
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="601" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/G20-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-577126" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/G20-1.jpeg 800w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/G20-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/G20-1-120x90.jpeg 120w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/G20-1-768x577.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>The global financial architecture is once again under scrutiny as calls for reform grow louder. For Africa, this conversation has never been more urgent. The continent faces a host of economic challenges—debt sustainability, limited access to credit, high borrowing costs, and inadequate financial infrastructure—issues that global economic disruptions have exacerbated.</p>



<p>As Africa pushes for greater inclusion in global financial reforms, most notably with the African Union&#8217;s recent membership in the G20 (now G21), it is clear that building a resilient financial system within the continent must be a parallel priority.</p>



<p>Africa’s relationship with the global financial system is characterized by significant imbalances. African economies often grapple with high borrowing costs, restricted access to international capital markets, and stringent conditions imposed by international financial institutions. For instance, Zambia and Ghana have faced severe debt crises resulting from unsustainable borrowing practices, compounded by volatile global markets and interest rate hikes by major central banks.</p>



<p>Similarly, Ghana suspended payments on most of its $30 billion external debt in December 2022, citing the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2024, Ghana reached a memorandum of understanding with bilateral creditors, including China and France, to restructure $5.4 billion of its debt. This agreement enabled the International Monetary Fund&#8217;s (IMF)’s approval to disburse $360 million under a $3 billion three-year bailout program. (<a href="https://fr.africanews.com/2024/05/25/le-ghana-trouve-un-accord-de-restructuration-de-sa-dette/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Source</a>)</p>



<p>These cases highlight the pressing challenges African nations face in debt management and underscore the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure long-term economic viability.</p>



<p>Additionally, Africa’s share of global credit flows remains disproportionately low. Despite the continent’s immense growth potential, international investors remain risk-averse, driving up borrowing costs and limiting access to vital funding for infrastructure, healthcare, and development projects. This has left many African economies over-reliant on external aid and debt.</p>



<p>While global reforms to create a fairer, more inclusive financial system are essential, Africa must also look inward to strengthen its financial architecture. Building a resilient African financial system should be the foundation upon which any global reforms can stand. This entails several key actions: African countries need robust frameworks to manage and restructure existing debt.</p>



<p>The African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other regional bodies must play a more active role in debt negotiations, pushing for multilateral mechanisms that prioritize African interests. Transparent debt management strategies can prevent future crises and build investor confidence.</p>



<p>To simultaneously address the debt crisis and climate challenges, debt-for-climate swaps offer an innovative opportunity for Africa. These mechanisms allow countries to restructure their debt in exchange for specific commitments to climate action, such as ecosystem restoration or investments in renewable energy. Several African leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, have championed these approaches which appear to be gaining traction in international forums.</p>



<p>High borrowing costs often stem from perceptions of risk. By developing a more resilient and integrated financial system, African countries can work towards more favourable credit ratings, thereby reducing the cost of capital.</p>



<p>Establishing a pan-African financial infrastructure, leveraging digital finance, and promoting regulatory harmonization could create an enabling environment for intra-African trade and investment, boosting growth from within.</p>



<p>The African Union&#8217;s (AU) recent inclusion in the G20, marks a significant milestone. As Africa&#8217;s official representative in one of the world&#8217;s most influential economic forums, the AU now has an unprecedented opportunity to influence global financial reforms.</p>



<p>The G20 represents around 85% of global GDP and 75% of global trade. This is particularly crucial as Africa faces some of the world&#8217;s most pressing challenges, such as the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects the continent despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. In 2022, over 110 million people in Africa were directly impacted by weather, climate, and water-related hazards, resulting in economic damages exceeding US$ 8.5 billion.</p>



<p>Despite contributing less than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is the continent least equipped to handle the adverse effects of climate change.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1837" height="1196" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WMO.png" alt="" class="wp-image-577125" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WMO.png 1837w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WMO-300x195.png 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WMO-820x534.png 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WMO-138x90.png 138w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WMO-768x500.png 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WMO-1536x1000.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1837px) 100vw, 1837px" /></figure>



<p>The African Union&#8217;s key priorities in the G20 should include advocating for global frameworks that provide equitable debt relief and restructuring mechanisms, particularly for African nations disproportionately affected by global economic shocks. According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Africa requires approximately $1.3 trillion in annual investments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.</p>



<p>Additionally, the AU should aim to secure increased access to climate financing, leveraging its G20 membership to ensure Africa receives its fair share of the $100 billion per year pledged by developed nations for climate adaptation and mitigation.</p>



<p>Africa stands at a critical crossroads. While the continent engages in global financial reform discussions, it must also prioritize strengthening its economic foundations. Debt-for-climate swaps, equitable access to climate finance, and innovations such as digital financial services are not just tools but pillars of a broader strategy to build a resilient financial system. As Africa seeks a stronger voice in the global financial system, it must remember that true reform starts from within.</p>


