By Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) joined faith leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders at the sixth African Conference on Debt and Development (AfCoDD VI), held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 25 to 28 August 2026.
The conference was held under the theme, “From Fragmentation to Influence: Advancing the Common African Position on Debt,” bringing together stakeholders to discuss Africa’s changing debt landscape and strategies for promoting sustainable and equitable debt solutions.
According to the ZCC, one of the key moments was a side session co-hosted with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), which brought faith actors and other stakeholders together to reflect on Africa’s debt challenges and the continued role of the Church in advancing debt justice.
“The conversation reaffirmed that debt is not merely an economic issue. It affects people’s access to healthcare, education, livelihoods and sustainable development,” the ZCC said.
The church body said faith communities have an important role to play in advocating for vulnerable communities and challenging systems that perpetuate social and economic injustice.
“Faith communities therefore have an important prophetic role in speaking truth to power and standing with communities affected by unjust systems,” the ZCC said.
The ZCC said the discussions at the conference were particularly relevant to Zimbabwe as the country continues its efforts towards arrears clearance and debt resolution.
“Zimbabwe’s debt resolution process reinforces the need for a transparent, accountable and people-centred approach to achieving sustainable debt solutions,” the ZCC said.
The council said the Church would continue advocating for debt justice and policies that place the welfare of ordinary citizens at the centre of economic decision-making.
The ZCC cited Isaiah 1:17 in emphasising its call for justice: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”
Debt justice refers to efforts to ensure that borrowing, lending and debt repayment arrangements do not undermine people’s basic rights or prevent countries from investing in essential public services and development.
Across Africa, high debt burdens and the rising cost of debt servicing have increased concerns about the resources available for healthcare, education, social protection, infrastructure and other development priorities. Advocates of debt justice therefore call for fairer and more transparent debt arrangements, responsible lending and borrowing, greater accountability and solutions that take into account the social and developmental impact of debt.
For Zimbabwe, the issue remains particularly significant as the country works towards resolving its longstanding external debt arrears and restoring access to international financing. The ZCC’s participation in AfCoDD VI underscores the Church’s call for a debt resolution process that is transparent, accountable and focused on improving the wellbeing of citizens.
The broader call for debt justice is therefore not only about reducing or restructuring debt, but also about ensuring that debt solutions create space for African countries to pursue sustainable development while protecting the needs and rights of their people.