IMF Podcasts
651 episodes - English - Latest episode: 26 days ago - ★★★★ - 48 ratingsListen to the World's top economists discuss their research and deconstruct global economic trends.
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Episodes
Robots, Growth, and Inequality
August 31, 2016 15:50 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBAs robotic technology becomes more sophisticated, robots could soon become perfect substitutes for human labor. In this podcast, IMF economist Andy Berg says the robot revolution could lead to greater inequality. Berg is coauthor of Robots, Growth, and Inequality published in the September 2016 edition of Finance & Development Magazine. Contributors: Andy Berg, Deputy Director of the IMF’s Institute for Capacity Development
Klaus Rudischhauser on Taxes and Development
August 26, 2016 19:44 - 8 minutes - 8.06 MBTaxes are what governments rely on to provide the public goods and services that support economic growth. In this podcast, DG DEVCO’s Klaus Rudischhauser, says some countries with millions of inhabitants have only a few hundred tax payers. Rudischhauser participated in a Spring Meeting’s seminar on Capacity Development entitled Collect More & Spend Better Contributors: Klaus Rudischhauser, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s International Cooperation and Development (DG...
Un Coup de Pouce pour Madagascar
August 19, 2016 19:23 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MBLes Autorités Malagasy et les services du FMI sont arrivés à un accord de principe sur un programme économique valable jusqu’à fin 2019, ouvrant la voie à une croissance soutenue et inclusive. Les politiques envisagées dans ce cadre pourraient bénéficier d’un concours de $310 millions de dollars. Dans ce podcast, Marshall Mills, chef de Mission pour le Madagascar, discute les points essentiels du nouveau programme. Contributors: Marshall Mills, chef de Mission du FMI pour le Madagascar
Madagascar Gets a Boost
August 19, 2016 19:17 - 9 minutes - 8.33 MBThe IMF says Madagascar has built a good track record since it’s reengagement in 2014, showing the country is capable of sustaining recent reforms that have improved its economic outlook. In this podcast, Mission Chief, Marshall Mills talks about a new IMF program for Madagascar that includes US$ 310 million over three years. Contributors: Marshall Mills, IMF Mission Chief for Madagascar
Poor Economics with Abhijit Banerjee
August 12, 2016 14:33 - 10 minutes - 9.34 MBAbhijit Banerjee, has worked in dozens of countries trying to better understand the economics of poverty. He argues anti-poverty policies often fail because of inadequate understanding of the decisions poor people make. Banerjee Participated in a seminar on Sustainable Economic Development during the IMF World-Bank Spring meetings. In this podcast, we discuss why so little is known about a billion poor people in the world. Contributors: Abhijit Banerjee, Ford Foundation International Pr...
Winnie Byanyima on Women in Global Economy
July 28, 2016 17:53 - 8 minutes - 8.13 MBIt’s vital to address the economic challenges of women and girls in order to fix the economic challenges of nations. This was the main theme of a seminar called Getting Down to Business: Women, Work, and the Global Economy, held during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings. In this podcast, Oxfam International’s Winnie Byanyima talks about the increasing statistical evidence that shows women's contributions to the global economy are invaluable. Contributors: Winnie Byanyima, Executiv...
Currency and Power with Benjamin Cohen
July 22, 2016 21:39 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBMonetary rivalry is a fact of life in the world economy, says Benjamin Cohen, professor of International Political Economy at the University of California and author of Currency Power: Understanding Monetary Rivalry. In this podcast, Cohen explains why currencies become internationalized, and examines the relationship between world currencies and State power. Contributors: Benjamin Cohen, Professor of International Political Economy at the University of California
South Africa: Urgent Need for Policy Reforms
July 06, 2016 20:37 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MBSouth Africa faces significant challenges and needs decisive action to revive growth, the IMF said in its latest economic review. While the report acknowledges considerable economic and social progress, it shows income inequality and unemployment are unacceptably high. In this podcast, we speak with Laura Papi, IMF Mission Chief for South Africa. Contributors: Laura Papi, IMF Mission Chief for South Africa
When Global Banks Become Less Global
June 30, 2016 19:33 - 9 minutes - 8.91 MBMany of the world’s bigger banks are reevaluating their relationships with banks in smaller riskier countries, making it harder for businesses and people to move money across borders. The process is commonly known as De-Risking. IMF Staff have recently published a research paper entitled The Withdrawal of Correspondent Banking Relationships. In this podcast, we speak with coauthor Yan Liu. Contributors: Yan Liu, Assistant General Counsel in the IMF’s legal Department.
