By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A coalition of African trade unions, civil society organizations, women’s rights groups, and children’s advocates has issued a strong call for debt justice and economic reforms in Africa, decrying the crushing burden of unsustainable debt that continued to strangle African economies and deprive millions of citizens of their basic rights.
This urgent appeal was led by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), in collaboration with the 2nd Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), African Women’s and Communication Network (FEMNET), Nawi Collective, African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), Tax Justice Network Africa (TJN-A), and Trust Africa. Gathered in Grand Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, the petition was directed at the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the African Union, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They demand immediate action to restructure and cancel unsustainable debt, end harmful austerity measures, and prioritize social investments that directly benefit Africa’s workers, women, and children.
“African workers, women, and children should not be forced to pay the price for decades of unjust financial policies,” the petition states, describing the debt crisis as “not just an economic issue but a human rights crisis.” The coalition warns that debt servicing continues to consume vast portions of national budgets, leaving governments with limited resources to invest in education, healthcare, housing, and economic growth.
The Coalition further noted that austerity measures imposed by international financial institutions have deepened economic struggles, leading to job losses, wage stagnation, and the privatisation of public services. The petitioners in strong terms reject “structural adjustment programs that impose wage caps, privatisation of public services, and cuts to social protection provisions. Public sector employees, including teachers and healthcare workers, endure salary freezes and deteriorating working conditions, further weakening essential services that millions depend on.”
Noting that the debt crisis has disproportionately affected women, especially those in the informal sector, the African workers said; “As governments cut public services to repay debt, women are forced to fill the gaps through unpaid care work, caring for the sick, fetching water, and supporting children’s education with little or no financial support”.
It continued: “The privatisation of healthcare, education, and sanitation services has placed a heavier burden on low-income women, who struggle to afford these essential services for their families.Children have also borne the brunt of the crisis.”
The petition highlights the dire state of education systems, stating that “schools remain underfunded, hospitals lack essential supplies, and public sector workers endure salary freezes or layoffs due to austerity measures.” It warns of high dropout rates among children, particularly girls, due to economic hardship. “When governments cannot support school-feeding programs to boost school enrolment and attendance, absenteeism and school dropout rates, especially in indigent communities, will spike,” it adds.
Healthcare and nutrition have also suffered under debt-related austerity, the petition noted.“When governments cut subsidies for food, healthcare, and housing, children suffer from increased malnutrition, preventable diseases, and a lack of access to proper medical care,” the petition states, stressing that these conditions are worsening intergenerational poverty. “Debt burdens today are being passed on to future generations, limiting opportunities for African children to break free from the cycle of poverty.”
The coalition also calls for immediate and bold reforms, demanding a significant reduction in Africa’s debt burden and a revision of exploitative lending terms. “We reject the situation where African economies borrow at eight times higher rates than a country like Germany and four times higher than the United States of America,” the petition declares, denouncing the unfairness of the global financial system. The petitioners insist that “debt restructuring negotiations must prioritise the needs of African workers and citizens over creditor profits.”
The petitioners also advocate for fairer taxation policies and the curbing of illicit financial flows that drain African economies. “Curb illicit financial flows and tax evasion by multinational corporations operating in Africa,” the document urges, calling for stronger public financial management to ensure transparency and efficiency in the use of borrowed funds. “We must implement progressive tax systems that ensure wealthier individuals and corporations pay their fair share.”
In addition to debt justice, the coalition is pushing for economic independence through stronger intra-African trade and industrialization. “Reduce dependence on external borrowing by fostering intra-African trade and industrialization through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA),” the petition urges, arguing that Africa’s continued reliance on commodity exports makes it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and economic shocks.
The coalition also calls for the inclusion of workers and civil society in economic decision-making processes. “Trade unions, civil society organisations, and affected communities must have a voice in national and regional debt management discussions,” it demands, emphasizing the need for “transparent and inclusive decision-making processes” to prevent the misallocation of funds and corruption.
As the global debt crisis worsens, the petitioners insist that African governments must shift priorities from excessive debt repayments to social investment. “Allocate national budgets toward education, healthcare, housing, and food security instead of excessive debt servicing,” they urge, emphasizing that development must take precedence over creditor obligations.
Their protest in Grand Bassam sends a strong message: Africa must no longer be trapped in an endless cycle of debt, poverty, and dependency. “The time for decisive action is now. We refuse to accept
future where Africa remains trapped in cycles of debt, poverty, and dependency,” the coalition declares, challenging African leaders and global financial institutions to listen and act.
The petitioners have made it clear that they will continue to push for change until their demands are met. “We demand debt justice for Côte d’Ivoire, Africa, and future generations NOW!” they conclude, signaling their unwavering commitment to fighting for a fairer economic system.
With growing global discussions on debt relief and financial justice, the question remains: Will African governments and international financial institutions heed this urgent call? The world is watching.
Nigerian Tribune