We are excited to launch The Development Context of Sovereign Credit Ratings, a podcast series that puts Africa at the forefront of the global conversation on credit ratings. Each episode will explore the intersection of credit ratings and development in Africa, including how ratings influence critical financing for infrastructure, health, education and sustainable development projects across the continent. 

Created by UNDP in partnership with AfriCatalyst, and hosted by former broadcaster Arnold Segawa, the series features policymakers, government officials, rating agency experts and finance professionals who share practical steps and strategies for improving Africa’s credit ratings. 

Listen to the preview on Spotify or YouTube, and look out for the release of the first three episodes in November, December and January.

Episode Lineup

Episode 1: How Do Credit Ratings Impact Africa’s Development? 

Release date: 19 November 2024 

This introductory episode explores the foundational role credit ratings play in financing for development and outlines the potential impact on Africa’s infrastructure, economic growth and poverty reduction efforts.

Guests: Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist at UNDP Africa and Daouda Sembene, CEO of AfriCatalyst

Episode 2: Advocating for Fairer Ratings—Lessons from Tanzania 

Release date: 10 December 2024 

This episode highlights Tanzania’s experience in engaging with credit rating agencies and offers insights into best practices for advocating for credit assessments that better reflect African economies’ realities.

Guest: Abeid Farahani, Economist, Ministry of Finance, Tanzania

Episode 3: A How-to Guide for Engaging with Credit Rating Agencies 

Release date: 7 January 2025 

A practical guide for African governments and financial institutions on preparing for and engaging with credit rating agencies to improve their ratings.

Guest: Nikola Swann, Concilium Advisor and former credit rating senior analyst

Background

This series is part of the Credit Ratings Initiative, which provides comprehensive support to African countries in navigating and improving the sovereign credit ratings process. Working with African finance ministries and central banks, international organizations, international financial institutions and leading global and regional think tanks, the initiative equips African government officials with the tools, expertise and guidance required to engage effectively with global credit rating agencies. 

For more information, contact us at rba.creditratings@undp.org.