The Debt Question in Africa Remains a Major Concern, Affecting Economic Development
The issue of debt in Africa remains a major challenge, directly impacting the continent's economic development. In this context, the 5th edition of the AfroMedi V Initiative is taking place in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Organized by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), this event aims to strengthen the capacity of media outlets to address public debt and development financing issues.
"More than half of African countries are facing debt distress or are at high risk of falling into it," declared Howard Mwangi, Campaigns and Communications Officer at AFRODAD, adding that countries like Zambia, Chad, Ethiopia, and recently Ghana have already defaulted. This reality compromises investments in essential public services such as education, health, and sanitation.
This year's edition comes at a time when Africa is seeking to assert its economic sovereignty. AFRODAD is emphasizing the need for journalists to not only report on the facts but also to analyze and humanize the issues related to debt. "Africa must be a rule-maker, not a rule-taker," Mwangi insisted, calling on the media to play a key role in transforming the global economic discourse.
It is worth recalling that AFRODAD, a pan-African civil society organization, has been committed since 1996 to promoting debt justice and development financing across the continent. Based in Harare, Zimbabwe, with offices in Cameroon and Kenya, it works towards inclusive economic growth and sustainable development by influencing debt management policies based on human rights.
In 2021, AFRODAD launched the AfroMedi Initiative to enhance the quality and effectiveness of media coverage of debt and development issues in Africa.
Currently, the 5th edition of AfroMedi is taking place from March 25 to 27, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together 45 journalists from 31 countries to delve deeper into these critical issues.
