Afrodad, Sadc PF seal pact to promote debt management
The African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (Afrodad) and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (Sadc PF) have signed a pact to promote sound financial and debt management policies in Africa.
In a statement after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Harare, Zimbabwe, Afrodad executive director Jason Rosario Braganza said the collaboration marks a significant step not only in enhancing the two bodies’ shared commitment to advancing responsible debt management and promoting robust financial systems, but also to deepen their partnership.
“We look forward to merging our combined expertise which will empower parliaments and other key stakeholders to play a leading role in this critical endeavour,” he said.
The MoU formalises the collaboration of the two bodies in influencing policy by providing technical support to African governments and parliaments to regain their political, economic and social agency at a time African countries are dealing with a multiplicity of crises.
Sadc PF secretary general Boemo Sekgoma is quoted in the statement as having said that effective financial governance of countries constitutes the bedrock of sustainable development and provides a conducive environment for the enjoyment of socio-economic human rights by citizens.
He said: “In this regard, the forum welcomes its collaboration with Afrodad under this forward-looking MoU to promote sound financial and debt management through parliamentary and other initiatives which will inter alia set the precepts for the development of a model law on climate action that is grounded in sustainable financial commitments by States to reduce carbon emissions.”
The statement further says the MoU marks a significant milestone towards making Africa a rule-maker as the continent strives for in sustainable development and climate justice.
It further says through collaborative efforts, the Sadc PF and Afrodad seek to empower governments, engage citizens and ensure that sound financial governance becomes a cornerstone for African governments.
