Moves by rich countries to freeze debt repayment for poor nations grappling the coronavirus crisis are positive but fall far short of a real fix, African experts say.
The agreement on debt, announced by the Group of 20 wealthier nations, is a one-year freeze on payment of debt owed by 76 poor nations, 40 of which are in Africa.
Africa's overall debt stands at around $365 billion (336 billion euros), around a third of which is owed to China. The world's weakest economies will be able to free up precious cash for immediate needs but will still struggle under a mountain of debt, experts say.
"It provides a breathing space," said Hassane Boukar of a Niger citizens' group called AEC.
"There will be a lot of spending ahead in fighting the coronavirus pandemic," he said. "The fact that there is a moratorium helps these states to mobilise funds that they otherwise would have had to earmark for repaying debt."