the financial sector, particularly credit unions. Directors recommended a shift toward risk-based supervision and efforts to improve provisioning and capital positions within the sector.

Continued efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks, along with oversight of the Citizenship by Investment Programme, were also identified as priorities.

The IMF further stressed the importance of improving the country’s data systems, saying better national data would support stronger evidence-based policymaking.

The report comes as Antigua and Barbuda continues to record economic growth, with the IMF estimating real GDP growth at 3 percent in 2025, supported largely by construction activity despite softer tourism performance.

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