President John Dramani Mahama has urged the United Kingdom to make Africa’s debt challenges a priority when it assumes the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) in 2027.
He made the appeal during a meeting with the cross-party UK Parliamentary Group in London on Friday, October 23, 2026, where discussions focused on international cooperation and reforms needed to support developing economies.
President Mahama said the high cost of servicing debt was limiting African governments’ ability to invest in essential public services and infrastructure, including education, healthcare, roads and job creation.
He called for stronger collaboration among major economies to help African countries manage their debt obligations and obtain financing on more affordable terms.
The President also advocated reforms to the global financial system, arguing that existing arrangements needed to respond more effectively to the needs of developing countries.
His appeal comes amid growing concerns about debt-servicing costs across Africa, where repayments can consume significant portions of government revenue and leave fewer resources available for development programmes.
The G20 brings together major advanced and emerging economies to discuss international economic cooperation, financial stability and other global priorities. The UK is expected to lead the group in 2027, providing an opportunity to influence discussions on debt sustainability and development financing.
Mahama’s call also aligns with his broader push for a fairer international financial architecture that gives developing countries better access to long-term, affordable capital.
The UK has separately signalled its intention to make developing-country debt and financial reforms key issues during its G20 presidency.
