Digital innovation is transforming public debt management in Africa, helping governments improve transparency, strengthen institutions, and support long-term development planning. Reliable and accessible debt data enables policymakers to assess risks, make informed financial decisions, build investor trust, and protect public resources.
For 45 years, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has assisted countries in strengthening debt management, providing a foundation for economic stability and sustainable development. In Zambia, following debt restructuring and broader reforms, enhancing debt transparency has become a critical priority. In March 2025, Zambia implemented the latest version of UNCTAD’s digital debt management system, DMFAS 7, with support from the European Union, Germany, and the Good Financial Governance programme by GIZ. The platform centralizes previously fragmented and manual processes, allowing authorities to record transactions efficiently, access real-time data, and produce more reliable reports.
The system is now used across Zambia’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning and the Bank of Zambia, improving coordination, transparency, and accountability. Beyond technical efficiency, digital debt management supports proactive decision-making, better risk management, and strengthened reporting to international partners. By creating a more robust institutional framework, these tools contribute to long-term development and economic confidence.
UNCTAD complements technological support with training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing, helping countries build capacity and learn from best practices worldwide. Following Zambia, countries including South Sudan and Rwanda have adopted DMFAS 7, with Mauritania, Viet Nam, and Côte d’Ivoire preparing for rollout. Over 30 additional countries have expressed interest in upgrading their systems, reflecting a growing global demand for transparent, reliable debt data.
Through initiatives like DMFAS 7, UNCTAD demonstrates how digital innovation can improve governance, strengthen financial institutions, and empower countries to make better decisions, manage risks effectively, and foster sustainable and inclusive development.
