---
title: "A new deal for African debt? Trevor Manuel makes the case"
description: "As G20 leaders gather in Johannesburg, former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel joins Ferial Haffajee on Power Chat, to unpack a bold new set of proposals aimed at refinancing Africa’s mounting debt. From tapping the IMF’s soaring gold reserves to deploying special drawing rights, Manuel explains why the moment demands structural action rather than diplomatic rhetoric."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "POWER CHAT"
author: "Ferial Haffajee"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/ferialhaffajee/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-11-20-a-new-deal-for-african-debt-trevor-manuel-makes-the-case/"
published: "2025-11-20T12:10:49"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 58
---

# A new deal for African debt? Trevor Manuel makes the case

> As G20 leaders gather in Johannesburg, former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel joins Ferial Haffajee on Power Chat, to unpack a bold new set of proposals aimed at refinancing Africa’s mounting debt. From tapping the IMF’s soaring gold reserves to deploying special drawing rights, Manuel explains why the moment demands structural action rather than diplomatic rhetoric.

By Ferial Haffajee · Published 20 November 2025, 14:10 SAST

## Key points
- Trevor Manuel advocates for a radical refinancing approach to Africa's increasing debt crisis during G20 in Johannesburg.
- He proposes utilizing the IMF's substantial gold reserves and special drawing rights as potential solutions.
- Manuel emphasizes the need for actionable reforms over mere diplomatic discussions.
- The conversation is part of an ongoing effort to address Africa's financial challenges in a sustainable manner.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0-jg0WLNDU)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/c8af3839-8116-48ac-b033-8ec8b1d406bc?dark=false)

Hosted by: Ferial Haffajee 
Guest: Trevor Manuel 
Edited by: Joel Seboa 
Produced by: AMPD Production Team 
Pre-production by: Emilie Gambade & Malibongwe Tyilo 
Original Theme Music & Design by: Bernard Kotze 

Episode filmed on location at AMPD Studios, Johannesburg.

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