CTPD MOOTS NEW FORUM TO DISCUSS AFRICA’S DEBT
A FORUM meant to discuss Africa’s debt transparency, accountability and management has been unlocked in Lusaka, as it brings together experts from relevant fields such as policy makers.
The three-day long 2021 Summer School event has been organised by the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) and its regional partner the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD.
It has brought together various stakeholders such as policy makers, civil society actors, faith leaders, individuals, the academia and the media, with the overall aim to further enhance their capacity on issues of development finance.
This includes issues around transparent and accountable debt management, efficient mechanisms for the mobilisation and of domestic resources, as well as use of resources provided through international public finance.
Speaking when opening the event yesterday, CTPD Executive Director, Isaac Mwaipopo, said the summer school provided an opportunity to learn more about some of the other challenges that African countries were experiencing, such as debt management.
The forum, according to Mr Mwaipopo, also provided an opportunity to share ideas on how to tackle these challenges.
“This forum brings together experts from around the continent with a lot of information to share within the next 3 days and if you do not understand, please feel free to ask,” he said.
And AFRODAD Executive Director, Jason Rosario, said the summer school was about sharing and exchanging of ideas to ensure Africa’s prosperity.
“Have collectively as participants and representatives in the last 12 months been able to achieve a number of things such as organising a forum on media conference on debt, and members being able to challenge their governments on debts.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), we launched a SADC document focusing on debt that is fighting to end and making Africa a debt free continent in their lives,” Mr Rosario said.
This year’s event will run from 17th to 19th November 2021 under the theme “Building Capacity towards a Common African Position on Issues of Development Financing in Africa".