NGOCC Calls for Reforms in Debt management

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Executive Director, Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela, has called for radical reforms in the management of public debt and macroeconomic policy. Speaking when she featured on a panel discussion at the ongoing Economics Association of Zambia National Economic Summit Annual General Meeting in Livingstone yesterday, Ms. Anamela observed that there was an urgent need for policy changes that protect the social sector. She noted that efforts aimed at restructuring debt should focus on increasing social spending and enhancing access to social services.

“The most impactful debt-related policy change would be to ring-fence or protect social sector spending in the national budget. A policy that mandates a minimum percentage of the budget for essential services like healthcare, education, and social protection before debt servicing payments are made would be a critical first step. This ensures that even during periods of fiscal strain, vulnerable populations, particularly women and children who disproportionately rely on these services, are not left behind” she said.

“Restructuring agreements could include clauses that require increased funding for the Social Cash Transfer scheme, the Keeping Girls in School program, or public health infrastructure in rural areas. This ensures the savings directly benefit the people most harmed by austerity measures” she noted.
Ms. Anamela also highlighted the impact of debt on women and called for budgeting that is responsive to the unique needs of women and girls and ensuring accountability and inclusive monitoring projects and the usage of public resources.
“Public debt has a disproportionate effect on women and girls. When debt service payments consume a large portion of the national budget, the government cuts spending on public services leading to reduced access to healthcare and education and increased unpaid care work”
“To ensure debt-financed programs deliver on their targets, robust accountability mechanisms are essential through disaggregated data, gender responsive budgeting and participatory monitoring where women’s groups and CSOs can directly participate in the monitoring and evaluation of projects.” She said.