Ian Bremmer, on Geopolitics of Refugee Crisis
June 17, 2016 17:46 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBEurope is struggling to cope with millions of asylum seekers from conflict zones in the Middle East. In this podcast, Ian Bremmer, president of the global political risk research firm Eurasia Group, says the biggest challenges behind the refugee crisis are more political than economic. Bremmer participated in a seminar entitled Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis: An International Call for Action at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in April. Contributors: Ian Bremmer, President and Found...
Collect More - Spend Better, Eric Postel
June 09, 2016 17:12 - 8 minutes - 7.78 MBBillions of uncollected tax dollars in developing countries could be used to lift more people out of poverty. In this podcast, Eric Postel, USAID’s Associate Administrator explains how redoubled efforts to improve tax systems worldwide are making a difference. Postel participated in seminar entitled Collect More & Spend Better at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in April. Contributors: Eric Postel, Associate Administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Steven Radelet, Africa’s Rise—Interrupted?
June 03, 2016 14:53 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBIf high commodity prices alone drove recent advances in Africa, the prospects for further gains seem dim. But in this podcast, Steven Radelet, says the reality is more complex, and the outlook is more varied than many now suggest. Radelet’s article, Africa’s Rise- Interrupted? is published in the June 2016 issue of Finance and Development magazine. Contributors: Steven Radelet, holds the Donald F. McHenry Chair in Global Human Development, and is Director of the Global Human Development ...
A Fork in the Road, China’s Relationship with Africa
May 26, 2016 14:27 - 8 minutes - 7.92 MBSlumping Chinese demand has African economies scrambling to find alternate sources of revenue. In this podcast, we speak with Roger Nord, Deputy Director of the African Department in the IMF, and coauthor of A Fork in the Road, published in the June 2016 issue of Finance and Development magazine. Contributors: Roger Nord, IMF Deputy Director, African Department
Refugee Crisis Taking Toll on Jordan, Imad Fakhoury
May 20, 2016 14:07 - 10 minutes - 9.62 MBOf the 5 million people fleeing civil war in Syria, more than a million have ended up in Jordan. The refugee crisis has hit host countries like Jordan hard. Imad Fakhoury, Jordan’s minister of planning, joined a seminar about Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis, at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. In this podcast, Fakhoury talks about the impacts of the refugee crisis on Jordan. Contributors: Imad Fakhoury, Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation
Kemi Adeosun, on Nigeria’s Dwindling Oil Revenues
May 13, 2016 16:07 - 7 minutes - 7.27 MBAs Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun is charged with navigating Africa’s largest oil producer through the biggest oil price slump in decades. In this podcast, Adeosun talks about the need to diversify government revenues, and how inclusive growth can stem rising insecurity. Adeosun joined a panel discussion about sub-Saharan Africa during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. Contributors: Kemi Adeosun, Nigeria’s Finance Minister
L’affaiblissement de la croissance en Afrique nécessite un changement de cap
April 28, 2016 21:35 - 12 minutes - 11 MBLa dernière édition des Perspectives économiques régionales,prévoit que l’Afrique subsaharienne va connaître une deuxième annéedifficile à cause des multiples chocs qui frappent la région. Dansce podcast, Céline Allard, chef de la division des étudesrégionales au Département Afrique du FMI, discute les pointsessentiels du rapport. Contributors: Céline Allard, chef de la division des étudesrégionales au Département Afrique du FMI
Weakening Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa Calls for Policy Reset
April 28, 2016 21:32 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBThe IMF's latest regional economic outlook for Sub-SaharanAfrica predicts a second difficult year as the region is hit bymultiple shocks. In this podcast, co-author Céline Allard, says thesteep decline in commodity prices and tighter financing conditionshave put many large economies under severe strain. Contributors: Céline Allard, Head of the Regional StudiesDivision in the IMF’s African Department
Raghuram Rajan, on the Global Financial Safety Net
April 27, 2016 20:28 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIn this Podcast, we speak with Raghu Rajan, India’s central bank governor about the Global Financial Safety Net. Rajan is charged with securing monetary stability in one of the world’s largest Emerging Market economies, at a time when others are stumbling in the face of difficult global economic trends. Rajan participated in a seminar entitled Fortifying the Global Financial Safety Net, during the IMF-World Bank Spring meetings. Contributors: Raghuram Rajan, Governor of the Reserve Bank of...
