Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 7 February 2025 – The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) is delighted to announce the signing of a USD 7.9 million grant agreement with the Government of Japan. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen legal and technical support for sustainable debt management in African countries, enhancing the continent’s resilience to economic and financial challenges while advancing sustainable development.
This generous grant will significantly enhance the ALSF’s efforts to support African governments with the requisite capacity for sustainable debt management including ensuring good governance and transparency in debt management, as well as negotiating and implementing complex debt transactions, developing robust domestic debt markets, adopting innovative climate and green financing mechanisms, and operationalizing sovereign wealth funds for long term growth.
In addition, the funding will enhance capacity building for government officials and legal practitioners in critical matters such as debt sustainability, illicit financial flows, asset recovery, and dispute resolution. The grant will also support the creation and dissemination of essential knowledge resources to drive impactful outcomes.
Mr. Olivier Pognon, Director and CEO of the ALSF, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating “This historic grant from the Government of Japan underscores our shared vision for Africa’s future. It represents a bold commitment to addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. With this support, the ALSF will deepen its impact, enabling African countries to achieve sustainable and transformative progress. We are honoured to embark on this partnership with Japan.”
Mr. Takahiro Tsuda, Director of the Multilateral Development Banks Division at Japan’s Ministry of Finance, remarked that, “The Government of Japan is proud to stand alongside the ALSF in strengthening Africa’s capacity to overcome financial and legal hurdles. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development. The Government of Japan is confident that the ALSF will deliver tangible, lasting results.”
Mr Takaaki Nomoto, Executive Director for Japan at the African Development Bank added: “This grant is a testament to the shared vision between Japan and the ALSF to build a resilient and prosperous Africa. It sets a refreshing tone for international cooperation, and we are excited to see the transformative impact it will have on the continent’s economic future.”
This landmark partnership is set to deliver transformative benefits, equipping African governments and their peoples with the tools and expertise to tackle critical economic challenges, mitigate risks associated with unsustainable debt, foster economic stability, and strengthen their participation in equitable global negotiations.
Ultimately, this collaboration will enhance African capacity in sovereign debt management and make a significant contribution to advancing both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 Aspirations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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About the ALSF
The African Legal Support Facility, established in 2008, is an international organization dedicated to providing legal and technical assistance to African countries. The ALSF’s mission is to strengthen the continent’s capacity, promote equitable growth, and safeguard African countries’ interests in complex transactions and disputes.
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