- February 16, 2024
- Posted by: admin
- Categories: Current News, debt management
MEFMI hosted a Heads of Debt Management Seminar, under the theme “Responding to the volatile Public Debt Management landscape: Debt Restructuring and institutional strengthening”, from 30 August to 1 September 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Seminar brought together the heads of debt management offices in ministries of finance and related functions in central banks of 11 MEFMI member countries namely, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe to discuss the numerous debt management challenges the region is faced with.
Specifically, the Seminar provided a platform for interaction amongst heads of debt management offices in MEFMI member countries to share experiences and exchange ideas and knowledge on the current challenges and insights on how to navigate the current volatile debt management landscape. A key highlight of the Seminar was the presentation on Zambia’s restructuring experience which was very relevant as most countries in the region are experiencing heightened debt vulnerabilities, with four (4) out of fourteen (14) MEFMI member countries already in debt distress.
The Seminar also brought on board international institutions and other stakeholders who shared recent tools and frameworks to support effective public debt management. In addition, the Seminar raised awareness of several emerging issues relating to debt management including access to international capital markets as well as sustainable financing options. The event also saw the launch of the flagship MEFMI Heads of Debt Management Forum, which will be an annual event for the heads of debt management offices in the MEFMI member countries.
The workshop was facilitated by resource persons drawn from cooperating partners as well as independent consultants. These included the following: Mr. Lars Jessen, (World Bank), Ms. Delia Cox, (Commonwealth Secretariat), Ms. Leonie Marie-Luise Lipschitz and Dr Barbara Dutzler, (GIZ), Dr Nathaniel Oluoch, (AfDB), Dr Gregory Smith, (Consultant), Mr. Victor Nkiiri, (FSD Africa), and Ms. Lerzan Ulgenturk, (Consultant). Session moderators were drawn from member country participants as well as the MEFMI Secretariat, represented by Ms. Josephine Tito and Mr. Jacob Mkandawire. Ms Charity Mangwende provided administration support.