PROGRAMME
09:00am – 11:00am Opening Session
Ebrima Sall – Executive Director, Trust Africa
Daouda Sembene – Executive Director, AfriCatalyst
Barbara Khalima-Phiri – Board Chair, AFRODAD
Lecture delivered by Opa Kapijimpanga, Founder of African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD). “Debt Sustainability in the Context of African Dependency and Underdevelopment”
1. Professor Ramola Ramtohul, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Gender Studies at the University of Mauritius
2. Dr Marit Y. Kitaw – Executive Director, African Minerals Development Centre | African Union
3. Demba Moussa Dembele, Director of the African Forum for Alternatives
4. Professor Mame Penda Ba, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis–Senegal
11:00am – 11:15am Tea/Coffee Break 
11:15am – 12:45pmSession 1: Why are the 4Rs of Africa a Rule Maker important in achieving Agenda 2063?
1. Mohamed Stevens – African Legal Support Facility (ALSF)
2. Ms Habiba Barka – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
3. Ms Crystal Simeoni – Nawi – Afrifem Macroeconomics Collective
4. Dr Patrick Ndzana Olomo – African Union Commission
5. Professor Mame Penda Ba, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Gaston Berger
University of Saint-Louis–Senegal
6. Dr Hanan Morsy – United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
12:45am – 02:00pm Lunch Break 
02:00pm – 02:30pmOfficial opening – welcoming remarks from the Government of Senegal
02:30pm – 04:00pmSession 2: Driving Economic Transformation: African Borrower Coordination in Action
1. Ms. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, Executive Vice President, Africa Centre for Economic Transformation
2. Mr. Jason Braganza, Executive Director, AFRODAD
3. Dr. Daouda Sembene, Executive Director, AFRICATALYST
4. Ms. Martha Kwataine- Malawi’s Presidential Advisor on Development NGOs
5. Ms. Lee Evert, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
04:00pm – 04:15pm Tea/Coffee Break
04:15pm – 05:30pmSession 3: National Debt Movements in building a Common CSO Position for the 4Rs
level. This session will explore emerging themes and approaches for the African Debt Movement to coherently develop a common position in articulating issues of public debt in Africa. We will explore
key discussion points coming out from series of national level debt meetings across the continent.
and governance from the National level up to the continental.
1. Ms Bertha Phiri, Executive Director, Malawi Economic Justice Network (Malawi)
2. Ms Janet Zhou, Executive Director, Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (Zimbabwe)
3. Ms Diana Gichengo, Executive Director, The Institute for Social Accountability (Kenya)
4. Mr Isaac Mwaipopo, Executive Director, Centre for Trade Policy, and Development (Zambia)
5. Mr Martin Tsounkeu, General Coordinator, Africa Development Interchange Network (Cameroon)
6. Mr Jean-Pierre Degue, Executive Director, Social Watch Bénin
Breakout Sessions
Session 4: National Debt Movements in building a Common CSO Position for the 4Rs
Organiser: AFRODAD
Moderator: Samantha Kanoyangwa, AFRODAD
Purpose: This session aims to explore the legal issues around contractual agreements on African Debt. The session explores the legal dimensions surrounding sovereign debt contracts, including the complexities of international financial agreements, contractual clauses, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the implications of sovereign debt restructuring. The purpose of such legal analysis and discussion is to inform the drafting of a model debt and loan agreement to be used to provide a uniform political consensus by African governments on optimal practice and improve African governments’ capacity to effectively influence the outcome of loan and grant agreements during negotiation and contractual processes.
