IMF Boss Lagarde To Visit Niger, Nigeria

International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde will visit Nigeria and Niger on December 18-22 on her first visit to Africa while leading the crisis lender, the IMF said Monday.

Lagarde will meet policymakers and representatives of the private sector and civil society to discuss challenges facing African countries, the Fund said.

"Africa is a vital part of the IMF's membership, and listening to the voices of the region, and strengthening our partnership, is one of my key objectives," Lagarde said in a statement.

"African economies have made significant progress over the last few years. However, the world economy is in a critical phase, and in these difficult times, we have to make sure we all work together to tackle the challenges facing all IMF member countries, in Africa and around the globe."

On the trip Lagarde will meet with both Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou.

AFP.