As world leaders gathered in Sevilla for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), they faced a hard truth: the global financial system is not just failing to deliver for the countries most in need—it is reinforcing inequality. For Africa, the consequences are especially severe. The continent is grappling with rising trade barriers, climate finance that falls short, illicit financial flows, and mounting debt. Over the last decade, Africa’s external debt has soared—driven by expensive loans that drain budgets meant for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. In 2020, 22 African countries spent more on debt payments than on healthcare*. Behind these numbers lies a system designed for creditor priorities, not community wellbeing. The crisis reflects a deeper structural problem: a financial architecture never built with Africa in mind. And it shows. Credit ratings remain biased. GDP per capita continues to be used as a flawed proxy for resilience, despite masking structural fragility. Africa’s representation in global financial institutions remains limited, and its borrowing costs are three to five times higher* than those of wealthier nations. FfD4 needed to go beyond declarations. It needed to mark a turning point—from fragmented, reactive aid to long-term strategies rooted in resilience, equity, and national leadership. Financing must be a tool for sovereignty, not dependency. Seville delivered progress—but not enough The Seville outcome, known as the Compromiso de Sevilla, laid out more than 130 global initiatives. These include new tools like debt-for-development swaps, commitments to scale up multilateral development bank (MDB) lending, and mechanisms to increase access to climate-aligned liquidity. African priorities were clearly reflected—from support for a UN tax convention to new efforts aimed at reducing debt stress and supporting local adaptation. But key areas remain unresolved. Seville stopped short of mandating broad debt cancellation or binding climate finance commitments. Fossil fuel subsidies remain untouched. And while the outcome text encourages reforms to global financial governance, it avoids tackling outdated voting structures at the IMF and World Bank. Africa needs more than encouragement. It needs structural change. Fairer finance for African realities For financing to be fair, it must reflect real-world vulnerability—not outdated income classifications. African countries need expanded access to concessional finance, especially those disproportionately affected by climate shocks and economic volatility. Risk-calibrated frameworks must replace rigid thresholds. Development partners must align support with national strategies, rather than imposing fragmented, donor-driven agendas. Seville made clear that concessional financing should remain accessible to middle-income countries facing systemic risks—a win for African transition economies. And while representation in global financial institutions matters, it must come with real agency and influence. The ability to shape—not just observe—decisions is what will make reforms meaningful. Homegrown solutions, Global recognition Africa is not waiting for permission to lead. Across the continent, governments are building momentum toward financial independence. The African Union’s establishment of the African Credit Rating Agency (ACRA) is a milestone—offering a context-sensitive alternative to global agencies that often misjudge African economies. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is unlocking regional trade and economic resilience. At the country level, progress is visible. Benin has launched a Development Finance Policy to attract green capital. Rwanda and Burkina Faso are expanding their tax base and reducing exemptions. Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Egypt, and Mali are using diaspora bonds to tap homegrown investment. These reforms signal a continent taking ownership of its financial future. What’s needed now is a global financial system that meets Africa where it is: reforming institutions, scaling catalytic investment, and supporting national systems instead of substituting them. Resident Coordinators: Connecting finance with impact Across the continent, UN Resident Coordinators (RCs) are helping to translate global reform into country-level impact. As trusted partners to governments, they are aligning cross-sector strategies, coordinating financing, and brokering key partnerships. In Egypt, the RC helped launch an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) and mobilized support for green and gender bonds. In Mauritius and Seychelles, six UN agencies are working under RC leadership to design gender-responsive financing strategies that drive the green and blue economy agenda. In Mauritania, the RC co-developed an SDG debt swap with Spain and expanded collaboration with the World Bank, IMF, and AfDB. In Namibia, the RC office is supporting efforts to reduce illicit financial flows through a task force backed by the Bank of Namibia, UNCTAD, and UNECA. Even in complex settings like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, RCs are anchoring transformative initiatives: school meals sourced from local farmers, solar-powered clinics, and youth-led agribusinesses are just a few examples of finance driving real change. This is the unique value of the RC system—acting as an impartial, trusted bridge between governments, financiers, and development partners, even in complex environments. From words to action Africa’s ambition is clear: a future defined by financial sovereignty, regional strength, and homegrown innovation. Seville must do more than raise expectations—it must deliver tools, political will, and institutional mechanisms to close the gap between ambition and action. This includes rebalancing global governance, operationalizing debt-for-development swaps, ensuring inclusive tax cooperation, and expanding access to affordable, scalable, and climate-aligned finance. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda laid a foundation, but lacked enforcement. Seville’s Compromiso for Action must go further—transforming rhetoric into reform. Africa is not asking for favors. It is offering solutions. With coordinated UN support, strong national leadership, and genuine global partnership, Africa can build a future where finance fuels development, not dependency. This blog was written by UN Development Coordination Office Regional Director for Africa Yacoub El Hillo. -- * UN Office of the Special Advisor on Africa – Unpacking Africa’s Debt - https://www.un.org/osaa/sites/www.un.org.osaa/files/files/documents/2024/publications/2024-nepad-report_en.pdf

