ACET pushes Africa’s debt and finance agenda in 2025

Debt Trap

The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) is stepping into 2025 with a sharp focus on reshaping global finance for Africa, pressing for reforms on debt, concessional finance, and governance at major international platforms.

With South Africa holding the G20 Presidency this year, ACET sees an opening for Africa to set the agenda rather than merely respond to it. The think tank is working with finance ministers to push for the redirection of Special Drawing Rights to countries that need them most, and for a reworking of the Common Framework for debt, which many leaders argue has delivered too little, too late.

Another test comes with the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund. ACET is backing governments in pressing for a strong package that secures resources for critical priorities such as jobs, health, education, and climate resilience. Its recent research on the “human costs” of current financing systems showed how high borrowing costs and scarce concessional funds directly limit school enrolment, strain health systems, and slow down sanitation improvements.

Beyond immediate battles, ACET is calling for longer-term reforms, from IMF quota adjustments to World Bank voting rights, so Africa’s demographic and economic weight is reflected in global decision-making. The organisation is also advising governments on how to engage credit rating agencies, arguing that transformation potential should be valued alongside fiscal metrics.

For ACET, the year is a pivotal one. With the G20 presidency, ADF-17 negotiations, and global reform debates converging, the message is clear: Africa is no longer content to wait for change. It intends to demand it.

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