The IMF has given a positive assessment on Malta’s economy and has said that it will reduce its surveillance to less than once a year.

Malta’s economy has recorded unexpectedly strong growth, according to a delegation of experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following its regular assessment of the country’s economic and social performance.
The IMF said it is sufficiently satisfied with Malta’s economic outlook to reduce its monitoring from annual to biennial reviews, a move seen as a significant vote of confidence. Only a small number of European countries are subject to IMF surveillance every two years rather than annually.

The IMF noted that Malta’s economy has consistently outperformed the European average, with GDP per capita doubling since 2013. This growth, the IMF said, remains evident even when adjusted for population increases, countering claims that expansion was driven primarily by demographic growth. As a result, Malta’s GDP per capita now exceeds the EU average.

Economic expansion has been driven largely by sectors such as tourism, gaming, and professional services. The IMF also welcomed the Malta Vision 2050 strategy, supporting plans to increase investment in human capital, innovation, and infrastructure. According to the Fund, these measures are necessary to ease pressure on public services and to address demographic challenges.

The IMF forecast that Malta’s economy will grow by close to 4%.

Writing on twitter and socials, PM Robert Abela and Economy Minister Silvio Schembri welcomed the IMF’s assessment on Malta’s economy and the fact that the IMF’s surveillance will reduce from the usual annual monitoring.