Uganda has called for sustained follow-up on global financing for development and implementation of the Sevilla commitments, urging stronger coordination to ensure African countries secure the resources needed to drive economic transformation.
Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, made the call during a high-level briefing of African ambassadors and permanent representatives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The September 18, 2026 briefing was convened by ECA Executive Secretary Dr. Claver Gatete to update the diplomatic community on key continental economic and development priorities and provide a platform for member states to raise issues requiring policy, technical and analytical support.
The discussions centred on financing for development, implementation of the Sevilla commitments, domestic resource mobilisation, Africa’s growing debt challenges, the proposed Borrowers’ Club and ECA’s role in promoting economic transformation and sustainable development.
Uganda Demands Regular Tracking of Sevilla Commitments
Leading Uganda’s delegation, Ambassador Otengo stressed the need for regular follow-up and briefings to track progress on financing for development and implementation of the Sevilla commitments.
She further called on ECA to play a central role in engaging international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to ensure that Africa’s development priorities receive adequate attention and support.
Uganda’s position comes amid continued discussions across the continent on how African countries can mobilise sufficient financing for infrastructure, productive sectors, social services and other development priorities while dealing with mounting debt pressures.
Ambassador Otengo said domestic resource mobilisation remains critical but should not be viewed in isolation.
She emphasised that efforts to raise domestic revenues must be supported by stronger economic growth and increased productive capacity capable of generating the resources required to finance development.
Uganda Backs African Borrowers’ Club
Uganda also expressed strong support for the proposed Borrowers’ Club, including the establishment of an African chapter.
The initiative is envisaged as a platform through which borrowing countries can coordinate their positions, exchange experiences and strengthen their collective voice in discussions on sovereign debt and reforms to the international financial system.
Uganda argued that an African chapter could provide countries with greater space to coordinate their positions on debt-related issues and international financial reforms.
The Ugandan delegation also called for the Borrowers’ Club initiative to be closely aligned with the emerging African Common Position on Debt.
It further advocated for stronger cooperation between the ECA and the African Union Commission to ensure that continental debt strategies and broader financial reform efforts remain coordinated.
ECA Pledges Technical Support
Responding to concerns raised by member states, ECA Executive Secretary Dr. Claver Gatete reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to work closely with African governments and provide technical assistance tailored to their individual development priorities.
The briefing also underscored the importance of maintaining regular engagement between ECA and the diplomatic community as African countries seek coordinated responses to financing constraints, debt vulnerabilities and structural economic challenges.
The discussions form part of wider continental efforts to strengthen Africa’s capacity to mobilise development financing, improve economic resilience and advance sustainable economic transformation.
For Uganda, Ambassador Otengo’s intervention placed particular emphasis on ensuring that commitments made at international financing forums translate into sustained action, stronger coordination and tangible support for African development priorities.
