The United Nations General Assembly debated a New Partnership for Development, which predicted that Africa's economic growth will be 3,4% this year and 3,8% in 2025. Furthermore, the African working-age population is projected to increase by 450 million by 2035.

The financing gap for Africa's development has widened to $1,6 trillion , a situation exacerbated by a system that favors high interest rates and debt repayment at the expense of investments in climate adaptation and social services.

According to the President of the United Nations General Assembly , Philémon Yang , several African economies are facing difficulties in paying their debts.

To accelerate regional action and achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , Yang called for an urgent need to address structural inequalities and improve the living conditions of the 462 million people living in extreme poverty on the continent.

This appeal was made last Monday during the debate on the New Partnership for Africa's Development , which assessed the implementation of sustainable development and international support. The event also addressed the root causes of conflicts and the promotion of lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.

Still on the economic front, Philémon Yang mentioned that the continent needs an additional $194 billion in funding per year to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the end of this decade.

According to the leader of the General Assembly, even in the face of difficult prospects, Sub-Saharan Africa has shown signs of resilience, with economic growth of 2,6% in 2023. Growth of 3,4% is projected for this year, and 3,8% in 2025.

For Yang, a comprehensive plan is needed to promote peace and strengthen the rule of law in Africa. This strategy would include legal reforms and social transformations that address the root causes of injustice and inequality . He stressed the importance of prioritizing human dignity.

On the path to achieving universal access to justice , the president called for an end to the systemic barriers that perpetuate cycles of poverty and exclude people from education, employment, markets, and essential services necessary for their full participation in social and economic life.

Philémon Yang stressed that the current generation has a duty to support Africa's untapped ingenuity , laying the foundations for inclusive growth and shared prosperity , recognizing that the African working-age population could grow by 450 million by 2035.

He emphasized that, with the right investments in education , health systems , technology , and entrepreneurship , the potential to drive transformative change in Africa is limitless.

To attract more investment and reduce costs, Philémon Yang advocated for improved financial management , mobilization of domestic resources , and the strategic use of debt as a development tool. These actions, he said, should be supported by international financial backing and a reduction in financial risks.

Yang also called for a more ambitious reform of the global financial architecture so that it can better meet Africa's needs and allow the continent to explore its vast economic potential.

In his speech, Yang stressed that lasting peace will only prevail with political solutions to the various conflicts affecting the continent, especially in regions such as the Sahel , Sudan , the Democratic Republic of Congo , and Somalia . He stated that it is equally urgent to combat terrorism and violent extremism , which continue to threaten stability in various parts of Africa.

The challenges facing Africa are profound and require an urgent rethinking of global priorities, which currently favor debt repayment over structural investment. Proposed measures, such as strengthening education, health, and entrepreneurship, point to a promising future where inclusive growth can be achieved.

However, without a significant shift in the global financial architecture that includes greater equity and representation for African economies, Africa will remain hostage to the systemic barriers that perpetuate poverty.

Real change depends on tangible commitments, both internal and external, that prioritize the well-being of African people and enable their full participation in sustainable development.