Main Speaker: Dr Magalie Masamba
Panel Discussants:
1. Dr Ohiocheoya Omiunu – AfronomicsLaw
2. Etsehiwot Kebret – Development Reimagined
3. Rangarirai Chikova – Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU)
4. Nona Tamale – Makerere University and African Sovereign Debt Justice Network
Session 5: An overview of emerging schools of thought and dynamics in Debt Discourse in recent times & significance of research
Organiser: ZIMCODD
Moderator: Janet Zhou, ZIMCODD
Purpose: This session would create a space and platform for exchange Purpose: of ideas and knowledge that promote debt justice in Africa,to proffer and interrogate existing and emerging schools of thought on public debt management and debt justice in Africa and, finally to launch and present knowledge products
recently produced by debt justice movements and academic researchers towards policy reforms.
Main Speaker: Dr. Gorden Moyo
Panel Discussants:
1. Veronica Zano – Oxfam Southern Africa (TBC)
2. Bertha Phiri – Malawi Economic Justice Network
3. MacPherson Mdalla – Oxfam SA
4. Chenai Mukumba – Tax Justice Network Africa
5. Briggs Bomba – Trust Africa
Session 6: The FES AU Trade Union workshop on Sovereign Debt
Organiser: FES-AU Cooperation Office
Moderator: Amanuel Desalegne, FES-AU Cooperation Office
Purpose: FES is having a side event on the margins of the AfCoDD III conference to discuss the outcome from the FES AU Trade Union workshop on Sovereign Debt and to facilitate exchange between TUs and other stakeholders on the topic. The idea is to engage TUs that are actively involved on the issue and from countries that are facing the biggest challenges in terms of debt vulnerability and to enable peer learning and joint action at the regional level.
Main Speaker:
Panel Discussants:
Session 7: Africa’s Regional Debt Outlook Amid Poly-Crisis
Organiser: AFRODAD
Moderator: Chenai Mukumba – Tax Justice Network Africa
Purpose: The sessions aim to enhance awareness of the debt situation in Africa and the factors that drive debt. A consensus on the options to reform the international financial architecture which recognises the African voice is expected. Panellists will discuss how to populate and generate an Africa-based debate on the best solutions to the increased debt in Africa; while taking into consideration effects of debt initiatives including the G-20 Common Framework, DSSI, SDR etc on increased debt.
Main Speaker: Yungong Theophilus Jong, AFRODAD
Panel Discussants:
1. Hon. Chrizoster Phiri – National Assembly of Zambia
2. Mr. James Muraguri – Institute of Public Finance (IPF)
3. Hon. John Osei – National Assembly of Ghana
4. Mr. Dickson Omondi – National Democratic Institute
5. Lee Everts – United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Session 8: Rainbow bonds and beyond: Assessing Impacts of Bonds on Africa’s Indebtedness and Economic Growth
Organiser: Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI)
Moderator: Peninah Mbabazi – SEATINI, Uganda
Purpose: To raise awareness on the impact of bonds on Africa’s indebtedness and economic growth | Analyse Africa’s readiness to access and absorb the resources raised through bonds. To generate debate around a common position on what needs to be done at respective national and regional levels to curb the negative effects of bonds on Africa’s development.
Main Speaker:
Panel Discussants:
1. Hon. Nancy Abisai – EAC/APNIFFT
2. Fidialice Muthike – Transparency International Kenya
3. Adrian Chikowore – AFRODAD
4. Grace Namugambe – SEATINI
5. Etsehiwot Kebret – Development Reimagined
Session 9: Efficiency of the G20 Common Framework in Providing Debt Treatment
Organiser: Centre for Trade Policy & Development (CTPD)
Moderator: Ms. Mwaka Nyimbili – Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD)
Purpose: The proposed session will discuss on the efficiency of the G20 Common Framework in treating sovereign debt, with experiences from Zambia. Presenter will examine Zambia’s debt situation within the broader context of African debt challenges. Discussants will (i) share lessons learned and best practices that can be adopted by other African countries facing similar debt challenges, (ii) discuss potential opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework and (iii) to strengthen collaborative partnerships by engaging with other participants, policymakers, and international organizations that can drive tangible progress in debt restructuring and sustainability.
