Amid global shocks, ECA partners call for coordinated action to boost Africa’s resilience

Addis Ababa, 27 October 2025 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and its partners have called for stronger collaboration and bold action to help African countries navigate growing global economic uncertainty, mounting debt, and trade disruptions.

At the ECA Partners Meeting held in Addis Ababa today, Ambassadors and senior officials from the 57th session of ECA, development partners, and multilateral institutions discussed Africa's macroeconomic outlook, trade challenges, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

ECA Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, said, "Africa faces one of its most difficult years in recent history, marked by declining aid, tightening credit, rising debt burdens, and worsening climate shocks." Yet, he stressed, "Africa is not standing still; we are developing innovative financing mechanisms, supporting domestic revenue mobilization, and strengthening capital markets to build long-term resilience."

Speaking on behalf of the Bureau of African Ministers of Finance, Ambassador Mohamed Arrouchi of Morocco urged partners to "scale up climate finance, support African carbon markets, and ensure fair carbon pricing." He also called for reform of the global debt framework and the channelling of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to African institutions such as the African Development Bank.

Stephen Karingi, Director of the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division (MFGD), highlighted ECA's support to countries on domestic resource mobilization, including digital tax systems, tackling illicit financial flows, and expanding innovative financing such as green and blue bonds.

Melaku Desta, Director of the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD), presented evidence on the impact of new trade restrictions and tariff increases by major economies. He indicated that several African countries could face export losses and reduced competitiveness as preferential trade arrangements like AGOA expire.

"Relying on external markets has become increasingly risky," said Melaku. Desta. "The AfCFTA is Africa's platform to drive its own industrialization, deepen regional trade, and build resilience through regional value chains."

Development partners, for their part, commended ECA's leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to joint initiatives that strengthen Africa's fiscal, digital, and trade capacities.

Key areas of collaboration discussed include:

• Strengthening domestic resource mobilisation and tax efficiency

• Promoting circular economy and sustainable value chains

• Enhancing digital trade ecosystems; and

• Supporting UN reforms for more effective regional coordination.

In closing, ECA Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist, Hanan Morsy, thanked ECA partners for turning out in large numbers. She emphasized the need to strengthen partnership and coordination, not only through financial resources, but also through collaboration that goes beyond funding. She called upon partners to champion some of the initiatives discussed.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of ECA and its partners to advance an integrated, prosperous, and sustainable Africa, powered by regional trade, innovation, and fair finance.

Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: [email protected]