Academics, economists, others discuss African development at AFEA 2026 conference

Driving good governance in Africa hinges on the robust implementation of public policy and effective debt management, according to experts at the recent African Finance and Economics (AFEA) 2026 conference in Abuja. The three-day event, hosted by Nile University Abuja, convened academics, policymakers, and researchers to explore critical issues facing the continent.

Professor of economics Evans Osabuohein highlighted that a central theme was the efficient management of public debt. He explained that debt itself is not inherently negative, but it becomes a burden when borrowed funds are not directed towards capital investment. "We have seen this in most African countries where some of the borrowings are not geared towards human capital development," Osabuohein stated. He stressed the importance of utilizing debt judiciously to foster human capital and energy efficiency, especially in an era of rapid technological advancement.

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It [is] about how public debt can be managed more efficiently in Africa, so that we can tap into the resources for human capital and energy efficiency in this age of innovation. We need human resources that are well-skilled, equipped, and knowledgeable to harness such potential that technology like artificial intelligence present today.

The conference, themed ‘Africa’s Geoeconomic Development Agenda in a Global Realignment Era,’ attracted participants from various countries, including Canada, Ghana, and Nigeria. Discussions delved into shifting geopolitics, climate risk, and development finance. Breakout sessions covered a wide range of topics, from debt sustainability and financial inclusion to digital markets, youth development, and migration.

Attendees, including Emotimo Agama, director-general of the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC), and Tope Fasua, an economic adviser to President Bola Tinubu, engaged in interactive discussions. PhD candidate Abogede Marietu described the conference as impactful, providing valuable learning opportunities from seasoned scholars in her field. The event aimed to contribute expert insights into Africa's development trajectory amidst global realignments.

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Debt is not bad in itself; the issue is when debt is borrowed but is not used for capital investment, the servicing of debt becomes a burden. We have seen this in most African countries where some of the borrowings are not geared towards human capital development.