The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has resumed talks in Cairo with the Egyptian government about a $4.8bn loan.

The North African country is in acute need of the funds as it struggles with a weakening Egyptian pound, low foreign currency reserves, high budget deficit and an increasingly frustrated population.

To secure the financing, Egypt will have to implement a number of economic reforms, including tax reforms and cuts to food and fuel subsidies. The IMF talks stalled towards the end of last year, due to differences between the two parties about the nature of the proposed reforms.

The IMF is not the only source of financial support. Egypt is also negotiating a $465m loan with the Arab Monetary Fund, having already received a $270m loan from the fund.