Africa’s Call for Justice Amplified on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

On October 17, 2025, African civil society leaders gathered virtually to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty under the Climate and Economic Justice Campaign (2025–2026).

Organized by GCAP Africa and PACJA, the event spotlighted urgent calls for debt justice, fair taxation, and universal social protection, critical issues shaping Africa’s fight against inequality and climate vulnerability.

The event aimed at consolidating citizen’s demands on debt, tax, climate, trade, and social protection justice from community and national assemblies; 2.         Strengthen African solidarity and civil-society leadership in advancing structural reforms for fair finance and climate justice; and 3.              Amplify grassroots and marginalised group voices linking poverty eradication to dignity, equity, and environmental justice.

Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Despite global pledges to “leave no one behind,” over 430 million Africans still live in extreme poverty, while more than 60% of workers remain in informal or vulnerable employment.

In some countries, debt servicing consumes nearly half of government revenues, diverting vital funds from health, education, and climate adaptation.

The meeting highlighted how these systemic inequalities continue to trap millions in poverty amid worsening climate impacts.

Philip Kilonzo, Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Communication at PACJA, noted that “the world is experiencing multiple crises,” emphasizing that the campaign amplifies the voices of those least responsible yet most affected. He highlighted the Disaster Risk Fund Model as a community-centered tool for building resilience and advancing equal justice.

Aminata Barry, GCAP Co-Chair, stressed unity as the foundation of strong communities, saying, “When we stand together, we build stronger communities.” She urged participants to seize COP30 as a key moment for Africa to influence global reforms, reminding all that “we have only this time” to shape a just and inclusive future.

Oluseyi Babatunde Oyebisi, Executive Director of Nitional Nigerian Network of NGOs, called 2025 a “battle year” for Africa, emphasizing debt resilience, social protection, and climate investment. He urged governments to confront unfair financial systems that deepen poverty and stall climate action.

Memory Kachambwa, Executive Director of FEMNET, reinforced that “Africa contributes the least but suffers the most,” calling for scaling up locally led actions and linking climate justice to gender equality and community empowerment.

In the plenary, participants shared experiences of debt burdens, climate shocks, and social inequality, reaffirming that sustainable change must begin at the grassroots. The session ended with a united call to carry the momentum toward WSS-2, COP30, and the G20 Summit, ensuring Africa’s voice drives global reforms grounded in justice, equity, and people’s power.