Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Uganda has called for sustained follow-up on financing for development and the implementation of the Sevilla commitments, with the country urging the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to strengthen coordination with international financial institutions on Africa’s development priorities.
The call was made by Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, during a briefing by ECA Executive Secretary Dr Claver Gatete for African Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives in Addis Ababa on September 18, 2026.
The briefing brought together the diplomatic community to discuss key continental economic and development priorities and the ECA’s support to African member states.
Discussions covered financing for development, implementation of the Sevilla commitments, domestic resource mobilisation, Africa’s debt challenges, the proposed Borrowers’ Club, and the ECA’s role in promoting economic transformation and sustainable development.
Uganda Highlights Financing and Debt Coordination
Leading Uganda’s delegation, Ambassador Otengo called for regular briefings to monitor progress on financing for development and the implementation of the Sevilla commitments.
She also highlighted the ECA’s role in engaging international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to ensure that Africa’s development priorities remain central to discussions on international financing.
Ambassador Otengo said domestic resource mobilisation remains essential but should be accompanied by stronger economic growth and increased productive capacity to generate sufficient resources for development.
Uganda also expressed support for the proposed Borrowers’ Club, including the establishment of an African chapter.
The initiative could provide a platform for African countries to coordinate their positions, exchange experiences and strengthen their collective voice on debt and reforms to the international financial system.
The Ugandan delegation further called for alignment between the Borrowers’ Club initiative and the emerging African Common Position on Debt, while emphasising closer cooperation between the ECA and the African Union Commission.
ECA Reaffirms Support to Member States
Responding to issues raised by member states, Dr Gatete reaffirmed the ECA’s readiness to work closely with African governments and provide technical support tailored to national development priorities.
The briefing also underscored the importance of regular engagement between the ECA and the continent’s diplomatic community in addressing emerging economic challenges and advancing Africa’s development agenda.
The meeting formed part of continued efforts to strengthen cooperation between the ECA and African member states on financing, debt management, economic transformation and sustainable development.