Zambia will host the 75th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa from 25 to 27 August 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The event will be officially opened by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, and will brin together health ministers and senior officials from the 47 WHO African Region Member States, alongside representatives from partner organizations, civil society, and the private sector.Announcing the development, Zambia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, expressed the country’s honor at being selected to host this prestigious public health gathering.“Let us remember that this is a significant milestone for our country. It is unique in that we will be among the few countries that have hosted this unique Public Health platform for governments and member states in the WHO African region,” said Dr Muchima.Dr. Muchima emphasized the timeliness of the meeting, noting that Zambia stands to benefit immensely from the discussions, especially considering evolving global health financing dynamics.“It is also unique in that it has come at a time when there are various changes in the financing landscape for public health globally and we expect Ministers of Health and various Public Health leaders from the African continent and beyond to share and exchange ideas for the good of humanity even as we move into the next phase of combating public health threat,” he added.The Minister also paid tribute to WHO for its longstanding support to Zambia’s health sector, highlighting the agency’s six-decade presence in the country.“It is now 61 years since WHO established its presence in Zambia and we highly appreciate the strong partnership and collaboration with WHO that has contributed to improve health systems in this country. The leadership of WHO is highly needed now in current geopolitical turbulence that could seriously affect the health and well-being of all people globally.”Speaking at the same briefing, Dr. Clement Lugala Peter Lasuba, WHO Country Representative to Zambia, described the Regional Committee as the continent’s premier platform for setting health priorities and addressing shared challenges.“Africa is a diverse and vibrant region, with a population of nearly 1.5 billion people….Our collective efforts are crucial in addressing the health needs of this diverse population and achieving universal health coverage, as one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have one mission: to build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Africa,” he said.Dr Lasuba said that the meeting would be a reminder of the progress of improving health in the African region. “Through strong partnerships, innovative approaches, and evidence-based strategies, many African countries (including Zambia) have made significant strides in improving health outcomes.He, however, called for need to acknowledge the existing challenges, such as the declining official development assistance landscape, health inequalities amidst emerging infectious diseases, increasing trend of non-communicable diseases, and health emergencies. He said that the continent also faced the effects of Climate Change impacting the health and wellbeing of the people.The 75th session will focus on four strategic pillars:Expanding access to universal health coverage for one billion more people;Enhancing protection from health emergencies for one billion more people;Promoting better health and well-being for one billion more people;Strengthening WHO’s capacity to provide effective and efficient support to all countries.The WHO Regional Committee for Africa serves as the organization’s decision-making body in the region, tasked with reviewing and endorsing strategies, policies, and financial plans aimed at improving health outcomes across the continent.  

In a powerful show of solidarity and advocacy, the Lions School for the Visually Impaired in Ndola hosted a vibrant outreach program to commemorate International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) under the global theme: “Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, Preserve our lives.” The event gathered more than 100 students, educators, disability rights advocates, and UN partners in a powerful effort to amplify awareness and promote the rights of persons with albinism (PwA).Spearheaded by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the UN Information Centre (UNIC) Lusaka, and the UN Zambia Leave No One Behind (LNOB) Theme Group, the outreach initiative aimed to educate young minds and confront the myths and persistent discrimination that stand in the way of  PwA fully enjoying their rights in Zambia and beyond.Speaking via a video message, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms Beatrice Mutali, noted that many persons living with albinism in Zambia and elsewhere continue to face stigma, discrimination and violence fueled by harmful myths and misconceptions.“As a community, we must remain resolute in standing together to fight for the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with Albinism. This means rejecting false beliefs, promoting awareness and ensuring access and availability to essential healthcare like skin protection. Additionally, education and employment opportunities must be open to all, creating an environment where persons with Albinism can thrive without fear.”  The commemoration was marked by engaging visual presentations, an engaging question-and-answer session, and a touching testimony from one of the learners. The school was purposefully chosen for its inclusive environment, and  diverse student body, which includes learners living with albinism.Opening the event, Ms Sekani Bwalya from OHCHR emphasized the critical importance of the day’s message, calling for immediate and sustained action to protect the rights and lives of PWA. She said that “Every person with albinism has the right to live free from fear, discrimination, and violence—human rights are for everyone, without exception.” The program highlighted the genetic nature of albinism, the serious health risks posed by exposure to the sun , and the deeply rooted harmful superstitions that have led to violence, exclusion, marginalization targeting persons with Albinism. The audience was reminded of the UN’s ongoing commitment to protecting persons with Albinism through legal reforms, awareness-raising campaigns, and initiatives that promote their full inclusion and participation in society.A teacher from Lions School, Mr. Dauti Chanda, reflected on the impact of the event, “Our students now understand that their condition is not a curse, but a part of their identity that deserves respect and protection. This program has empowered them to speak up and stand tall.”A learner, Victor….  who participated in the outreach said, “Sometimes people treat me differently because of how I look. But today, I feel proud. I know I have rights, and I know I’m not alone.”In a generous gesture of support, Disability Rights Watch group and Cheshire Homes International donated sunscreen and protective hats to learners living with albinism—an essential step in helping them manage the health risks associated with their condition.The event concluded with a collective call to action: to dispel myths, end discrimination, and ensure that no one is left behind as enshrined in the Pact of the Future.    