Too Slow Too Long; New IMF Global Growth Forecast
April 12, 2016 19:24 - 5 minutes - 5.06 MBThe new World Economic Outlook anticipates a slight acceleration in growth this year, from 3.1 to 3.2 percent, followed by 3.5 percent growth in 2017. But IMF Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld says projections continue to be progressively less optimistic over time. Contributors: Maurice Obstfeld, IMF Chief Economic Counselor
Public Investment Payoff Not Necessarily About Efficiency
April 01, 2016 13:21 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBWhile many economists would argue public investment projects in highly efficient countries have a greater impact on growth, recent research by some IMF economists shows that’s not necessarily the case. In this podcast we speak with the IMF’s Andy Berg, who suggests the impact on growth from public investment spending is similar in both high and low-efficiency countries. Contributors: Andy Berg, a Deputy Director in the IMF’s Institute for Capacity Development
Le Gabon Touché par le Repli des Cours du Pétrole
March 16, 2016 19:23 - 8 minutes - 8.15 MBDans son dernier bilan, le FMI signale que l’économie gabonaise a été durement touchée par la chute des cours du pétrole. Dans ce podcast, nous nous entretenons avec Montfort Mlachila, chef de mission du FMI pour le Gabon. Il souligne que le pays peut accroître sa résilience et redynamiser la croissance en diversifiant son économie. Montfort Mlachila, Chef de mission du FMI pour le Gabon.
Gabon Hit by Oil Price Slide
March 16, 2016 19:21 - 9 minutes - 8.29 MBThe IMF’s most recent review of Gabon’s economy shows it’s been hit hard by the oil price decline. In this podcast, we speak with IMF Mission Chief for Gabon, Montfort Mlachila, who says the country can build resilience and revive growth by diversifying its economy. Contributors: Montfort Mlachila, IMF Mission Chief for Gabon
Low Skills Low Wages: Eric Maskin on Inequality
March 16, 2016 15:47 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBWhile it was widely expected that globalization would reduce inequality, income disparities between skilled and unskilled workers has only increased in recent years. In this podcast we ask Nobel Laureate Eric Maskin, why the global markets haven’t offered better economic opportunities for the world’s poorest. Contributors: Eric Maskin, Professor at Harvard University, and 2007 Nobel Laureate.
Gender and Opportunity, with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
March 08, 2016 20:44 - 10 minutes - 10 MBOn this International Woman’s Day, we speak with Nigerian economist Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Best known for her two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and for her work as a Managing Director at the World Bank, Dr. Okonjo Iweala is always looking for ways to help bridge the gender gap. Contributors: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
Migration and the Economics of Language
February 29, 2016 21:52 - 10 minutes - 9.64 MBMore than a million migrants have entered Europe this year according to the International Organization for Migration. In this podcast, we speak with Professor Barry Chiswick who says language acquisition is key to immigrant success. Chiswick says language skills among immigrants are a form of human capital, and can substantially increase potential earnings. Contributors: Barry Chiswick, Professor of Economics and International Affairs at George Washington University
Collateral Damage: Strong Dollar Hits Emerging Markets
February 19, 2016 15:54 - 8 minutes - 7.87 MBWhile many economies around the world should benefit from a growing US economy, a strong US dollar is seldom good news for emerging markets. In this podcast, we talk to IMF Senior Economist Nicolas Magud, coauthor of an article entitled Collateral Damage, published in the December 2015 issue of Finance and Development magazine.
Lesotho: Avoiding the Fiscal Cliff
February 08, 2016 17:26 - 10 minutes - 9.21 MBThe fabled mountain Kingdom of Lesotho achieved strong growth in recent years, but the IMF’s latest economic review shows growth rates have dropped. In this podcast, IMF mission chief for Lesotho, David Dunn, says slower growth in neighboring South Africa has significantly reduced Lesotho’s government revenues.
Ghana, the Bumpy Road to Recovery
January 20, 2016 15:16 - 7 minutes - 6.93 MBGhana is considered one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, and until recently it was a model for economic growth. But since 2012, the economy has taken a turn for the worse, and Ghana is now getting help from the IMF. In this podcast, IMF Mission Chief, Joël Toujas-Bernaté talks about the country’s economic challenges.
