Nov. 29, 2023 /IEconomy/ — Zambia is a country in southern Africa that has been struggling with a heavy debt burden for many years. In 2020, the country became the first African nation to default on its sovereign debt during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to get its finances back on track, Zambia has been seeking to restructure its debt with its creditors. Continue reading
Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria
Three years after defaulting on its foreign debt, Zambia is still trying to reach agreement with all its creditors on how to manage this situation. This has left the southern African country in a state of development finance limbo. It is handicapped in raising the funds needed to generate jobs, build infrastructure, provide health, education and social services and deal with climate change. Its president, Hakainde Hichilema, has warned that the situation threatens to undermine its democracy.
Philippe Burger, University of the Free State
Public debt repayments in some African countries are at their highest levels since 1998. The Conversation Africa’s founding editor Caroline Southey talks to dean and economics professor Philippe Burger about the danger of debt problems some African countries face.
April 16, 2023 /Finance/ — If Zambia’s debt restructuring proposal is successful, it will help to improve the country’s economic outlook and create a more stable environment for businesses and investors. This will ultimately benefit the Zambian people by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and providing access to basic services.
It is important to note that there are a number of risks associated with Zambia’s debt restructuring proposal. If the proposal is not successful, it could lead to a further deterioration in Zambia’s economy and could potentially lead to a default on Zambia’s debt.
Zambia sent a debt restructuring proposal to bondholders on April 14, 2023. The proposal includes the following key points: Continue reading
Patrick E. Shea, University of Glasgow
Countries across the world are drifting towards a debt crisis. Economic slowdowns and rising inflation have increased demands on spending, making it almost impossible for many governments to pay back the money they owe.