Joint programming on debt

Representatives from seven national debt coalitions: Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, namely, Jubilee 2000 Angola, Kenya Debt Relief Network, Malawi Economic Justice Network, Mozambique Debt Group, Rwanda Debt Group, Tanzania Debt Network and Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), met in order to take the first step in creating a more cohesive and coordinated Forum and Network for advocating policy change on the debt crisis, not only in their respective countries, but also at the level of the sub-region and the entire African continent.

All the coalitions on debt agreed that strengthening the network was essential for combining efforts to find sustainable solutions to the crisis. Joint programming is essential to identifying key issues on debt and sustainable development, and to identifying common areas of concern and therefore for action in clusters or as a collective. The major goal of the meeting was therefore to review the current and planned programmes of work for 2003 and to define how best to strengthen the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development and the affiliate organisations: the coalitions. In view of costs, this particular meeting was to limit itself to Eastern and Southern Africa region. One meeting in West Africa and the other in Central Africa are planned for early 2003.

This product is therefore a working document and framework for strengthening the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development.

(From foreword)