African journalists have been urged to intensify their scrutiny of the continent’s mounting debt burden. The sixth edition of the AFRODAD Media Initiative (AFROMEDI VI) opened in Nairobi, Kenya, with this key focus. Around 45 journalists and finance experts from 29 African countries are attending the three-day forum.
This initiative aims to examine the growing links between debt, corruption, extractive-sector financing, and socio-economic inequality. The African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) organized the event. Transparency International Kenya and the Stop the Bleeding Campaign partnered in this effort.
Africa faces significant debt distress and fiscal pressures, alongside widening development gaps. The media serves as a crucial accountability tool during these challenges. Public borrowing decisions often occur without public scrutiny, despite their wide-reaching effects. These effects impact healthcare, education, and people's livelihoods across the continent.
Dr. Theophilus Yungong, Interim Executive Director of AFRODAD, emphasized the media's role. He stated that “Only a journalist can make that connection visible to the people who need to understand it most.” He highlighted that accountability becomes possible when citizens understand the implications of borrowing decisions made in their name. Dr. Yungong added, “When the public watches, things change.”
The program aims to strengthen journalists’ ability to question sovereign debt structures. It also focuses on private creditor influence and global financial systems. These factors continue to shape Africa’s development path. Organizers also intend to deepen understanding of historical extraction and structural inequalities. Illicit capital outflows also undermine fiscal stability and economic progress.
The AFROMEDI program has trained over 600 journalists from 37 African countries since 2021. This effort contributes to increased media engagement on debt justice and economic governance. It aligns with the African Borrowing Charter and the African Union’s Common African Position on Debt. This position is outlined in the Lomé Declaration.
Gibson Mwaita, Head of Programmes at Transparency International Kenya, warned about corruption. He stated that corruption and weak accountability systems worsen Africa’s debt and development challenges. The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index showed Sub-Saharan Africa as the lowest-performing region globally. The region scored an average of 32 out of 100.
Only four of the region’s 49 countries scored above 50. Ten countries have significantly deteriorated since 2012. Africa loses substantial resources through illicit financial flows. This also happens through opaque contracting and tax abuse. Mr. Mwaita stressed, “The debt crisis we face in Africa cannot be separated from governance and transparency challenges.” Journalists are central to strengthening accountability systems and protecting public resources.