By Muhammad Amaan
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has called on countries to explore reforms on the common debt relief framework to better address rising indebtedness in Africa.
The Executive Secretary of ECA, Mr Claver Gatete, in a statement presented this at a joint press briefing on the margins of the recently concluded 2024 High Level Political Forum (HLPF).
He highlighted the challenges of accessing financing for the continent’s priorities, especially the concessional funds that are long term and cheaper.
Mr Gatete said the reform of global financing system was urgent, as it could mitigate access to critical resources needed for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The African Development Bank (AfDB) said that from 2010 to 2023, Africa’s debt increased by 192 per cent.
The AfDB data also showed that African countries paid 163 billion dollars annually with an external debt stock of 1.1 trillion dollars, the highest ever seen,
According to Gatete, this means that by paying the debt, countries would have very little room to implement the SDGs and the next 10-year programme of the African Union (AU).
Gatete highlighted the need for domestic resource mobilisation in Africa to tackle illicit financial flows and improve taxation.
He also emphasised the importance of developing capital markets to provide long-term resources as part of private sector engagement in Africa.
He said: “There are opportunities in restructured green, blue and sustainability linked bonds that can attract more investors to fund climate-related solutions.
“ECA is working with countries to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation through capital markets to improve self-financing and financial sustainability in Africa.”
He said it was crucial to increase fiscal space and address interrelated issues, including peace building and conflict prevention.
“Also, the involvement of the youth in sustainable development processes to ensure long term progress,” he said.
Ms Christina Duarte, Head of the United Nations Headquarters based Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA), SDG implementation said only 12 per cent of the 140 targets of the SDG have been delivered.
She said to understand the root causes of the financing challenges faced on the continent, the focus should be on sustainable financing and institutional strengthening in Africa to build resilience.
“So, long-term solutions such as tackling economic and financial flows to address Africa’s debt distress and deliver on the sustainable development goals is very critical,” she said.
The HLPF Africa Day aims at highlighting key issues stemming from the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) and other major consultations.
The joint briefing displays how the AU, the UN Office of OSAA and ECA work together to support African member states in implementing the SDGs and the AU’s Agenda 2063.
The HLPF pulls together member states from around the world to forge pathways to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.
