Many countries in Africa and globally are grappling with the challenges that increasing public debt is presenting on macro-economic stability, inclusive growth and development; and are in search of relief from the burden of high debt levels. The African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) examined the legal complexities surrounding debt contraction and management in Ethiopia, Malawi, Chad, and Ghana and has explored the legal and institutional frameworks governing sovereign debt, contraction and management which reveals challenges and opportunities for legal reform.

On March 19, 2025, AFRODAD and HESPI organized a National Debt Conference to serve as a platform, among others, to analyze the findings and recommendations arising from the study on legal and institutional frameworks governing sovereign debt contraction and management for Ethiopia’s macroeconomic and debt outlook amidst a debt restructuring process under the G20 Common Framework. Mr. Abdurahman Hussien, a senior research fellow at HESPI presented the findings on Ethiopia’s debt status and its implications on the macro economy. Mrs Afshin Nazir, legal analysis and advocacy policy Officer at AFRODAD presented the legal environment on debt acquisition and debt management in Ethiopia. The conference brought together public policy makers, experts from Ethiopian Ministry of Finance, representatives of the civil society organizations, the private sector, relevant institutions and academia, independent researchers as well as representatives from development partners. The debt conference created an opportunity to discuss the potential of the UN Fourth Financing Conference to solve Africa’s debt crisis and inefficiencies of current solutions in the context of shifting geopolitics Africa coordination and solidarity among to foster FFD demands; and how can Ethiopian Government and CSOs lead the charge.