In a statement released by the IMF on behalf of the African Caucus, Mozambique's finance minister, Manuel Chang, gave a positive reading to an informal meeting earlier this week between Strauss-Kahn and the African governors.

He said they discussed the challenges the IMF faces in helping the world's poorest continent improve economic growth and fight poverty.

"The African governors appreciated Mr. Strauss-Kahn's frankness and openness in responding to the various issues raised," Chang said.

"They welcomed his commitment to put Africa at the center stage of the reform process, to have regular consultations with them at the highest level, and to take into consideration their concerns should he be selected as managing director of the Fund. They wished him well in his candidature."

Strauss-Kahn, a former French finance minister, is on a world tour seeking support for his bid to succeed IMF managing director Rodrigo Rato, who announced in late June he was resigning in late October, nearly two years before his term ends.

He met informally Monday and Tuesday with the African governors of the IMF and the World Bank, in Mozambique's capital Maputo, as they held a regular meeting to discuss the two sister institutions and Africa.

The Frenchman, a leading Socialist and the sole candidate for the IMF post to date, has also visited the United States and Brazil in a tour that includes visits to China, India, Japan, South Korea, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.