Sovereign Debt and Financial Innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Prospects

This article explores the major challenges associated with sovereign debt management in sub-Saharan Africa and the financial innovations that may provide solutions. After a reduction in indebtedness in the 2000s, the region is facing a new dynamic of excessive debt, exacerbated by substantial financing needs and heavy dependence on raw materials. Innovative financial instruments, such as State-Contingent Debt Instruments (SCDIs) and sustainable bonds, are seen as potential means of stabilizing debt. However, their complexity, low level of liquidity, and the reluctance of some creditors limit their effectiveness. The article also underscores the risks of excessive financialization of public debt management, which could compromise ecological transition efforts, while calling for a more coordinated and sustainable approach to sovereign debt management in the region.