
A high-level conference on Africa’s debt is being organized by the African Union, the African Development Bank, and the Government of Togo. The conference’s theme is “Africa’s Public Debt Management Agenda: Restoring and Safeguarding Debt Sustainability.”
The African Union Lomé Declaration on Africa’s Debt will be developed, presented, and adopted during the summit, which will be held in Lomé, Togo, from May 12–14, 2025. A set of shared debt management guidelines will be outlined in this proclamation for AU Member States to follow in order to manage debt and promote coordinated interactions with creditors.
Participants in the conference will include academics, regional organizations, development partners, specialists, civil society, and policymakers from AU member states. The three days’ courses will cover the following topics:
The world financial system and how it affects Africa’s debt situation
Africa’s present situation with regard to governmental debt management
Legal supervision and mechanisms for managing debt
Innovative finance options, debt alleviation, and restructuring
Credit ratings and how they affect economies in Africa
Accountability and transparency in the handling of debt
International collaboration’s contribution to enhancing national capabilities for efficient debt management
A Presidential Dialogue, an A high-level Panel Conversation, and technical panel sessions on the prospects, difficulties, and solutions for public debt in Africa will all be included in the African Union Debt Conference.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Hon. Georges Barcola, Minister of Finance, Togo; Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, African Development Bank Group; and H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo, will be among the speakers and panelists.
PARTICIPANTS
High-Level Debt Conference for Africa
The Government of the Republic of Togo; African Development Bank Group (AfDB); and the African Union Commission (AUC) Department for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. WAT, May 12–14, 2025
Lome, Togo; and internet