WEO Update: Emerging market, Developing Economies Face Increased Challenges
January 19, 2016 17:59 - 5 minutes - 4.69 MBThe IMF released an update to its World Economic Outlook published in October 2015. The WEO Update, projects global growth to be slightly lower than last fall’s forecast, at 3.4 percent this year, and 3.6 percent in 2017. IMF Chief economist Maurice Obstfeld, launched the new report at a press conference in London.
The Insatiable Demand for Sand
January 07, 2016 20:46 - 9 minutes - 8.92 MBAs the world’s metropolises expand to accommodate more people, the earth’s supply of sand is being pushed to the limit. Deceptively abundant, the basic raw material for glass and concrete can’t keep up with demand. In this podcast, Pascal Peduzzi, of the United Nations Environmental Programme, talks about how our overdependence on sand is unsustainable.
A Passport of Convenience
December 17, 2015 20:47 - 13 minutes - 9.59 MBThe confluence of globalization and increased travel security has given rise to a flourishing industry, where residency and citizenship can be acquired by those with means. In this podcast we speak with the IMF’s Judith Gold and Ahmed El-Ashram, who coauthored an article entitled “A Passport of Convenience”, published in the December 2015 issue of Finance and Development.
The High Cost of Fighting HIV
December 10, 2015 20:04 - 6 minutes - 9.52 MBMany more people with HIV are now surviving for longer, thanks to new antiretroviral drug treatments. But their governments must now come up with a way to pay for their ongoing treatment. But the price is putting many countries in sub-Saharan Africa at risk of unsustainable levels of debt. By Sir Paul Collier, Professor of Economics and Public Policy in the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Investment Renaissance; Chinese Entrepreneurs in Africa
November 20, 2015 21:20 - 11 minutes - 7.75 MBAfrica’s strong growth in recent years has helped improve its institutions and policies, spurring more foreign direct investment from countries like China. In this podcast, David Dollar, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, says while China is important to the increasing foreign investment in Africa, its role is far from dominant. Dollar is coauthor of “Investment Renaissance”, published in the December 2015 issue of Finance and Development magazine.
Finding the Low-Carbon Road
November 19, 2015 17:53 - 10 minutes - 6.96 MBWorld leaders will meet in Paris in December to forge a new climate deal that caps global warming at 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial revolution levels. But in this podcast, Nick Stern, Professor of Economics and Government at the London School of Economics, says the world is not yet on the two degree path as carbon emissions continue to rise. Stern is author of “The Low-Carbon Road” in the December issue of Finance & Development magazine.
Impact of Climate Change “Untenable”, Christiana Figueres
November 13, 2015 19:03 - 7 minutes - 5 MBClimate change has been at the forefront of discussions within the development community, as world leaders prepare to present their plans to reduce carbon emissions at the United Nations summit on climate change in December. In this podcast, the IMF’s Gita Bhatt talks to Christiana Figueres, head of the United Nations framework convention on climate change.
The Dark Side of Globalization
October 30, 2015 17:44 - 8 minutes - 11.7 MBFrom global financial crises to cybercrime, globalization has its downsides. The director of the Oxford Martin School discusses the pitfalls of the global community’s ever closer union, and offers some possible remedies to its darker side.
L’Afrique subsaharienne, Plus Faible Taux de Croissance en Six Ans
October 23, 2015 19:13 - 12 minutes - 8.89 MBL’Afrique subsaharienne subit les effets de la baisse des cours des produits de base. Le dernier rapport du FMI sur les Perspectives économiques régionales prévoit que les taux de croissance de la région descendront à leur plus bas niveau depuis six ans. Dans ce Podcast, Céline Allard, co-auteur du rapport, dit que certains pays ont très peu d’épargne à leur disposition pour faire face à cet ajustement.
Sub-Saharan Africa, Growth Falls to Six Year Low
October 23, 2015 19:03 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MBEconomic activity has weakened markedly in sub-Saharan Africa, and the strong growth momentum of recent years has dissipated in several countries. The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa puts growth at 3¾ percent this year, lower than in 2009 in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. In this podcast, co-author Céline Allard, says low commodity prices, and tighter financing are key factors.
