IMF director Lagarde visits Nigeria, Cameroon

International Money Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde arrived in West Africa Monday.

Lagarde will be in Africa through Jan. 9, visiting Nigeria and Cameroon to discuss IMF's partnerships with its member nations.

During her time in Nigeria, Lagarde will go to the capital city of Abuja to speak with President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian officials, lawmakers and business owners.

“I look forward to productive meetings with President Buhari and his colleagues as they address important economic challenges, most importantly the impact of low oil prices,” Lagarde said. “Nigeria is working hard to improve its business environment, promote opportunities for growth in the private sector and strengthen social cohesion -- all areas where the government has an important role to play.”

While in Cameroon, Lagarde will meet with President Paul Biya and the nation's economic and government policymakers.

On Jan. 8, Lagarde will deliver a speech to the finance leaders of the IMF's six member nations of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).

“As the largest and most diversified economy in CEMAC, Cameroon is well placed to sustain and reinforce the momentum of integration,” Lagarde said. “The country and the entire CEMAC region are confronted with the twin shocks of the oil-price slump and a surge in disruptions related to security. Reinforcing regional integration and implementing ambitious reform agendas in CEMAC countries will be key to secure macroeconomic stability and restore strong and inclusive growth in the region.”