Uganda's Permanent Representative to the African Union and UN Economic Commission for Africa, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, has called for sustained follow-up on financing for development and implementation of the Sevilla commitments. She emphasized the ECA's crucial role in tracking progress while engaging international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF to support Africa's development priorities. This call was made during a briefing by ECA Executive Secretary Dr. Claver Gatete for Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives in Addis Ababa on September 18, 2026.
The briefing aimed to enhance dialogue between ECA and the diplomatic community, providing updates on priority economic and development matters. It offered a platform for Member States to raise concerns requiring ECA's policy, technical, and analytical assistance. ECA officials made presentations followed by an interactive exchange with Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives. Discussions focused on critical topics, including financing for development, progress on Sevilla commitments, domestic resource mobilization, Africa's debt challenges, and the proposed Borrowers' Club.
Ambassador Otengo stressed that domestic resource mobilization is essential but must be complemented by robust economic growth and enhanced productive capacity to generate adequate development resources. She also voiced strong support for the proposed Borrowers' Club, including an African chapter, as a strategic platform for African countries to coordinate positions and amplify Africa's collective voice on debt and international financial reform.
The Ugandan delegation highlighted the importance of aligning the Borrowers' Club initiative with the emerging African Common Position on Debt. They advocated for close cooperation between ECA and the African Union Commission. This proposal aims to support African countries in navigating debt challenges and promoting sustainable development.
ECA Executive Secretary Dr. Claver Gatete reiterated the Commission's readiness to work closely with African governments, offering tailored technical support aligned with national development priorities. The briefing reaffirmed the value of regular dialogue between ECA and the diplomatic community as a cornerstone for strengthening cooperation and advancing Africa's development agenda.
The event marks a continued commitment to fostering inclusive and effective partnerships that support sustainable development and economic transformation across Africa. Regular briefings will help track progress on financing for development and implementation of the Sevilla commitments. This will enable ECA to better support African Member States in achieving their development goals.
The discussions at the briefing reflect the ongoing efforts of ECA and its Member States to address pressing development challenges facing the continent. By working together, ECA and its partners aim to promote sustainable development, economic transformation, and improved living standards for African citizens.
Key points
- Uganda's Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo calls for sustained follow-up on financing for development and implementation of Sevilla commitments.
- ECA Executive Secretary Dr. Claver Gatete reaffirms ECA's commitment to supporting African governments with tailored technical assistance.
- The proposed Borrowers' Club initiative aims to support African countries in coordinating positions and amplifying their collective voice on debt and international financial reform.
