A delegation from the International Monetary Fund is scheduled to arrive in Honduras on Monday to conduct the sixth and final review of an economic program approved in 2023, according to official statements. If successful, this evaluation will pave the way for Tegucigalpa to negotiate a brand-new financial agreement with the multilateral lender.
The upcoming evaluation marks a critical milestone for the administration of President Nasry Asfura, who assumed office on January 27 for the 2026–2030 presidential term.
The visiting delegation will be led by Nigel Chalk, director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department. Over a two-week period, officials from the multilateral institution will hold intensive working sessions with the Honduran Economic Cabinet, private sector representatives, and various other public institutions. The schedule also includes direct meetings with President Asfura to discuss structural targets and fiscal performance.
The 2023 Program and the Path to a New Accord
Back in 2023, Honduras and the IMF reached a technical agreement that granted the Central American nation access to approximately $823 million in financing designed to shore up broad economic reforms. That arrangement officially expired in September.
According to Emilio Hernández, the primary hurdle during this final review will be demonstrating compliance with outstanding structural benchmarks—particularly within the energy sector. A crucial component of this evaluation involves the implementation of the Energy Justice Law, which was approved by the Honduran Parliament last August. Despite these pending structural tests, Hernández expressed strong optimism that the government’s overall fiscal and economic indicators will secure a favorable review from Chalk’s delegation.
Ministry of Finance officials emphasized that maintaining prudent macroeconomic policies remains vital for safeguarding national financial stability and fostering inclusive economic growth. A successful conclusion to this final review will directly clear the path for formal talks regarding a fresh three-year economic program tailored to the priorities of the Asfura administration.
