escalating-20debt-20burden-20in-20africa-20and-20its-20human-20rights-20implications-aafc74d78102e85a.pdf

This research paper by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) examines the relationship between escalating sovereign debt in Africa and the subsequent erosion of human rights. The authors argue that high debt-servicing obligations force governments to implement austerity measures and cut spending on essential public services, thereby compromising basic needs and hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The paper analyzes debt trends, the impact of various relief initiatives, and the role of civil society, ultimately calling for a human rights-based approach to debt management and the cancellation of debts for highly indebted countries.

• High external debt service in Africa was more than $87 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $598 billion by 2025. As of February 28, 2023, approximately 14.81 percent of African countries were classified as being in debt distress, with 50% of those countries located in the SADC region (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique).
• The debt burden negatively impacts human rights by creating a 'debt overhang' that leads to microeconomic and political instability, higher inflation, and reduced investment. This economic distress often forces governments to cut social spending and lower labor standards to attract investment, which the authors argue makes the international community an 'accomplice' in human rights violations when it insists on debt service over basic needs.
• Debt forgiveness has historically provided tangible human rights benefits in several African nations. For example, Tanzania used $3 billion in debt relief to increase poverty reduction funding by 130%, eliminate elementary school fees, and build 31,825 classrooms. Similarly, Burkina Faso used savings to fight AIDS, build 746 schools, and increase clean water access by 26%, while Uganda more than doubled school enrollment.
• The G20 Common Framework, intended to replace the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), has seen slow implementation. While Chad, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Ghana requested restructuring, only Chad and Zambia reached agreements with official creditors. The process typically takes an average of two years and often includes austerity measures that restrict access to healthcare, education, and judicial systems.
• Debt mismanagement, corruption, and financial embezzlement have led to a situation where many poverty-stricken countries spend more on debt servicing than on education, health, and social protection combined. In one instance, the Kenyan government was unable to pay civil servant salaries in March 2023 because funds were diverted to repay matured loans.
• The authors recommend that African states adopt a Human Rights Based Approach to Debt Management, ensuring that economic policies prioritize the progressive realization of social and cultural rights. They also call for the introduction of an 'African Accountability Mechanism' to promote financial independence and the adoption of the 2015 United Nations debt restructuring resolutions.

APA

Joshua, S., Jong, Y. T., Kanoyangwa, S., Mbaye, D., & Ogada, T. (n.d.). escalating-20debt-20burden-20in-20africa-20and-20its-20human-20rights-20implications-aafc74d78102e85a.pdf. African Forum and Network on Debt and Development. https://afrodad.org/sites/default/files/publications/Escalating%20debt%20burden%20in%20Africa%20and%20its%20human%20rights%20implications.pdf

Chicago

Joshua, Shem, Yungong Theophilus Jong, Samantha Kanoyangwa, Delia Mbaye, and Tom Ogada. escalating-20debt-20burden-20in-20africa-20and-20its-20human-20rights-20implications-aafc74d78102e85a.pdf. African Forum and Network on Debt and Development, n.d. https://afrodad.org/sites/default/files/publications/Escalating%20debt%20burden%20in%20Africa%20and%20its%20human%20rights%20implications.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Joshua |first1=Shem |last2=Jong |first2=Yungong Theophilus |last3=Kanoyangwa |first3=Samantha |last4=Mbaye |first4=Delia |last5=Ogada |first5=Tom |title=escalating-20debt-20burden-20in-20africa-20and-20its-20human-20rights-20implications-aafc74d78102e85a.pdf |publisher=African Forum and Network on Debt and Development |url=https://afrodad.org/sites/default/files/publications/Escalating%20debt%20burden%20in%20Africa%20and%20its%20human%20rights%20implications.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{joshuandescalating20debt20burden20in20africa20and20its20human20rights20implicationsaafc74d78102e85apdf, author = {Joshua, Shem and Jong, Yungong Theophilus and Kanoyangwa, Samantha and Mbaye, Delia and Ogada, Tom}, title = {{escalating-20debt-20burden-20in-20africa-20and-20its-20human-20rights-20implications-aafc74d78102e85a.pdf}}, institution = {African Forum and Network on Debt and Development}, url = {https://afrodad.org/sites/default/files/publications/Escalating%20debt%20burden%20in%20Africa%20and%20its%20human%20rights%20implications.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }