SPECIAL REPORT | How Africa’s ‘ticket’ to prosperity fuelled a debt bomb

The thinking at one point was that African countries’ ratings would improve, and their cost of borrowing decline. Instead, the push for credit ratings set these nations on a path to debt many could not afford

01 August 2024 - 16:27 By Libby George, Tom Bergin, Tom Wilson and Lawrence Delevingne

In 2002, Africa seemed poised to rise. Wealthy creditor nations were wiping billions of dollars of unsustainable debt off the books of sub-Saharan countries, and global demand was surging for the commodities the region exports, supercharging hopes of a sustained economic boom...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.