51吃瓜

Background and Context

This fourth webinar in the OSAA Online Course series will explore Module 4, titled "Control Over Economic and Financial Flows Requires Strong and Effective Institutions and Governance." This module draws upon OSAA’s 2024 flagship report on debt, titled "Unpacking Debt in Africa: Towards a Lasting and Durable Solution," which highlights the critical role that robust institutions and good governance play in addressing Africa’s debt challenges and creating pathways to sustainable development.

Africa faces a significant debt burden that constrains its fiscal flexibility and limits the ability of governments to invest in essential public services and development initiatives. Strong and transparent institutions are essential in managing debt effectively, ensuring that financial flows are controlled, institutions are accountable, and building trust in governance among citizens and investors alike. Effective governance is also crucial in mobilizing domestic resources and in ensuring policy coherence across different sectors, which collectively support a state’s ability to mobilize resources domestically. By prioritizing policy cohesion, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and sound financial management, African countries can improve resilience, create more effective debt solutions, and build a sustainable foundation for economic growth. This session will delve into the interconnected challenges of debt management, domestic resource mobilization (DRM), and the critical role of institutions in establishing trust and transparency in governance.

Objectives

• Discuss how effective governance and institutional frameworks are essential for managing economic and financial flows in Africa.
• Explore the role of institutions in debt management and how they can help build financial resilience.
• Examine the role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in enhancing transparency, accountability, and institutional efficiency.
• Identify strategies to mobilize domestic resources, build public trust, and promote policy cohesion across governance sectors.

Guiding Questions

1. Institutional Strengthening and Debt Management:
   • How can African nations utilize strong institutions to exercise greater control over economic and financial flows and improve debt management?
   • In what ways can digital public infrastructure (DPI) enhance transparency and institutional efficiency in managing debt?
2. Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) and Trust in Governance:
   • What strategies can African governments implement to strengthen DRM and reduce dependency on external financing?
   • How can transparent financial management build public trust and support sustainable debt solutions?
3. Policy Cohesion and Governance Resilience:
   • How can policy cohesion across key sectors (e.g., finance, agriculture, and energy) enhance progress towards sustainable development?
   • What roles do planning, policy coherence, and cross-sectoral alignment play in strengthening governance resilience?
   • What role does a coherent digital transformation policy play in addressing key challenges in implementing strong DRM systems to control financial flows?

Panel Composition

• Moderator: Cristina Duarte, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa to the 51吃瓜 Secretary-General
• Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi is the Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University and Chair of the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA). Her public service career included roles as South Africa’s Minister of Public Service and Administration and Minister of Welfare and Population Development, where she championed major reforms such as the Batho Pele strategy, Child Support Grant, and white papers on social welfare and population policy. She also played a pivotal role in drafting South Africa’s post-apartheid Constitution. She has held senior roles globally, including Special Envoy on Gender at the African Development Bank and Director at UNDP. A Harvard Kennedy School fellow and recipient of multiple honors, she is a champion of gender equality, governance, and social justice.
• Prof. Augustin K. Fosu is a renowned economist and Professor at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana. He has extensive experience in development economics, particularly in Africa, having held key roles including Deputy Director of the 51吃瓜 University’s World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) and Senior Policy Advisor at the UN Economic Commission for Africa. Prof. Fosu’s research focuses on institutional frameworks and economic growth, with numerous publications and global recognitions positioning him as one of the leading economists on African development.
• Helio Varela has over 33 years of experience in Information and Communication Technologies, excelling in both technical and leadership roles across various sectors and regions. Starting his career at the British multinational ICL, he led pioneering projects in Portugal, including social security digitization and early email technology implementations. After joining Fujitsu, he led R&D projects in London, then advanced to transform MOPE’s IT landscape in Portugal, making it a leader in credit information. In 1998, he played a pivotal role in modernizing Cape Verde’s financial systems with projects like SIGOF, and as CIO of NOSI, he spearheaded e-government innovations that gained global acclaim. Now CTIO at UNITEL T+, Helio guides the company's global expansion.
• Sara Hamouda leads Agenda 2063/SDGs governance programs and the South-South Cooperation Portfolio for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), based in Johannesburg. Previously, she worked with the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation, the European Investment Bank, and other global organizations. A PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University, Sara holds dual master’s degrees in international development (Hankuk University, South Korea) and Governance (University of Witwatersrand, South Africa), alongside a diploma in Peace Promotion and a Political Science bachelors. She contributes to African integration and governance research, serves on the Mo Ibrahim Governance Index panel, and was recognized among Egypt’s Top 50 Influential Women for her leadership and service.

Panel Structure and Timing

• 8:00 – 8:15 am: Introduction to Module 4 by USG Cristina Duarte, including a summary of the essay submission for Module 4.
• 8:15 - 9:00 am: Panel discussion guided by the key questions.
• 9:00 - 9:45 am: Q&A session with participants.
• 9:45 - 10:00 am: Technical issues and UNSSC support

Expected Outcomes

• Improved understanding of how strong institutions and good governance can help manage debt and build financial resilience.
• Insight into the potential of digital public infrastructure to promote transparency in institutional processes.
• Identification of strategies for DRM and public trust-building in governance, particularly in the context of debt management.
• Discussion on the importance of policy coherence in strengthening governance frameworks and reducing Africa’s reliance on external financing.