The Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Claver Gatete has called for reforms to debt frameworks. Such reforms would address rising indebtedness in Africa. At a press briefing during the 2024 High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Gatete highlighted that Africa continues to face challenges in accessing financing for priority programmes and initiatives – challenges exacerbated by a 192% increase in Africa’s debt. “This means that by paying the debt, countries have very little room to implement the SDGs and the next 10-year program of the African Union,” says Gatete. The ECA is working with countries on mobilising domestic resources for self-financing and financial sustainability.
