As global leaders gathered in Sevilla for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), a pressing question loomed: has this moment addressed the systemic inequities that have long hindered African economies from securing sustainable development financing?
For over two decades, the financing for development (FFD) process has oscillated between promise and disappointment. Today, the stakes could not be higher. Africa’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 hinges on a financial architecture that prioritises justice over charity and transformation over stagnation.
African countries have actively shaped the , demonstrating their commitment to reform the international financing system. While the outcome document includes provisions that acknowledge Africa’s priorities, its reliance on recycled commitments undermines the continent’s repeated call for accountability.
As the African proverb reminds us, "Fine words don’t produce food." The Compromiso de Sevilla must now be translated into concrete actions through robust accountability frameworks to deliver increased financing for Africa's sustainable development.
Geopolitical tensions are eroding trust in multilateralism and threatening meaningful outcomes. This time, the consequences of inaction are dire, exacerbating existing challenges and undermining the development prospects of Africa and the world.
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