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 episodes on Spotify or YouTube.

Episode Lineup

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

Release date: 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: 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: 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

Episode 4: How Can South Africa the G20 Presidency to Reduce the Cost of Debt for Developing Countries?

Release date: February 2025

Guest: Daniel Cash, Credit Ratings Specialist and Assistant Professor, Aston University

Episode 5: Can Regulatory Reforms Lead to Improved Credit Ratings & Expanded Fiscal Space for African Countries?

Release date: March 2025

Guest: Jean-Marc Kilolo M., Ph.D, MBA, Economist at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa 

Episode 6: What Financial Policy Reforms are Needed to Strengthen Africa’s Influence in Global Capital Markets?

Release date: April 2025

Guest: Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined

Episode 7: Credit Ratings and Policymaking in Africa: A Necessary Evil or a Development Obstacle?

Release date: May 2025

Guest: Dr. Zuzana Brixiova Schwidrowski, Director of the Macroeconomic Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

Episode 8: What Role Can AFCRA Play in Reshaping Sovereign Credit Ratings in Africa?

Release date: Aug 2025

Guest: Dr. Misheck Mutize, Lead Expert: Country Support on Rating Agencies, AU-APRM

Episode 9: What reforms are needed to make the global financial system fairer for Africa?

Release date: Sept 2025

Guest: David McNair, Executive Director at ONE.org

Episode 10: How can African Countries Strengthen their Creditworthiness and Access to Affordable Financing?

Release date: Oct 2025

Guest: Veronicah Kalema, UNDP Africa Credit Ratings Initiative Concilium of Advisors 

Episode 11: How Digitization Is Reshaping Credit Research: AI, Machine Learning & Africa’s Sovereign Ratings?

Release date: Dec 2025

Guest: Anne Rutledge, UNDP Africa Credit Ratings Initiative Concilium of Advisors 

Episode 12: How Local Credit Rating Agencies Are Reshaping Africa’s Sovereign Ratings

Release date: Jan 2026

Guest: Sam Omukoko, Group Managing Director and Founder of Metropol Corporation Limited

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.