On Wednesday, the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA), along with Caritas Africa and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), officially launched the Jubilee 2025 Debt Cancellation Campaign at the Radisson Blu in Upperhill.
Inspired by Pope Francis’s call for a Jubilee Year, this bold initiative aims to mobilize action across Africa to cancel unjust debts and advocate for reforms in the global financial architecture. The campaign reflects the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to social justice, building on the theological foundations of the Jubilee Year as a time for renewal, hope, and liberation.
The 2025 theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” calls for global action towards economic justice, equity, and the protection of the most vulnerable communities.
“Our vision for Jubilee 2025 is to see an Africa liberated from the constraints of unjust debt, thriving within a fair global financial system, and strengthened by ethical leadership and robust governance,” stated Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde, Chairman of AMECEA.
Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J., Director of the Jesuits Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA), emphasized, “Debt is not just an economic issue; it is a moral one. The burden of unjust debt undermines the dignity of millions, stifles development, and traps nations in cycles of poverty. The Church, guided by Pope Francis’s vision, stands in solidarity with those affected and advocates for a more just and compassionate financial system.”
Building on the Legacy of Jubilee 2000
The Jubilee 2025 Africa Campaign actively builds on the historic success of the Jubilee 2000 Campaign, which faith-based organizations, including the Catholic Church, led as a global movement.
This past campaign secured over $100 billion in debt relief for some of the world’s poorest countries, including Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
With this debt cancellation, those countries could invest in critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure, dramatically improving the lives of millions.
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Africa’s Growing Debt Crisis
Africa stands at a critical crossroads. Recent data reveals that over 22 African countries face either debt distress or a high risk of it.
The COVID-19 pandemic, along with global economic shocks, has worsened this situation, forcing nations to struggle to meet basic needs while managing unsustainable debts.
The Jubilee 2025 Debt Cancellation Campaign emphasizes that these debts, often incurred under unfair conditions, perpetuate inequality and hinder sustainable development.
A Call to Action
The Catholic Church and its partners actively work through advocacy, community mobilization, and partnerships with civil society and governments to achieve the following goals:
They strive to raise awareness about the moral and ethical dimensions of debt through education, media engagement, and grassroots campaigns.
They aim to secure the cancellation of unjust debts that undermine human dignity and development.
They seek to promote reforms in the global financial system to ensure fairness, accountability, and sustainability.
Before the launch event, a media workshop brought together journalists and editors from leading media houses. This workshop aimed to equip media professionals with expert insights, actionable data, and exclusive stories to drive impactful, solution-oriented reporting on Africa’s debt crisis.
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