As global leaders gather for the 2023 Spring Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) next week, they face a multitude of challenges that require urgent attention and collective action. The leaders gather at a time when the global economy is facing serious challenges, all of them with significant implications for regions of the global south like sub-Saharan Africa. Rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, climate change, low global economic growth forecasts, the energy crisis and the African debt crisis are all challenges that require urgent attention from the international community.

The Spring Meetings will bring together an array of global leaders, including central bankers, finance and development ministers, parliamentarians, private sector executives, civil society organisation representatives, and academics. Whatever they do, they should be aware that, their focus should be to find ways to protect lives, livelihoods, and the planet.

The tensions between the United States and China are creating significant uncertainty in the global economy. The trade war between the two countries, combined with other issues such as human rights abuses and territorial disputes, has resulted in disruptions to global supply chains, particularly in the technology sector and created uncertainty for businesses. The most substantial potential implication of this development is the possibility of a longer-term decoupling between the two nations, which could result in the emergence of two separate spheres of influence, each with their own trade and technology networks.This is a serious threat to integration and has significant implications for sub-Saharan Africa, which relies heavily on global trade to support economic growth.

Furthermore, global economic growth forecasts remain low, with the IMF projecting growth of around 3 percent over the next five years. This is the lowest medium-term growth forecast since 1990 and has significant implications for sub-Saharan Africa, which is expected to see a decline in economic growth in the coming years. This will make it even more challenging for African countries to address the ongoing debt crisis and invest in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

The impact of climate change on sub-Saharan Africa is also a significant concern. The region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. This has significant implications for food security, as well as infrastructure and economic development. The international community must work to support African countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient future.

The global energy crisis of 2021–2023 is another challenge the world must contend with. The crisis has emerged as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath, leading to shortages and surging prices of oil, gas, and electricity in Africa and in many parts of the world. The crisis resulted from several economic factors, including the rapid post-pandemic economic recovery that outpaced the energy supply. The situation worsened due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which triggered a widespread global energy crisis. The crisis has had a significant impact on Africa, exacerbating existing challenges and creating new ones. Many African countries rely on imported fuel and electricity, and the price surge resulting from the crisis has strained already fragile African economies. The energy crisis has hit the most vulnerable communities the hardest, exacerbating poverty and inequality and sending millions more into poverty. In some countries, the crisis has led to a rise in crime and civil unrest as people struggle to cope with the increasing cost of living.

The African debt crisis is another significant issue that requires urgent attention. African countries have been grappling with mounting debt levels, which have limited their ability to invest in critical areas such as health, education and infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made the situation worse, as it has led to a sharp decline in economic activity and increased government spending. This has further increased the debt burden on African countries, and the international community must provide support to enable African countries to invest in their futures.

To address these challenges, the G7/G20, the IMF and World Bank, and the entire international community must take bold action. This includes finding a peaceful resolution to the tensions between the United States and China, promoting economic growth and stability, and providing support to African countries to address the debt crisis and invest in critical areas.

One way to support African countries is to provide debt relief, grants, and concessional loans. This would help to ease the debt burden and enable African countries to invest in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. Additionally, addressing the root causes of the debt crisis, such as the unfair global financial architecture, corruption and weak governance, will be crucial in preventing a recurrence of the crisis.

The current global energy crisis has no simple solutions, but several strategies can help alleviate the issue. One of the most effective solutions is to increase investment in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power. Governments and the private sector should work together to implement policies and incentives that encourage the adoption of clean energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and promote energy efficiency. Another solution is to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on a single energy source, particularly fossil fuels. Finally, international cooperation is essential to address the global energy crisis. Countries must work together to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to develop sustainable energy systems and ensure energy security for all.

We reiterate the call of the Holy Father, Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti, for a more inclusive and sustainable global economy and call on the G7/G20, the IMF and World Bank, and the entire international community to take bold action. In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis highlights the need for a new economic model that prioritises human dignity, social justice, and the common good over profit and individualism. The international community meeting in Washington this week can use this encyclical as a guide to address the current global economic challenges. Blessings on all the global leaders as they meet to discuss matters of great moment affecting all humanity but more so the poor and marginalised!