Church launches Jubilee 2025 debt campaign

AMECEA, the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa, in collaboration with Caritas Africa and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, today officially launched the Jubilee 2025 debt cancellation campaign at the Radisson Blu, Upperhill.
The bold initiative, inspired by
Pope Francis’s call for a Jubilee Year, seeks to mobilize action across Africa for the cancellation of unjust debts and advocate for reforms in the global financial architecture.
The campaign is rooted in the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to social justice,drawing from the theological foundations of the Jubilee Year as a time of renewal, hope, and liberation. The 2025 theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,”underscores a global call for economic Justice, equity, and the protection of the most vulnerable communities.
“Our vision for Jubilee 2025 is to see an Africa liberated from the constraints of unjust debt, thriving within a fair global financial system, and strengthened by ethical leadership and robust governance,” said a Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde, Chairman – AMECEA.
“Debt is not just an economic issue; it is a moral one,” said Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J – Director Jesuits Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA)
“The burden of unjust debt undermines
the dignity of millions, stifles development, and traps nations in cycles of poverty. The Church,
guided by Pope Francis’s vision, stands in solidarity with those affected, advocating for a more just and compassionate financial system.”
Building on the Legacy of Jubilee 2000
The Jubilee 2025 Africa Campaign builds on the historic success of the Jubilee 2000
Campaign, a global movement spearheaded by faith-based organizations, including the
Catholic Church. That campaign achieved significant victories, resulting in over $100 billion in debt relief for some of the world’s poorest countries, including Uganda, Mozambique, and
Tanzania. This debt cancellation enabled countries to invest in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, dramatically improving the lives of millions.
“Jubilee 2000 showed us the power of global solidarity. It was proof that when faith
communities, civil society, and governments unite, transformative change is possible,” said Fr. Kayanda S.J., Director Jesuit Hakimani Center.
“Now, as we face new debt crises, especially
in Africa, Jubilee 2025 seeks to reignite that spirit of hope and action.”
Africa’s growing debt crisis is at a critical crossroads. According to recent data, over 22 African countries are either
in debt distress or at high risk. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with global economic shocks, has exacerbated the situation, leaving nations struggling to meet basic needs while
servicing unsustainable debts. The Jubilee 2025 Debt Cancellation Campaign highlights how
these debts, often incurred under unfair conditions, perpetuate inequality and hinder sustainable
development.
A Call to Action
Through advocacy, community mobilization, and partnerships with civil society and
governments, the Catholic Church and its partners aim to:
• Secure the cancellation of unjust debts that undermine human dignity and
development.
• Promote reforms in the global financial system to ensure fairness, accountability, and
sustainability.
• Raise awareness about the moral and ethical dimensions of debt through education,
media engagement, and grassroots campaigns.
The launch event was preceded by a media workshop that brought together journalists and
editors from leading media houses.
The workshop aimed to equip media professionals with
expert insights, actionable data, and exclusive stories to drive impactful, solution-oriented
reporting on Africa’s debt crisis.
John Mumo
Jesuits Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA)