Public debt weighs on East African economies

A resident of Lamu County in Kenya carries a sack of relief food in March following prolonged drought in most parts of the country. FILE PHOTO | AFP

Runaway public debt is expected to continue casting a shadow on sub-Saharan African economic growth as most countries redirect dwindling revenue to debt servicing instead of development.

Despite economic growth in the region being on the rebound, driven by rising commodity prices and improved food security, a significant increase in public debt in recent years remains a threat to sustainable growth.