By Mercy Aikoye
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for debt cancellation mechanisms, including debt-for-development swaps, to alleviate Africa’s debt burden. He made this call during a meeting with Member of European Parliament, Fabio De Masi, on the sidelines of his working visit to the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.
“The partnership between Europe and Africa offers a timely and transformative opportunity to reshape EU-Africa parliamentary relations through the lens of justice, equity, and structural change,” Kalu said. He emphasized the need for a more equitable and just partnership between Europe and Africa, focusing on economic justice, fair trade, and climate justice.¹
Kalu highlighted the urgent need for reforms in global debt governance, citing Africa’s significant debt burden. “Our key areas of collaboration will also focus on EU-AU joint advocacy for debt cancellation mechanisms, including debt-for-development swaps, and parliamentary oversight on African countries either in debt distress or at high risk of it,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker also advocated for the renegotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) to align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and support African industrial policy, reducing non-tariff barriers. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), 2024 statistics show that only 15% of Africa’s trade is intra-continental, while a staggering 80% of its exports remain raw commodities.
Kalu emphasized the importance of positioning Africa as a key partner, not a passive recipient, in the green transition. “Africa must be positioned as a key partner, not a passive recipient, in the green transition. This includes prioritizing African-led energy solutions and technologies tailored to local contexts in EU-Africa climate dialogues,” he said.
On climate finance, Kalu noted that Africa loses over $88 billion annually to illicit financial flows (IFFs), almost twice the amount it receives in official development assistance. “We advocate for unconditional climate finance and joint EU-AU monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and effectiveness in climate project implementation,” he added.
Regarding migration, Kalu stressed that localised development remains the most practicable solution to irregular migration to Europe. “Empowering local economies will reduce the economic push factors that drive migration. There is an urgent need to tackle the root causes of migration, including conflict, youth unemployment, and climate-induced stress,” he said.
Kalu concluded by emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address migration, including expanding safe and legal pathways for mobility and creating high-value jobs in Africa. “Ultimately, creating high-value jobs in Africa, particularly in emerging sectors like digital services, green industries, and manufacturing, offers the most sustainable and dignified alternative to irregular migration,” he said.
