International Finance

Sovereign Debt News Update No. 144: The Road to Recovery - Zambia's Progress and the Path Forward with the IMF

In conclusion, Zambia's journey toward economic recovery, guided in part by its IMF-supported programme, has been marked by both notable achievements and persistent challenges. The "broadly satisfactory" performance and positive forecasts from institutions like Moody's underscore the country's commitment to fiscal and structural reforms, with important milestones already achieved in debt restructuring and economic stabilization. However, the path forward requires unwavering dedication, particularly in addressing persistent issues such as overdue tax revenues and delayed structural reforms. By maintaining fiscal discipline, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, and continuing to implement the ambitious reforms outlined by the IMF, Zambia can strengthen its economic resilience and transform its cautious optimism into tangible, long-term prosperity. The successful finalization of all debt-restructuring agreements in a transparent manner will be the final and critical step in cementing a stable foundation for sustained inclusive growth.

Sovereign Debt News Update No. 137: Kenya’s Insatiable Debt Swap Appetite as a ‘Debt Management Tool’

The African Sovereign Debt Justice Network, (AfSDJN), is a coalition of citizens, scholars, civil society actors and church groups committed to exposing the adverse impact of unsustainable levels of African sovereign debt on the lives of ordinary citizens. Convened by Afronomicslaw.org with the support of Open Society for Southern Africa, (OSISA), the AfSDJN's activities are tailored around addressing the threats that sovereign debt poses for economic development, social cohesion and human rights in Africa. It advocates for debt cancellation, rescheduling and restructuring as well as increasing the accountability and responsibility of lenders and African governments about how sovereign debt is procured, spent and repaid. Focusing in particular on Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria and Senegal, the AfSDJN will also amplify African voices and decolonize narratives on African sovereign debt . Its activities include producing research outputs to enhance the network’s advocacy interventions. It also seeks to create awareness on and elevate the priority given to sovereign debt and other economic justice issues on the African continent and beyond throughout 2021.

Sovereign Debt News Update No. 135: Understanding Mozambique’s Hurdles Under the Previous IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Programme

The African Sovereign Debt Justice Network, (AfSDJN), is a coalition of citizens, scholars, civil society actors and church groups committed to exposing the adverse impact of unsustainable levels of African sovereign debt on the lives of ordinary citizens. Convened by Afronomicslaw.org with the support of Open Society for Southern Africa, (OSISA), the AfSDJN's activities are tailored around addressing the threats that sovereign debt poses for economic development, social cohesion and human rights in Africa. It advocates for debt cancellation, rescheduling and restructuring as well as increasing the accountability and responsibility of lenders and African governments about how sovereign debt is procured, spent and repaid. Focusing in particular on Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria and Senegal, the AfSDJN will also amplify African voices and decolonize narratives on African sovereign debt . Its activities include producing research outputs to enhance the network’s advocacy interventions. It also seeks to create awareness on and elevate the priority given to sovereign debt and other economic justice issues on the African continent and beyond throughout 2021.