Life Over Debt and Poverty in Africa: The Real Story

In Africa, debt servicing payments are siphoning millions of dollars that would otherwise have gone towards funding education, healthcare, and other services. This presentation will explore the complicated issue of Third World debt and debt relief.

Consider this:

In 1970, the world’s poorest countries (roughly 60 countries classified as low-income by the World Bank), owed $25 billion in debt. By 2002, this amount was $523 billion.
For Africa, in 1970, it was just under $11 billion. By 2002, that was over half, to $295 billion.
$550 billion has been paid in both principal and interest over the last three decades, on $540bn of loans, and yet there is still a $523 billion dollar debt burden.

Speakers:

Kristin Sundell - Jubilee USA Network
Besinati Mpepo - Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) in Zambia
Ntando Ndlovu - Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt & Development (ZIMCODD) in Zimbabwe

The American Friends Service Committee was founded by Quakers in 1917 and its mission and achievements won worldwide recognition in 1947 when it accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with the British Friends Service Council. Life Over Debt, a national campaign of the AFSC, highlights the need for immediate cancellation of Africa's debt. In partnership with the Jubilee USA Network, AFSC adds its voice to the millions around the globe who call for dropping the debt!

Date: Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

10383 Bunche Hall
10th floor
UCLA campus
Los Angeles, CA 90095
United States

Cost: Free and open to the public; parking is available for $8 in lot 3

For more information please contact

James S. Coleman African Studies Center
Tel: 310-825-3686
africa@international.ucla.edu
www.international.ucla.edu/africa

Sponsor(s): African Studies Center, American Friends Service Committee

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