Riche mais Pauvre; la République Démocratique du Congo
October 13, 2015 19:46 - 7 minutes - 5.25 MBS’il est un pays qui démontre combien il est difficile de transformer les richesses minérales en croissance inclusive, c’est bien la République démocratique du Congo. Selon la dernière évaluation annuelle de l’économie congolaise réalisée par le FMI, les taux de croissance en 2014 atteignaient jusqu’à 9,2 %, mais les indices de pauvreté de la RDC restent parmi les plus élevés au monde. Dans ce podcast, Norbert Toé, Chef de mission pour la RDC, discute les points essentiels du rapport.
Rich yet Poor: The Democratic Republic of the Congo
October 13, 2015 19:23 - 8 minutes - 6 MBIf there's one country that exemplifies the difficulty in transforming mineral wealth into inclusive growth- it's the Democratic Republic of Congo. The IMF's latest annual economic assessment indicates while growth rates for 2014 were as high as 9.2 percent, poverty rates in the DRC are still among the highest in the world. In this podcast, Norbert Toé, IMF mission chief for the DRC discusses the key findings in the report.
Corruption Matters; Good Governance Pays
October 08, 2015 19:16 - 12 minutes - 8.91 MBIn development circles, governance is often a code word for corruption. But Daniel Kaufmann, president of the Natural Resource Governance Institute, says governance is much broader. In this podcast, Kaufmann talks about how good governance can actually triple a country's per capita income.
Global Growth Slows Further, IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook
October 06, 2015 22:08 - 4 minutes - 3.39 MBThe IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) shows global growth at 3.1 percent this year, down from 3.4 percent in 2014. The report says while outlooks vary from country to country, the new WEO forecasts predict slower near-term growth nearly across the board, with increasing downside risks to the world economy as commodity prices continue to fall.
Yanquis in Havana
September 23, 2015 20:58 - 8 minutes - 5.79 MBCuba has been out of bounds for American tourists for more than 50 years. But with the US recently restoring diplomatic relations, some say it’s just a matter of time before the floodgate opens to a whole generation of baby boomers wanting to experience some of Hemmingway’s favorite watering holes. In this podcast the IMF’s Nicole Laframboise talks about how the thaw in relations between the US and Cuba could shake up the Caribbean tourism industry.
Sub-Saharan Africa Getting a Grip on Inflation
September 10, 2015 19:09 - 7 minutes - 5.15 MBInflation can determine a currency’s purchasing power as high inflation means rising prices. But what drives inflation differs from region to region. In this podcast we talk with Oral Williams, IMF Mission Chief for Malawi and coauthor of a new research paper that shows the drivers of inflation are changing in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Future of Asian Finance
September 02, 2015 16:20 - 7 minutes - 5.48 MBAsia fared well throughout the global financial crisis and has since become one of the strongest economic regions in the world. But with the global economy such as it is, a new book published by the IMF says Asia’s financial systems are facing new challenges. In this podcast coauthor Jim Walsh talks about The Future of Asian Finance.
Most Unequal on Earth
August 27, 2015 14:10 - 11 minutes - 7.97 MBWhile the gap between rich and poor is widest in Latin America, research led by Nora Lustig shows it’s the only region in the world where the gap is actually narrowing. But in this podcast, Lustig admits it’s still unclear what specifically is behind the trend.
Painting a Better Picture of Poverty
August 20, 2015 19:44 - 5 minutes - 8.2 MBPoverty can mean different things in different countries. The creator of the “Multidimensional Poverty Index” explains how the measure is designed to expand policymakers’ understanding of poverty beyond the traditional benchmark of living on less than $1.25 per day.
Domestic Reforms to Expand Trade
August 13, 2015 16:00 - 6 minutes - 4.6 MBWorld trade has slowed in the past decade. Professor Douglas Irwin says countries need to shift from focusing on trade barriers at borders, to domestic reforms that would help entrepreneurs get their goods to port cities for export.
Russia Feeling The Pinch of Cheaper Oil, Sanctions
August 06, 2015 16:08 - 8 minutes - 5.61 MBRussia is now likely in recession with GDP growth expected to decline 3.4 percent this year, says the IMF in its annual economic assessment. Mission Chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, explains how Russia’s economic woes are largely due to the dramatic drop in oil prices, and sanctions in response to developments in Crimea and Ukraine.
Building Up India's Infrastructure Capacity
July 23, 2015 21:05 - 5 minutes - 5.28 MBIndia has invested nearly half a trillion dollars in its infrastructure over the last decade, but finding the funding for mega-projects is only half the challenge. The head of one of the country’s leading infrastructure finance companies explains.