Africa Aware: Financing Africa’s development

In this episode, guests discuss solutions to Africa’s debt challenges, innovative financing mechanisms, and strategies for ensuring long-term economic sustainability and growth.

Audio

Published 6 February 2026 — 45 minute listen

Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi

President and CEO, African Center for Economic Transformation

Admassu Tadesse

Group President and Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group)

The IMF’s economic outlook for Africa in 2026 points to an average GDP growth rate of 4.3 per cent – making it the fastest-growing region globally. In practice, however, per capita growth is far lower and various factors like persistent debt issues and a decline in official development assistance jeopardise this positive outlook. 

In this episode, guests Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi and Admassu Tadesse explore strategies to ensure sustained economic growth matching the promising outlook for the continent. They discuss untapped policy actions to spur economic transformation as well as the role of regional financial institutions to meet the needs of African countries shaping their development agendas. 

About Africa Aware 

Africa Aware is a podcast from the Chatham House Africa Programme bringing together leading international experts to provide in-depth analysis and sharp insights on the political, economic and social issues shaping African countries, their international relations and the continent as a whole. 

You can also listen to Africa Aware on Apple Podcasts and Spotify