By: Fatou Krubally
Financial experts from across Africa have converged in Banjul for a regional training on Cross-Border Position Statistics, aimed at strengthening the continent’s capacity to produce reliable financial and economic data.
The weeklong course, jointly organized by the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), the Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), opened on Monday at the Bakadaji Hotel in Kololi.
The hybrid event brought together participants both in person and virtually, reflecting growing cooperation among African financial institutions and the shared goal of promoting regional integration and evidence-based policymaking.
In his welcome address, Dr. Baba Y. Musa, Director General of WAIFEM, said the theme of the course is timely as Africa undergoes rapid economic transformation driven by trade expansion and cross-border financial integration.
“Reliable cross-border position statistics are not just numbers on a page,” Dr. Musa said. “They are powerful tools that help policymakers assess vulnerabilities, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions that sustain stability and growth.”
He reaffirmed WAIFEM’s commitment to practical and forward-looking capacity building, highlighting areas such as digital finance, debt sustainability, and artificial intelligence in economic forecasting as part of the institute’s evolving focus.
Delivering remarks on behalf of MEFMI’s Executive Director, Dr. Sehliselo Mpofu, Director of the Macroeconomic Management Programme, said the high interest in the course reflects its growing relevance. She urged participants to fully engage, share experiences, and apply the lessons in their respective institutions.
IMF Senior Economist Bedri Zymeri described the training as crucial for helping countries transition to the new Balance of Payments Manual (BPM7) and the 2025 System of National Accounts, which align global standards with modern economic realities such as digitalization and climate finance.
Representing the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Hon. Buah Saidy, the Bank’s Director of Research, Mr. Sheriff Touray, delivered the keynote address, stressing that accurate data underpins sound economic management.
“Good data makes for good decisions,” Mr. Touray said. “For small, open economies like The Gambia, reliable external sector statistics are not a luxury — they are a necessity.”
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Christian R. K. Ahortor, WAIFEM’s Director of Research, Macroeconomic Management, and Development.
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By: Fatou Krubally Financial experts from across Africa have converged in Banjul for a regional training on Cross-Border Position Statistics,…
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