By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) and the Southern Africa Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) have formalized a partnership to strengthen parliamentary oversight, promote responsible debt management, and advance effective public financial governance across the region.
The recently signed agreement aims to equip regional legislatures with the knowledge, capacity, and tools needed to scrutinize public borrowing, enforce accountability, and drive sustainable development outcomes.
As AFRODAD marks 30 years of advocating for debt justice, officials say the collaboration signals a shift from advocacy to stronger institutional action in support of the Common African Position on Debt.
“This partnership with SADCOPAC marks an important milestone in AFRODAD’s 30-year journey of advancing debt justice and accountability across Africa,” said Janet Zhou, executive director of AFRODAD. “By strengthening parliamentary oversight, we are moving from principles on paper to stronger oversight in practice, while advancing the Common African Position on Debt and strengthening Africa’s capacity to shape a fairer global debt architecture.”
Under the accord, both entities will focus on joint advocacy, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. Key initiatives include urging member states to adopt the SADC Model Law on Public Financial Management and the Model Public Audit Act, alongside implementing the African Borrowing Charter to enhance oversight of public loans, guarantees, and overall expenditure.
Additionally, the organizations plan to train public accounts committees to better evaluate debt management decisions while unifying regional efforts behind debt accountability.
Supporters of the initiative emphasize that robust parliamentary oversight remains crucial for ensuring transparency in government borrowing and guaranteeing that public resources are used responsibly.
By leveraging their combined expertise and networks, AFRODAD and SADCOPAC intend to bolster legislative institutions across Southern Africa, contributing to a broader continental push for Africa to actively shape global debt governance rules rather than merely adhering to them.
About AFRODAD
The African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) is an African civil society organisation advancing debt justice, responsible borrowing, sustainable development, and accountable public financial governance across the continent.
About SADCOPAC
The Southern Africa Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) is a regional platform bringing together public accounts committees to strengthen parliamentary oversight, accountability, and public financial management.
