In a resounding address at the 2024 International Development Association (IDA) Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana emerged as a leading voice, advocating for a groundbreaking initiative; the doubling of funding for the IDA.
Amidst a backdrop of global challenges, President Akufo-Addo’s clarion call for increased support to the IDA reverberated throughout the summit halls, igniting discussions on the imperative of bolstering international development efforts.
His impassioned plea underscored the urgent need for enhanced financial resources to confront the daunting infrastructure deficit plaguing African nations.
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Quoting figures from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Ghanaian President highlighted Africa’s infrastructure needs, estimated at a staggering $130 billion to $170 billion annually, with a yawning financing gap of $68 billion to $108 billion. Such disparities, he emphasized, hinder economic growth, stifle progress, and perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.
Central to the President’s argument was the pivotal role of the IDA in providing concessional financing to bridge the resource gap and facilitate sustainable development. Against the backdrop of mounting debt distress and the far-reaching impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, President Akufo-Addo stressed that doubling IDA funding was not merely an option but an imperative for African nations striving to navigate these intersecting crises.
Drawing from Ghana’s own experiences, particularly its engagement in debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, Akufo-Addo elucidated the challenges facing countries grappling with debt burdens. He emphasized that doubling IDA resources would not only alleviate debt pressures but also enable nations to address pressing development needs, from infrastructure investment to climate resilience and social protection.
His advocacy for doubling IDA funding resonated with delegates and participants, who echoed his sentiments on the need for bold and transformative action.
Recognizing that development efforts require sustained, long-term investment, President Akufo-Addo called upon the international community to seize the opportunity presented by the IDA replenishment to mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and chart a course toward inclusive and sustainable development.