Opinions

Vast natural-resource endowments have proven to be more of a curse than a blessing, with resource-rich African countries often developing more slowly than their resource-poor developed counterparts. The world’s superpowers have developed a seemingly insatiable appetite for the critical minerals that are essential to the ongoing energy and digital transitions,…

The Africa-Caribbean partnership is more than just a response to global uncertainty; it offers a model for inclusive and resilient South-South trade amid global uncertainty. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman, Afreximbank (Left) and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (Right) The share of bilateral exports between…

COP presidencies tend to seek fresh agreements and ambitious initiatives, but when the celebrations are over, implementation often falls short. That is why Brazil’s COP30 presidency must eschew flashy results in favor of pragmatic pathways to deliver on past agreements. The landmark Paris climate agreement set the ambitious but necessary goal of…

In a fracturing world economy, regional solidarity has taken on new importance. To chart a new path toward inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth, North African countries must forge stronger economic ties with partners in Sub-Saharan Africa, which will require fully committing to the African Continental Free Trade Area. Rising tariffs,…

High borrowing costs mean that African governments often must choose between making debt payments and investing in health. This November’s G20 summit – the first to be held in Africa, and the second with the African Union as a permanent member – represents a critical opportunity to create better options.…

By helping Africa address the energy and debt crises standing in the way of its development, BRICS+ members could advance their vision of a world where all countries are respected and work together to solve common problems. The ten current BRICS+ members, more than most countries, can empathize with the…

Debt across the Global South has grown twice as fast as in the North, with rising borrowing costs trapping developing countries in a vicious cycle of debt distress; hence, the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is an ideal opportunity to begin repairing a dysfunctional financial architecture. Amid…

Instead of relying on limited reforms to a misaligned global financial system, Africa should prioritize strengthening regional and continental institutions that mobilize its own capital to meet its development needs. Carlos Lopes, Member of the UN International Commission of Experts for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. Like…

Overseas Development Assistance is not the solution to Africa’s development challenges; the future of Africa’s development financing lies in strengthening the continent’s ability to raise resources internally, i.e, Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM). A decade after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, a measly 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, are…