G20 (1)

As Africa Assumes G20 Leadership, strengthening African Financial Systems key to Global Financial Reforms

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<p>The Annual Future Minerals Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia welcomes thousands of governments, international organisations and stakeholders to dissect and discuss the future of minerals.  Under the theme ‘Year of Impact’ this platform uses this opportunity to gain perspective on industry trends, explore new innovations in this sector and to shape the path of mining minerals to secure a sustainable future. This Focus On brings you key conversation from the forum.</p>


maxresdefault

Focus On: Future Minerals Forum 2025: The Year of Impact

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<p>The Debt Management Office has released the Bond Calendar for the first quarter of this year indicating plans to borrow 600 billion naira across the 2029, 2031 and 2035 bonds. Traders at Access Bank expect improved offers on the on-the-run bonds as market participants react to the Bond calendar. They also expect improved appetite for Treasury bill securities. Kinskin Ukeje, Treasury Team Member at Access Bank joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


Access: Investors react to Q1’25 bond calendar release

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<p>Affordable, reliable and sustainable energy is critical for economic growth. Access to cleaner and alternative energy sources relies on long-term investments and policy structures to ensure that these projects are bankable and beneficial to close Africa&#8217;s energy poverty gap. In the build up to Africa Energy Indaba this Focus On will bring insights to gas as a source of energy.</p>


Focus On Africa Energy Indaba 2025: Igniting the Power Revolution


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="469" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DALL·E-2025-01-15-14.10.12-A-powerful-landscape-artwork-depicting-the-complex-interplay-of-global-risks-for-2025-and-beyond.-The-scene-combines-three-themes_-1-A-representation-820x469.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-575313" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DALL·E-2025-01-15-14.10.12-A-powerful-landscape-artwork-depicting-the-complex-interplay-of-global-risks-for-2025-and-beyond.-The-scene-combines-three-themes_-1-A-representation-820x469.webp 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DALL·E-2025-01-15-14.10.12-A-powerful-landscape-artwork-depicting-the-complex-interplay-of-global-risks-for-2025-and-beyond.-The-scene-combines-three-themes_-1-A-representation-300x171.webp 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DALL·E-2025-01-15-14.10.12-A-powerful-landscape-artwork-depicting-the-complex-interplay-of-global-risks-for-2025-and-beyond.-The-scene-combines-three-themes_-1-A-representation-158x90.webp 158w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DALL·E-2025-01-15-14.10.12-A-powerful-landscape-artwork-depicting-the-complex-interplay-of-global-risks-for-2025-and-beyond.-The-scene-combines-three-themes_-1-A-representation-768x439.webp 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DALL·E-2025-01-15-14.10.12-A-powerful-landscape-artwork-depicting-the-complex-interplay-of-global-risks-for-2025-and-beyond.-The-scene-combines-three-themes_-1-A-representation-1536x878.webp 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DALL·E-2025-01-15-14.10.12-A-powerful-landscape-artwork-depicting-the-complex-interplay-of-global-risks-for-2025-and-beyond.-The-scene-combines-three-themes_-1-A-representation.webp 1792w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by DALL·E &#8211; a powerful landscape artwork depicting the complex interplay of global risks for 2025 and beyond. The scene combines three themes.</figcaption></figure>



<p>The release of the 20th edition of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report paints a sobering picture of the challenges shaping our collective future. With an increasingly fractured global landscape, the report highlights how escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal, and technological threats are testing the resilience of international systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-top-risks-of-2025-a-world-in-crisis">The Top Risks of 2025: A World in Crisis</h2>



<p>The report identifies state-based armed conflict as the most pressing immediate global risk for 2025, with nearly 25% of respondents ranking it as their top concern. These conflicts, fueled by growing geopolitical tensions, signal a world grappling with heightened instability.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WEF_GRR25_Shareable_Current_risk_landscape-1-800x800.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-575314"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: World Economic Forum, Global Risks Perception Survey 2024-2025</figcaption></figure>



<p>Misinformation and disinformation, which retain their position as the top short-term societal risks for the second consecutive year, continue to undermine societal trust and governance. As these risks erode cohesion within and between nations, they compound the challenges posed by other immediate threats, such as extreme weather events, societal polarization, and cyber-espionage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges-a-long-term-crisis">Environmental Challenges: A Long-Term Crisis</h2>



<p>Looking beyond immediate concerns, environmental risks dominate the 10-year horizon. From extreme weather events to biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and critical changes to Earth systems, the environmental outlook reflects the urgent need for systemic interventions. Pollution, ranked sixth as a short-term risk, highlights the pervasive impact of air, water, and land pollutants on health and ecosystems.</p>