Main Speaker: Dr. Gorden Moyo
Panel Discussants:
1. Peter Mumba – CSO Debt Alliance
2. Maxwell Kadiri – OSFJI
3. Representative from Government
4. Representative from ZIMCODD
Session 10: How to Reform the Global Debt and Financial Architecture
Organiser: African Sovereign Debt Justice Network (AfSDJN)
Moderator: Dr. Ohio Omiunu – African Sovereign Debt Justice Network & The University of Kent
Purpose: This panel will review an open-access book recently published by the AfSDJN titled “How to Reform the Global Debt and Financial Architecture.” The panel will discuss this publication in depth within the context of the AfCoDD III Conference. The goal is to critically examine the book’s relevance, practical implications, and ideas for restructuring global debt and financial architecture. By sharing their insights, the panel hopes to contribute to discussions on how Africa can effectively mobilise for a more equitable global debt and financial architecture.
Main Speaker: Dr. Titilayo Adebola, African Sovereign Debt Justice Network & University of Aberdeen
Panel Discussants:
1. Nona Tamale – Makerere University and African Sovereign Debt Justice Network
2. Samantha Kanoyangwa – African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD)
3. Marie-Louise Aren – University of Pretoria
4. Afshin Wali Mohamed Nazir – Advocate and Researcher
Session 11: The Interlinkages between Debt, Illicit Financial Flows and Inequality in the ECOWAS Region in the post-Covid-19 Era (Report Launch)
Organiser: Tax Justice Network Africa
Moderator: Chenai Mukumba – Tax Justice Network Africa
Purpose: The sessions aims to (i) show the effect of IFFs on a country’s debt (both corporate and public), (ii) to show the effect of debt on inequality across and within countries and (iii) present data on the ratio of lost revenue to spending in health, education, and social protection for selected countries in the region.
Main Speaker: Ishmael Zulu – TJNA
Panel Discussants:
1. Birahime Seck – Forum Civil
2. Kwesi Obeng – Oxfam
3. Chenai Mukumba – TJNA
Session 12: Climate Finance and Debt: Financing a Transformational Just Transition Agenda
Organiser: AFRODAD
Moderator: Adrian Chikowore, AFRODAD
Purpose: This session aims to derive proposals for transformational climate finance instruments, mechanisms and strategies that mobilize finances for a just transition in Africa to tackle climate related challenges. The second objective is to map a Practical roadmap to overcome challenges for Africa’s
transformational agenda in attaining effective structural change and sustainable climate resources. These will be tabled at the Finance in Common Summit, COP28 and the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakech.
Main Speaker: Dr. Nqobizitha Dube – Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe
Panel Discussants:
1. Faith Lumonya – Akina Mama WaAfrika
2. Leo Atakpu – ANEEJ
3. Hon. Gladys Ganda – Chairperson of the Budget Finance Committee- Parliament of Malawi
4. Emilia Reyes – Equidad Mexico
Session 13: Driving Equitable Sovereign Debt Resolution in Africa: A Model for Global Finance Reform
Organiser: Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA)
Purpose: The JENA Sovereign Debt Project is a pan-African advocacy initiative aimed at addressing the pervasive sovereign debt crisis within Africa, focusing on nations including Kenya, Congo DR, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Recognizing that the debt crisis is a symptom
of both international influences and domestic factors, the project seeks to reform not just global financial practices but also local governance structures.
Main Speaker: Dr. Gorden Moyo
Panel Discussants:
1. Kevin Ouko (JENA-Kenya)
2. Fr. Alex Muyebe (JCTR-Zambia)
Session 14: SDR allocation – Findings from AERC Workshops
Organiser: African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
Moderator: Lurit Yugusuk, FEMNET
Purpose: The AERC with support from BMFG, is implementing a collaborative research project on “Evidence to drive reforms for Special Drawing Rights (SDR) financing in SSA economic recovery” focusing on countries that have high potential to use SDR allocations for development but currently face
serious debt issues. The project focuses on the in-depth analysis of specific SDR financing issues in Ghana, Ethiopia, Senegal and Kenya with the objective to increase evidence and awareness about the role of SDRs as well as produce policy recommendations that are responsive to the specific needs and policy priorities of the four countries and that influence the policymaking process in those countries. Four papers from the following Think Tanks will be presented during the session.
