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Why should we worry about poor countries’ debt? 2011
Time 5:33
Susan George explains what’s wrong with Third World debt. Rich nations, the IMF, and multinationals keep poor countries handicapped by structural adjustment programs and debt, which she calls a form of colonialism. Creditor nations drag out the debt crisis. Debt relief campaigns have made some headway in cancelling debt, but more debt relief is needed.
BBC investigation into debt “vultures,” 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/8610062.stm
Time 9:27
Vulture funds buy up a poor nation’s debt at knockdown prices, before going to court to recover the full amount. In one of its last acts before the election, Britain’s parliament has voted to ban so-called “vulture funds,” which profiteer from Third World debts.
Debt and Economic Development, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSWT_1MtU8Y
Time 11:22
A short lecture that explains the rising external debt issued by many developing and emerging countries and assesses some of potential benefits and drawbacks. Government debt as a share of GDP in emerging economies from 2001 to 2019 has risen from 27% in 2008 to 55% now. A growing number of African countries have issued Euro Bonds, totalling $115 billion at the end of 2019. Large economies such as Nigeria and South Africa have been followed by Ivory Coast, Angola, Kenya, and Ghana.
How China, COVID-19 and investors pushed Zambia into debt default | Counting the Cost, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66nCGiL11eM
Time 25:20
Zambia may very well be the first African country to default on its debt as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This news report explores the implications for Zambia and the region.
COVID-19 and the debt crisis, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_Zlns6anJg
Time 5:06
This short video from DevEx explains generally how debt and development are related particularly in the context of Covid19.
Debt Vulnerabilities and Development Needs in Low-Income Countries (2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH6ZhJItWgc
Time 1:15:40
This panel discussion hosted by the International Monetary Fund provides information on the latest pre-Covid-19 pandemic issues in debt and development, implications, and possible solutions.