<p>&#8220;Extreme weather events feature prominently across immediate, short-term, and long-term horizons, underscoring their central role in the global risk landscape,&#8221; notes the report. With climate change accelerating the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, this remains a critical area for global action.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-s-dual-edge">Technology’s Dual Edge</h2>



<p>While technological advancements offer significant opportunities, the report underscores the potential dangers. Misinformation, disinformation, and the adverse outcomes of AI technologies are identified as major long-term risks. As these tools become more pervasive, their misuse could exacerbate societal divisions and erode trust in institutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-stark-outlook-declining-optimism-and-rising-turbulence">A Stark Outlook: Declining Optimism and Rising Turbulence</h2>



<p>Over 900 experts surveyed for the report express growing pessimism about the world’s trajectory. Nearly two-thirds of respondents foresee a turbulent or stormy landscape by 2035, shaped by intensifying environmental, societal, and technological challenges.</p>



<p>Short-term projections aren’t much brighter. Over half of respondents anticipate instability within the next two years, driven by a breakdown in international cooperation and rising societal fractures, such as inequality and polarization. Vulnerabilities such as illicit economic activity, mounting debt burdens, and the concentration of strategic resources further compound the global risk outlook.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-call-for-collective-action">The Call for Collective Action</h2>



<p>&#8220;Rising geopolitical tensions and a fracturing of trust are driving the global risk landscape,&#8221; said Mirek Dušek, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. &#8220;In this complex and dynamic context, leaders have a choice: to find ways to foster collaboration and resilience, or face compounding vulnerabilities.&#8221;</p>



<p>The report calls for urgent, collective action to address these challenges. Key recommendations include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Reinforcing Multilateral Institutions</strong>: Strengthening global frameworks to manage shared challenges effectively.</li>



<li><strong>Promoting Dialogue</strong>: Encouraging open communication among nations to rebuild trust and reduce polarization.</li>



<li><strong>Prioritizing Sustainability</strong>: Accelerating efforts to mitigate environmental risks and adapt to climate change.</li>



<li><strong>Harnessing Technology Responsibly</strong>: Developing frameworks to manage the risks associated with AI and other emerging technologies.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-decisive-decade">A Decisive Decade</h2>



<p>As divisions deepen and global systems face unprecedented strain, the coming decade is pivotal. &#8220;From conflicts to climate change, we are facing interconnected crises that demand coordinated, collective action,&#8221; emphasizes Mark Elsner, Head of the Global Risks Initiative at the World Economic Forum. &#8220;Renewed efforts to rebuild trust and foster cooperation are urgently needed. The consequences of inaction could be felt for generations to come.&#8221;</p>



<p>In a world where 64% of experts anticipate a fragmented global order marked by competition among powers, the report urges leaders to resist the temptation to turn inward. Instead, nations must prioritize dialogue, strengthen international ties, and foster collaboration to navigate these complex risks. By doing so, humanity can chart a path toward a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future.</p>


DALL·E 2025-01-15 14.10.12 – A powerful landscape artwork depicting the complex interplay of global risks for 2025 and beyond. The scene combines three themes_ 1) A representation

Fractured Systems and Fragile Futures: Key Takeaways from the Global Risks Report 2025

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<p>Traders at Access Bank expect investors to continue to cherry-pick high-yielding mid-dated bonds. For the T-bills side, though market sentiment has been largely bullish lower activity is expected due to a decline in system liquidity. Odinaka Linus-Nwokonkwo, Treasury Team Member at Access Bank joins CNBC Africa for more market updates.</p>


Access: Investors cherry-pick high-yielding mid-dated bonds

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<p>The NGX All Share Index gained 0.80 per cent to close the trading day. Last year, the Nigerian stock market closed with an impressive 37.7 per cent gain. Meanwhile, the BRVM gained 29 per cent, but the best performing index in West Africa was the Ghana Stock Exchange with the GSE Composite index ending the year with a gain of 56 per cent. What can we expect from equities this year? Muktar Mohammed, Analyst, Assar Investments joins CNBC Africa for more on the market outlook.</p>


NGX All Share Index up 0.80%

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<p>In an exclusive one-on-one, Rene Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board delves into Rwanda&#8217;s visionary tourism strategy, showcasing how innovation, sustainability, and community impact are driving the country&#8217;s global appeal.</p>


Discover Rwanda: Unpacking Rwanda’s tourism strategy

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<p>Explore Rwanda&#8217;s forests, from tiny insects to towering trees, revealing their vital role in the ecosystem. Discover the ecological history, biodiversity, and conservation efforts behind Rwanda’s four main forests, and learn how the nation is leading Africa in preserving its natural heritage.</p>