Panel Discussants:
1. Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
2. Consortium pour la Recherche Economique et Sociale (CRES)
3. The Horn Economic and Social Policy Institute (HESPI)
4. Institute of Statistical, Social & Economic Research (ISSER)
Session 15: Resource-Backed Loans: Risks and Opportunities
Organiser: Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)
Moderator: Fatma Nyambura, EITI
Purpose: EITI will use this session to launch its “Guidance on the disclosure of resource-backed loans”. The guidance is a tool to assist EITI multi-stakeholder groups with an overview of the details to be disclosed related to resource-backed loans with the aim of creating greater public awareness and debate.
Panel Discussants:
1. Dr. Marit Y. Kitaw – African Minerals Development Centre | African Unionaith
2. Mr. Mohamed Bailor Stevens – African Legal Support Facility (ALSF)
3. Mr. Shem Joshua Otieno – AFRODAD
4. Ms. Chenai Mukumba – TJNA
Session 16: Reimagining, Rethinking, Reorganising and Remobilising for Fiscal Justice for Women and Girls: A Glimpse into Uganda and Zambia
Organiser: The African Women’s Development and Communications Network (FEMNET)
Moderator: Sonia Phalatse – Economic Justice and Rights Lead, FEMNET
Purpose: Using a feminist approach to pursue a deeper dive on AfCoDD III’s theme on how we can use the 4Rs (Reimagining, Rethinking, Reorganizing, And Remobilising) for an African World Order, the
panel discussion will foster deliberations on revenue raising and increased expenditure to boost fiscal justice for women and girls. Further, the session will examine the role women and girls play in the fiscal system, as well as shed light on initiatives undertaken in Uganda and Zambia to reimagine a fiscal system that meaningfully supports and entrenches women’s rights within fiscal policy.
Panel Discussants:
1. Ms. Tendai Thokozile – Sistah Sistah Foundation Zambia
2. Ms. Regina Navuga – Programme Coordinator – Financing for Development/Tax – Seatini Uganda
3. Mr. Joseph Olwenyi – Oxfam Uganda
4. Ms. Janet Namute – Programmes Assistant – Fiscal Justice for Women and Girls Project, CUTS Zambia
5. Ms. Sophie Njuba – Finance for Development Coordinator, Oxfam Uganda
Session 17: Debt crisis and the Utilization of SDRs: Understanding the experience from Nigeria and Ghana
Organiser: Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
Moderator: Leo Atakpu, ANEEJ
Purpose: To advocate for a transparent and accountable management of Special Drawing Rights and other global financing instruments for a faster and increased sustainable financing for a green and economic recovery in West Africa. Increase awareness on issues arising from the utilization of SDRs in Nigeria and Ghana
Panel Discussants:
1. AFROAD Representative
2. ANEEJ Representative
4:15pm – 5.30pmPeople’s Assembly
7.30pm-8.30pmAfCFTA Showcase
09:30am – 10:30am Africa’s Strategic Autonomy in a Multi-Polar World
1. Antony Buluma – Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association
2. Dr Patrick Ndzana Olomo – African Union Commission
3. Chenai Mukumba – Tax Justice Network Africa
4. Briggs Bomba – Trust Africa
5. Professor Mame Penda Ba, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis–Senegal
10:30am – 11:30amClosing Session
1. Dereje Alemayehu – Executive Director, Global Alliance for Tax Justice
2. Emilia Reyes – Equidad Mexico
3. Stefano Prato – Executive Director, Society for International Development
4. Dr Patrick Ndzana Olomo – African Union Commission
5. Ibrahima Aidara – Deputy Director OSF-Afro