The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has called on countries facing economic strain to seek financial assistance promptly when needed, warning that delays could deepen economic instability.
She made the remarks during a press briefing at the 2026 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington DC, where she discussed global economic risks and the impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Georgieva urged governments to adopt policies that reduce energy consumption, noting that some countries have already introduced measures such as transport subsidies and remote work arrangements to ease pressure on citizens.
She stressed that many nations affected by the Middle East crisis are in Sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the IMF is currently identifying countries that may require urgent support.
According to her, governments must strengthen fiscal discipline and build economic buffers during stable periods in order to withstand future shocks. She also emphasized that timely intervention is critical when financial support becomes necessary.
The IMF chief revealed that while African finance ministers and central bank governors recently did not request immediate aid, they sought policy guidance, although future financial assistance may still be required.
She warned that the Middle East conflict is already having a significant impact on the global economy, disrupting supply chains, damaging infrastructure, and pushing up prices.
Georgieva projected that global growth could decline from 3.4 percent last year to 2.1 percent in 2026, with a worse scenario potentially bringing it down to 2 percent if the crisis persists and oil prices remain high.
She noted that energy-importing and low-income countries are likely to suffer the most severe effects, describing the shock as global in nature.
The IMF reaffirmed its readiness to support member countries, estimating potential financial demand ranging between $20 billion and $50 billion across multiple nations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
