AFRODAD Calls for People-Centred Debt Resolution at IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings AU Side Session
At the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, AFRODAD Executive Director Janet Mazvita called for an effective debt resolution mechanism for Africa that safeguards social protection, protects essential public services and places people at the centre of debt decisions.
Speaking during the African Union (AU) side session on Towards an Effective Debt Resolution Mechanism for Africa, Janet underscored the critical role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in ensuring that debt policies uphold social and economic rights, particularly during periods of economic crisis.
She called for automatic debt suspension during crises and binding social protection floors to ensure that debt programmes do not undermine access to essential services. She also emphasised the need for meaningful citizen participation in shaping national budget priorities, monitoring public expenditure and strengthening public accountability.
Janet further highlighted the importance of transforming debt data into accessible, actionable information that enables citizens and civil society to scrutinise borrowing decisions and track how public resources are used.
She urged African countries to put existing continental frameworks into practice, particularly the African Debt Management Model (ADMM) and the African Borrowing Charter. These instruments provide important foundations for strengthening debt governance, promoting responsible borrowing and lending, and ensuring that debt decisions support Africa’s development priorities.
For AFRODAD, an effective debt resolution mechanism must go beyond addressing financial obligations. It must also protect people’s livelihoods, preserve essential public services, and ensure that countries can pursue sustainable and inclusive development.
Africa’s debt resolution framework must put people first, safeguard social protection, and ensure that debt serves development rather than undermining it.