The United Nations in Zambia has unveiled 24 Zambian individuals who will help to accelerate efforts towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the next two years. The SDGs Supporters, who include two traditional leaders, Barbara Banda, Zambia’s celebrated footballer, performing and recording artists, a university professor, community members, a female engineer and Persons with Disabilities, were announced at an unveiling ceremony held in Lusaka today.Ministry of Finance and National Planning Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration, Ms Prudence Kaoma, who was the Guest of Honor said that the Government of the Republic of Zambia attaches significant importance to the SDGs.“The Government takes the SDGs as a very important discourse for Zambia considering that it is a Least Developed Country with a huge population of young people with hopes and dreams for development.”Ms Kaoma called for action at all levels to ensure progress on the Global Goals.“One of the main components for the successful implementation of the SDGs is raising awareness to elicit the necessary actions at all levels...this is very important as we begin to ramp up implementation to increase the participation of various players in these SDGs,” she said.She called on the SDGs supporters to help rally support for the SDGs. “Your role as champions is very pivotal because it not only brings awareness to the citizens about principles for sustainable development but you are also champions for global peace and social economic transformation,” she said.And Ms Beatrice Mutali, UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia said that SDGs supporters will help in promoting the SDGs among the public.“This initiative aims to harness the power of influence, culture, and expertise to rally all the people in Zambia behind the SDGs,” said Ms Beatrice Mutali, UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia. “Our SDG Supporters will amplify key messages, advocate for inclusive development and participation by all in ensuring progress towards the 17 Global Goals that end in 2030.”“Achieving the SDGs requires an all-of-society approach. That is why the UN in Zambia embarked on this initiative to appoint SDGs Supporters—individuals who can use their influence to raise awareness, advocate for change, and mobilize support. Through media engagement, community involvement, and strategic partnerships, these Supporters will lead the narrative about the SDGs, make people care and inspire them to act,” she added.The SDGs Supporters (11 male, 13 female) will promote various aspects of sustainable development — including, education, health, gender equality, climate action, decent work, and peace — aligned with Zambia’s national priorities and the Vision 2030. They will engage in public campaigns, community outreach, and advocacy initiatives in partnership with the UN and its implementing partners that include the Government and Civil Society.List of SDGs Supporters AppointedNo.NameProfession/workSDG to support1Chaka Nyathando Gospel singer and entrepreneur1 (No Poverty)2Esther ChunguPerforming and Recording Gospel Artist/youth2 (Zero Hunger)3Dr. Kachinga SichizyaConsultant Neurosurgeon3 (Good Health and Well-being)4Lulu Haangala-WoodMedia and Communications Consultant3 (Good health and Well-being)5Wezi MhoneSinger and child rights Advocate4 (Quality Education)6Chief MadzimaweAnti-Gender Based Violence Advocate5 (Gender Equality)7Brian BwembyaMusician and Social Advocate5 (Gender Equality) 8Chungu ChintelelweActress5 (Gender Equality)9Chieftainess KawazaAnti-Gender Based Violence Advocate5 (Gender Equality)10Florence J. MulengaPharmacist and sustainability advocate6 (Clean water and Sanitation)11Caroline SakalaElectrical Engineer7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)12Dumisani NcubeEntrepreneur and Motivational Speaker8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)13Samuel MachishiTV Journalist9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)14Barbara BandaZambian professional footballer (Orlando Pride, USA)/youth10 (Reduced Inequalities)15Susan PhiriModel and Albinism Rights Advocate (living with Albinism)/youth10 (Reduced Inequalities)16Natasha MwansaGlobal Impact Maker and Advocate (youth)11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)17Mwaka MugalaActress/youth12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)18Revan PhiriCommunity environmental advocate/ Youth13 (Climate Action)19Abel HangomaOrganic Farmer/youth13 (Climate Action)20John MvulaLawyer (living with physical disability)/youth14 (life below water)21Patrick ShawaEnvironmental Conservationist/Naturalist15 (Life on Land)22Professor Owen SichoneAnthropologist16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)22Mulenga KapwepweAuthor and Social Advocate17 (Partnerships for the Goals)24Lina ZuluRadio and TV Journalist17 (Partnerships for the Goals)