Shaping Africa's Future: AFRODAD Unveils 3rd African Conference on Debt and Development, AfCoDD III
The conference will host the unveiling of select research papers, enriching the discourse.
DAKAR, Senegal — Against a backdrop of pressing economic challenges and a call for African self-determination, the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) is set to host the 3rd African Conference on Debt and Development (AfCoDD III) from August 30th to September 1st, 2023, writes Winston Mwale.
The stage is set for a paradigm-shifting event as the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) proudly presents the 3rd African Conference on Debt and Development (AfCoDD III), igniting conversations under the banner of "The 4Rs for Africa Rule-Maker: Reimagining, Rethinking, Reorganising, and Remobilising for an African World Order."
From August 30th to September 1st, 2023, Dakar, Senegal, will host this landmark gathering that amplifies Africa's voice in critical discussions surrounding economic, political, and social empowerment.
In the spotlight is Senegal's burgeoning national debt, projected to surge by 8.6 billion U.S. dollars (+36.49 percent) between 2023 and 2028, culminating at 32.17 billion U.S. dollars in 2028.
The country's debt-to-GDP ratio looms at 77%, a fact highlighted by the IMF.
AfCoDD III stands on the shoulders of its predecessors, laying a foundation for transformative dialogues addressing Africa's debt landscape and spearheading a fresh approach to economic progress.
The conference serves as an incubator for pioneering strategies that redefine Africa's position in the global economic narrative, guiding the continent towards a sustainable and equitable future.
Central to AfCoDD III are the "4Rs for Africa Rule-Maker," encapsulating the essence of "Reimagining, Rethinking, Reorganising, and Remobilising for an African World Order." This framework delves into Africa's collective endeavours to mould its economic destiny. The event is built on three pillars: political engagement, research and ideation, and public mobilization.
The political facet delves into Africa's intricate dance with the global financial matrix, advocating for reforms that champion debtor nations' interests.
This track also highlights the imperative for inventive debt solutions in the era of the ongoing global pandemic.
The research and ideation pillar contributes to Pan-African intellectual growth, spotlighting research on debt, development finance, and structural transformation.
The conference will host the unveiling of select research papers, enriching the discourse.
The public mobilization pillar, represented by the rallying cry #SisiNdioTuko, fosters an enduring civic movement transcending the immediate debt crisis.
It empowers African citizens and governments to seize pandemic-induced opportunities by demanding novel debt resolution mechanisms that safeguard the continent's interests.
Blending physical and virtual engagement, AfCoDD III's hybrid format ensures broad participation. Livestreamed across AFRODAD's social media platforms, the conversations and insights will traverse the African landscape and extend globally.
Amidst Africa's intricate tapestry of debt, economic dynamics, and global governance, AfCoDD III rises as a beacon of unity and cooperation.
AFRODAD and its partners extend a warm invitation to stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, activists, and the concerned public to partake in these pivotal discussions, collectively charting Africa's transformative course.