MEFMI successfully implemented all 36 planned activities during the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening macroeconomic and financial management capacity across its 14 member countries, following Angola’s withdrawal effective 1 January 2026.
The achievements, recorded between January and March 2026, reflect MEFMI’s continued progress under the Phase VI Strategic Plan and highlight the Institute’s growing role in supporting evidence-based policymaking, financial sector resilience, sovereign debt management, and institutional development across the region.
During the quarter, MEFMI delivered a wide range of regional workshops, virtual programmes, technical assistance missions, governance activities, and staff development initiatives aligned with its strategic objectives.
Advancing Macroeconomic and Financial Sector Capacity – Q1 Highlights
One of the key highlights during the period was the Joint MEFMI/IMF Institute for Capacity Development (ICD) Regional Workshop on Monetary and Fiscal Policy Analysis using Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) Models. The workshop strengthened participants’ practical skills in applying DSGE models for monetary and fiscal policy analysis, supporting evidence-based decision-making in central banks and ministries of finance.
The Institute also advanced technical assistance interventions aimed at strengthening Forecasting and Policy Analysis Systems (FPAS) and DSGE modelling frameworks in member countries, including:
- Tanzania – Phase 3 technical assistance on operationalising DSGE models and integrating them with forecasting systems.
- Zimbabwe – Phase 3 implementation of FPAS to strengthen forward-looking monetary policy analysis and forecasting.
- Eswatini – Phase 2 implementation of FPAS customised to the country’s economic structure and policy environment.
These interventions are expected to improve policy analysis, forecasting accuracy, and macroeconomic stability.
Strengthening Financial Systems and Regulatory Frameworks – Q1 Highlights
MEFMI continued supporting member countries in responding to emerging financial sector challenges and opportunities. In collaboration with the Toronto Centre, the Institute conducted a Virtual Regional Workshop on Key Legal Issues in the Regulation of Virtual Assets, equipping participants with knowledge of regulatory frameworks and approaches for virtual.
In addition, a Virtual Workshop on Portfolio Management Strategies using Artificial Intelligence (AI) was conducted, which enhanced participants’ understanding of how AI can support sovereign asset management, investment analysis, and risk management.
MEFMI also conducted a virtual workshop on Macro-Stress Testing for Insurance and Pension Supervisors in Tanzania to strengthen macroprudential surveillance frameworks and improve financial sector resilience.
Supporting Debt Management and Economic Statistics – Q1 Highlights
In Q1, as part of efforts to strengthen public debt management, MEFMI jointly hosted a Regional Workshop on Debt Management Performance Assessment (DeMPA) with the World Bank. The workshop equipped participants with practical tools for assessing debt management operations and identifying reform priorities.
The Institute further undertook debt management reform plan missions in Kenya and a public debt needs assessment mission in Mozambique to support the development of stronger public debt management operations institutions.
In the area of macroeconomic statistics, MEFMI conducted a Virtual Retreat for Heads of Statistics Departments and a Virtual Regional Workshop on the Compilation of Direct Investment Statistics to strengthen data collection, compilation, and reporting practices in line with international standards.
Enhancing Institutional Operations and Digital Transformation – Q1 Highlights
Internally, MEFMI made significant progress in strengthening operational systems, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) governance, and institutional resilience in Q1.
During the quarter, the Institute upgraded its solar power system to a 50kW capacity to improve energy efficiency and operational continuity. MEFMI also piloted the AI interpretation tool, Wordly, with the aim of improving multilingual communication and reducing interpretation costs during meetings and workshops. Further, the Institute continued implementing digital transformation initiatives, including ongoing customisation of the Odoo Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system aimed at streamlining administrative and financial processes.
Progress was also made in ICT governance and data protection, including a data protection strategy, quarterly vulnerability assessments, and staff ICT security awareness training.
Growing Visibility and Strategic Partnerships – Q1 Highlights
MEFMI maintained strong engagement with stakeholders through digital platforms and strategic networking initiatives. The Institute recorded a significant increase in website traffic during the quarter, with website visitors increasing from 9,420 at the beginning of Q1 to 28,260 by the end of the quarter.
The Institute’s LinkedIn following also grew by 8%, reflecting increasing regional and international engagement.
In addition, MEFMI conducted consultative missions to Rwanda and Uganda to assess evolving capacity development needs and strengthen collaboration with member institutions and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
As MEFMI continues implementing its Phase VI Strategic Plan, the Institute remains focused on consolidating achievements and responding to emerging regional needs and developing the Phase VII Strategy.
Planned activities for the second quarter of 2026 include regional and in-country workshops on climate risk, financial stability, sovereign debt management, macroprudential policy frameworks, and financial risk management, among others.
Through continued partnerships, technical assistance, and innovative capacity development programmes, we remains committed to supporting sustainable macroeconomic and financial sector management across Eastern and Southern Africa.