Discover Rwanda: Forests of Rwanda

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<p>Africa Gaming Expo explores the latest technological advancements shaping the future of Gaming, Finance and Banking on the continent as the platform fosters conversations on what to expect next across these verticals. Register today at agelagos.com and catch all the details of the upcoming AGE LAGOS 2025 in this special broadcast, only on CNBC Africa.</p>


Focus On: African Gaming Expo to host 2nd edition in 2025

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<p>Deepening the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation leads the conversation as oil industry leaders in the private and public sectors chart a sustainable path at the 2024 edition of the Practical Nigerian Content Conference by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board. CNBC Africa brings you highlights from the event.</p>


Focus On: 13th Practical Nigerian Content Conference

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<p>The 2024 Market Days in Rabat, Morocco brought investors and project developers together across 41 dynamic boardrooms. They reviewed and engaged on 37 transformative projects spanning transport, power, energy, agribusiness, mining, pharmaceuticals, tourism, urban infrastructure, water management, and more. After three intense days of discussions and negotiations, the Forum recorded an impressive $29.2 billion in new investor interests.</p>


Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days amasses $29.2bn in deals

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<p>Africa&#8217;s biggest investment platform showcases the continent&#8217;s investment opportunities. The Africa Investment Forum saw global investors, heads of development finance institutions and government leaders will ascend to Rabat, Morocco to advance critical investment transactions to closure. This highlights special brings you key voices from the event.</p>


Highlights Special: The Africa Investment Forum 2024

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<p>Rwanda hosts the FIA General Assembly and Awards for the first time on African soil, solidifying its position as a motorsport hub. Discover how this landmark event is shaping the future of motorsport in Africa.</p>


FIA’s historic African debut in Rwanda

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<p>SMEs have the potential to harness the power of technological innovations to level the playing field with larger retailers. As digital transformation continues to revolutionize, adopting the right technologies can present significant growth opportunities. This Focus On will highlight the potential of digital transformation for SMEs.</p>


Focus On: Empowering SMEs through tech adoption

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<p>Africa is the world’s fastest-growing fintech market, driven by South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya. With a 32 per cent annual growth rate, the sector is set to reach $65 billion by 2030. This episode of Focus On explores insights on strengthening the continent’s economy through financial inclusion, digital payments and initiatives such as the African Fintech Accelerator Programme. Aida Diarra, Senior Vice-President of Visa Sub-Saharan Africa joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


Focus On: Africa fintech landscape

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<p>Traders at Access Bank expect bond appetite across the curve to remain weak as banks focus on funding for the bond auction settlement. Tobechukwu Ikpe, Treasury Team Member at Access Bank joins CNBC Africa for more market movements.</p>


CNBC Africa

As Africa Assumes G20 Leadership, strengthening African Financial Systems key to Global Financial Reforms

Focus On: Future Minerals Forum 2025: The Year of Impact

Access: Investors react to Q1’25 bond calendar release

Focus On Africa Energy Indaba 2025: Igniting the Power Revolution

Fractured Systems and Fragile Futures: Key Takeaways from the Global Risks Report 2025

Access: Investors cherry-pick high-yielding mid-dated bonds

NGX All Share Index up 0.80%

Discover Rwanda: Unpacking Rwanda’s tourism strategy

Discover Rwanda: Forests of Rwanda

Focus On: African Gaming Expo to host 2nd edition in 2025

Focus On: 13th Practical Nigerian Content Conference

Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days amasses $29.2bn in deals

Highlights Special: The Africa Investment Forum 2024

FIA’s historic African debut in Rwanda

Focus On: Empowering SMEs through tech adoption

Focus On: Africa fintech landscape

Access: Bond appetite weak as banks focus on auction settlement

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Advertise With Us

CNBC Africa

As Africa Assumes G20 Leadership, strengthening African Financial Systems key to Global Financial Reforms

Focus On: Future Minerals Forum 2025: The Year of Impact

Access: Investors react to Q1’25 bond calendar release

Focus On Africa Energy Indaba 2025: Igniting the Power Revolution

Fractured Systems and Fragile Futures: Key Takeaways from the Global Risks Report 2025

Access: Investors cherry-pick high-yielding mid-dated bonds

NGX All Share Index up 0.80%

Discover Rwanda: Unpacking Rwanda’s tourism strategy

Discover Rwanda: Forests of Rwanda

Focus On: African Gaming Expo to host 2nd edition in 2025

Focus On: 13th Practical Nigerian Content Conference

Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days amasses $29.2bn in deals

Highlights Special: The Africa Investment Forum 2024

FIA’s historic African debut in Rwanda

Focus On: Empowering SMEs through tech adoption

Focus On: Africa fintech landscape

Access: Bond appetite weak as banks focus on auction settlement

News Tips

Advertise With Us

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