THE International Monetary Fund has approved a $14-million loan for the tiny West African country of Benin which borders Nigeria. The IMF expects average real growth of 5,5% of gross domestic product over the coming years. The IMF says the Benin government plans new efforts to restructure its economy, privatising firms and reforming the the civil service. About 18% of tax revenue will go toward debt servicing. “Benin has made considerable progress in stabilising the economy and reducing financial imbalances,” the IMF said. “However the situation remains fragile and vulnerable to changes in the regional and international environment.”