Zim Church Leaders Push for People-Centred Debt Solutions at Accra Round Table

By A Correspondent -

Accra, Ghana – Faith leaders from across Africa gathered on 20 May 2026 for Day 2 of the Continental Round Table on Ecological and Economic Justice Policy Advocacy, with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches calling for urgent reforms to address the continent’s debt burden.

ZCC General Secretary Rev. Wilfred Dimingu joined panelists from Liberia, Namibia, Tanzania, and Burundi for a session titled “Mapping the Debt Burden in Africa.” 

Drawing on Zimbabwe’s experience, Rev. Dimingu highlighted how Africa’s debt crisis is undermining public services and community wellbeing. He urged leaders to adopt responses that prioritize people over debt repayments.

“Drawing from the Zimbabwean context, we must reflect on the realities of Africa’s debt crisis and its implications for public services, economic justice, and community wellbeing,” he said, calling for “sustainable and people-centred responses to debt vulnerabilities.”

In his presentation, Rev. Dimingu stressed two key priorities:

1. *Strengthening transparency and accountability* in public finance management to ensure debt serves national development priorities.

2. *Promoting responsible and sustainable debt management* that protects social service delivery and safeguards vulnerable communities.

Reaffirming the church’s role in the debate, he said: “As faith actors continue engaging in ecological and economic justice conversations, ZCC remains committed to amplifying prophetic voices for sustainable and just development.”

He closed with a biblical call to action: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” - Proverbs 31:8

The round table forms part of ongoing regional efforts to push for debt justice and economic reforms ahead of global policy forums.