Tangier, Morocco, 1 April 2026 – African countries must strengthen debt governance systems through better use of data, technology, and institutional reform to safeguard fiscal sustainability and support development, participants heard at a high-level side event held during the Conference of Ministers (CoM 2026).
The event, titled “Leveraging Data and Technology to Strengthen Domestic Resource Mobilization and Debt Governance in Africa,” brought together policymakers, development partners, and experts to explore how digital tools can enhance transparency, accountability, and fiscal resilience.
ECA Launches Economic Governance Report (EGR3)
The session marked the official launch of the third edition of the Economic Governance Report (EGR3) by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist Hanan Morsi, Stephen Karingi emphasized:
“Africa’s debt challenge is not primarily about how much is borrowed, but how debt is governed.”
He highlighted that tightening global financial conditions, rising interest rates, and geopolitical pressures are increasing fiscal strain across the continent, making stronger governance systems essential.
Debt Sustainability is a Governance Issue
Presenting the report, Gamal Ibrahim stressed that debt sustainability must go beyond traditional metrics:
“Debt sustainability is fundamentally about institutions, transparency, and how effectively debt supports development.”
The report finds that:
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Over 40% of African countries spend more on debt servicing than on health
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Debt data systems remain fragmented and incomplete
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Weak coordination and oversight continue to undermine fiscal discipline
EGR3 proposes a “growth-enhancing governance” approach, focusing on:
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Stronger institutional coordination
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Integrated and transparent data systems
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Alignment of borrowing with national development priorities
Participants underscored that data systems are central to effective fiscal governance. Integrated digital platforms can improve risk monitoring, strengthen decision-making, and enhance coordination across tax, debt, and budget systems.
However, speakers cautioned that technology must be supported by:
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Strong legal frameworks
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Institutional capacity
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Skilled human resources
Without these, digital tools cannot deliver meaningful impact.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of international tax cooperation and digitalized tax systems in strengthening domestic resource mobilization.
Improved data sharing and inclusive global tax frameworks can help African countries:
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Expand their tax base
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Reduce illicit financial flows
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Enhance fiscal space for development
Call for Coordinated Action
Participants called for:
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Integrated debt data frameworks
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Stronger legal and regulatory systems
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Investment in technical capacity
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Greater African coordination in global financial governance
The session concluded with a shared message: Africa’s fiscal future depends not only on access to financing, but on how effectively it is governed.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org