Uganda pushes for UN action on development funding and Sevilla commitments
The meeting was convened for Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to discuss pressing continental development issues and ECA’s continued support for African Member States.
Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, head of the Ugandan delegation, makes an intervention during the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) briefing in Addis Ababa. (Courtesy)
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Uganda’s Permanent Representative at the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), H.E. Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, has called for sustained follow-up on financing for development and the implementation of the Sevilla commitments.
On Friday, September 18, she emphasised the ECA’s pivotal role in tracking progress while engaging international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to support Africa’s development priorities.
Otengo made the call during a meeting with ECA Executive Secretary Dr Claver Gatete, at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa.
The meeting was convened for Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to discuss pressing continental development issues and ECA’s continued support for African Member States.
The briefing aimed at enhancing ongoing dialogue between ECA and the diplomatic community, providing updates on priority economic and development matters and offering a platform for Member States to raise concerns that require ECA’s policy, technical, and analytical assistance.
Discussions focused on several critical topics including: financing for development, progress on the Sevilla commitments, domestic resource mobilisation, Africa’s debt challenges, the proposed Borrowers’ Club, and ECA’s role in advancing economic transformation and sustainable development across the continent.
Uganda Highlights Financing and Debt Coordination
Leading Uganda’s Delegation, Ambassador Otengo emphasised the need for sustained follow-up on financing for development and the implementation of the Sevilla commitments.
The media handout signed by Margaret A. Kafeero, the Minister-Counsellor, states that the Ambassador called for regular briefings to track progress and underlined ECA’s pivotal role in engaging international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to support Africa’s development priorities.
The Uganda team also voiced strong support for the proposed Borrowers’ Club, including the creation of an African chapter, seeing it as a strategic platform for African countries to coordinate positions, share experiences, and amplify Africa’s collective voice on debt and international financial reform.
The delegation further highlighted the importance of aligning the Borrowers’ Club initiative with the emerging African Common Position on Debt, advocating for close cooperation between ECA and the African Union Commission.
ECA reaffirms commitment to member states
Responding to member states’ submissions, the ECA Executive Secretary Dr Gatete reiterated the Commission’s readiness to work closely with African governments, offering tailored technical support aligned with national development priorities.
The meeting reaffirmed the value of regular dialogue between ECA and the diplomatic community as a cornerstone for strengthening cooperation and advancing Africa’s development agenda.
This event marks a continued commitment to fostering inclusive and effective partnerships that support sustainable development and economic transformation across Africa.