Sustainable finance in Africa is at the centre of an evolving global policy conversation. As multilateral institutions recalibrate their development mandates and the energy transition reshapes capital flows, the question of how Africa borrows, not merely how much, has become a strategic priority.
Beginning in the early 2000s, African countries borrowed money from international lenders as part of broader financial reforms. However, the weaknesses built into this lending system have caused serious debt problems in Zambia, Ghana and Ethiopia, among other countries.
The return to markets since 2024 has come at a steep price: Countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Kenya re-entered at an average coupon of approximately 8.5%, translating to an estimated $4 billion in interest payments over the life of those bonds. For many countries, this raises fundamental questions for discussion in this webinar: Where does, or should, the Eurobond fit in Africa’s development financing portfolio going forward? Where do alternative financing options fit in the same portfolio?
Moderator
Dr Joseph Upile Matola: Acting Head of the Economic Resilience and Inclusion Programme, SAIIA
Speakers
- Dr Misheck Mutize: Lead Expert on Country Support on Rating Agencies, African Peer Review Mechanism
- Mr Trevor Lwere: Research and Coordination Analyst, Development Reimagined
- Mr Jules Devie: Senior Research Analyst, Finance for Development Lab
- Ms Mma Amara Ekeruche: Senior Research Fellow, Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa
We look forward to your participation.
