Sharon Kavhu
SANDTON, South Africa – The fifth edition of the Afrodad Media Initiative (AfroMedi V) opened on Tuesday in Sandton, Johannesburg, bringing together media delegations from 31 countries across Africa to discuss pressing issues surrounding debt and development finance on the continent.
The event, hosted by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of African media in reporting on debt, financial transparency, and the urgent need for systemic reforms in global economic governance.
In his opening remarks, Jason Rosario Braganza, Executive Director of AFRODAD, underscored the growing challenges facing Africa as it grapples with debt distress. Braganza highlighted that more than half of the continent is either in debt distress or at high risk of it. Four African countries—Zambia, Chad, Ethiopia, and Ghana— have already defaulted on their debts, and many others are diverting substantial resources toward servicing debt rather than investing in essential public services like education, health, and infrastructure.
“Despite these very grave economic challenges, the role of media in reporting these challenges and the diversion of much-needed resources to debt servicing is largely going unreported. Lack of information, accompanied by inaccessible debt statistics and public reporting, is undermining the public’s ability to interact and play its role in holding government to account,” Braganza said. He emphasised the importance of media in providing accurate, accessible information that enables the public to hold governments accountable.
Braganza also called on journalists to take an active role in shaping public discourse, particularly as Africa faces ongoing political and economic instability in the wake of the global pandemic. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in how countries manage their debt, especially in light of Africa’s continuing struggle for sovereignty and equitable economic systems.
The AFRODAD Executive Director also referenced the African Union’s 2025 theme of reparations and reparative justice, urging attendees to keep this in mind throughout the week as they engage in training sessions designed to strengthen media’s ability to report on these complex issues.
Braganza highlighted the growing significance of South Africa’s role in the global economic landscape as it hosts the presidency of the G20, noting that the media must ensure that African voices are not sidelined in international economic discussions.
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“As I conclude, another significant moment is taking place internationally. With the failure of the existing debt relief and restructuring mechanisms, we are in the process of a new dispensation in a more democratic space under the auspices of the United Nations,” he added
Looking ahead, Braganza expressed optimism about the upcoming 4th Financing for Development conference in Spain, which will present an opportunity for African nations to push for a reformed, intergovernmental debt architecture that would give Africa a stronger voice in shaping global economic policies. He concluded by reiterating AFRODAD’s commitment to empowering the media to become key players in this effort, encouraging journalists to continue pushing for a fairer global economic system.
Following Braganza’s remarks, Dr. Christian Ayiku, an AFRODAD Board Trustee, took the stage to deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for a week of critical discussions on debt relief, financial reform, and media’s role in advocating for Africa’s economic future.
The AFROMEDI V conference is expected to provide valuable insights and foster dialogue between media professionals, civil society, and policymakers, all united in their efforts to address Africa’s ongoing debt crisis and its implications for sustainable development across the continent.
