BY BUSINESS REPORTER
TANZANIA’S growth this year may exceed the 6 percent previously forecast due to the strong performance in telecommunications, construction and financial services, the International Monetary Fund said on Monday.
The IMF cut its 2011 growth forecast for Tanzania to 6 percent from 7.2 percent in March, saying frequent power outages would hurt output while food and fuel prices could push inflation higher.
"Tanzania's growth for the calender year 2011 could be a bit more than 6 percent ... despite recent power shortages, Tanzania's economy continues to grow strongly, expanding by 6.3 percent in the first half of 2011," said Peter Allum, division chief at the IMF's Africa department.
Like its east African neighbours, Tanzania has struggled this year with rising inflation driven by higher food and fuel prices, a worsening current account deficit and a slide in its currency to record lows against the U.S. dollar.
"Public spending has risen as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) in recent years to deliver significant growth in local government health, education and other social programmes as well as scaled up investments in roads and other infrastructure," he said at a news conference.
The news conference was held at the conclusion of the International Monetary Fund's policy support instrument (PSI) review for east Africa's second largest economy.
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