Janet Zhou

Civic Engagement and Public Accountability Global Awardee and Expert|All things People| People Power| Civil Society| Endless passion & Ideas for citizens Agency

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

Sometimes I write. Thank you @crisiscoalition Pgs 39-44 thatsba lot😅.

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

🌍 AFRODAD at the Inaugural Borrowers’ Platform Governing Council Meeting

During the inaugural meeting of the Borrowers’ Platform Governing Council at the UN Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, on the sidelines of the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, Janet Zhou (@jayznotes), AFRODAD’s Executive Director, representing Global South CSOs, underscored a fundamental injustice in the international financial architecture: developing countries face borrowing costs much higher than those of advanced economies, while existing creditor-led debt restructuring mechanisms remain inadequate to deliver timely, fair, and sustainable solutions.
She called on the Borrowers’ Platform to advance 3 strategic priorities:
🔹 Strengthen peer learning and collective action to help borrowing countries address the high cost of capital and negotiate from a position of greater strength.
🔹Reform and strengthen national legal frameworks to safeguard borrowing countries’ interests, enhance accountability and promote responsible lending and borrowing.
🔹 Build national capacity to conduct independent Debt Sustainability Analyses (DSAs), enabling countries to assess debt risks and make informed borrowing decisions based on their own development priorities.
Reaffirming AFRODAD’s commitment to the Borrowers’ Platform, Janet emphasised the importance of a strong, structured partnership between governments and civil society. The latter must not merely be consulted- its evidence, expertise and lived realities must meaningfully inform the policies and decisions shaping the future of debt governance.
#AfricaEconomicJustice
#AfricaEconomicJustice #ResistReclaimRiseUp #CancelTheDebt #Bangkok2026

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

#Wednesday, we start from our Executive Director’s Desk Janet Zhou

We quote: “For us to have a common African position is what has been missing… It is not just a document. It’s not a blueprint. It’s a mandate that we have given ourselves as African people, as African citizens, backed by our states, and our institutions.”

As Africa advances the Common African Position on Debt, collective ownership, solidarity and a shared voice are central to turning the position into meaningful action. @_AfricanUnion

🎥 Watch the full video⤵️
#CAPonDEBT #AfricaRuleMaker

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

On #Wednesdays, we first hear from our Executive Director, Janet Zhou (@jayznotes).
"I believe this is AFRODAD's moment. After 30 years of holding the line on debt justice, the question before Africa is no longer whether our voice matters, but whether we will use it to write the rules instead of receiving them. To our partners, our movements, and our people: join hands with us, and let us make Africa a rule maker, not a rule taker, in the global financial architecture". #AfricaRuleMaker #AFRODADat30
Watch more: https://t.co/w802nzDLjn

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

🎙️ Did you know? We are running a series of podcast episodes titled "Decolonising Africa's Debt & Reclaiming Her Future," in partnership with @AfricanFutures - unpacking the real drivers behind Africa's debt crises.

If you missed the first episode, catch up here: https://t.co/rDjABvjHSF

Here's Episode 2 - featuring Prof. Grieve Chelwa on Zambia's copper history, IMF austerity, and why debt cancellation is reparatory justice, not charity.
🎧 Listen now: https://t.co/0h4xIAJK07

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

We came and we delivered @AFRODAD2011 an #AFCODD VI that shall take our commitment to action. Common African Position is our mandate @AfDB_Group @_AfricanUnion we are in this together #AfricaRuleMaker

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

✍🏾 Right now at #AfCoDDVI, delegates are lining up to add their names to the Common African Position on Debt Commitment Banner, turning 4 days of dialogue into a physical, visible act of solidarity. Heads of state, finance officials, parliamentarians, civil society leaders and youth organisers are all signing side by side, a reminder that the CAP was never meant to belong to any single government or institution. Each signature is a personal stake in the promise that Africa will speak with one voice in reforming a global financial architecture that currently gives the continent just 6.5% of IMF voting power despite representing 1.4 billion people. It's a simple gesture, but multiplied across every delegate in the room, it becomes a continental statement: the task now is implementation, not just intention. #CAPonDEBT #AfricaRuleMaker @oxfamkenya @TISAKenya @ipf_global @CAID_Kenya @TISAKenya @TIKenya

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

Thank you our STB consortium members. This work is so much more meaningful when we collaborate and put our efforts and resources together. African voice, African power and resolve shall stop the bleeding.

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

The panel discussion for #AfCoDDVI session 3 spans tax justice, gender and debt, and continental policy: Janet Zhou the AFRODAD's Executive Director brings the pan-African debt feminist perspective, Chenai Mukumba brings the Tax Justice Network Africa's expertise on illicit financial flows, Memory Kachambwa represents FEMNET's pan-African feminist lens on debt,Paul Sikazwe Technical Advisor on Debt, African Union, and Sen. Okoiti Andrew Omtatah brings the perspective of Kenya's own Parliament. Jason R. Braganza of The Fikra Collective moderates a discussion that moves quickly from diagnosis to strategy, asking how each of these strategic assets can be harnessed to reposition Africa as a genuine rule-maker in international debt governance rather than a passive recipient of externally designed solutions. #AfricaRuleMaker #StopTheBleeding @TIKenya @TISAKenya @CAID_Kenya @ipf_global @oxfamkenya @OkoaUchumi_KE

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

#AfCoDDIV. Session 2 asks a question that cuts to the core of AfCoDD VI's entire theme: why does the global financial architecture keep absorbing Africa's demands for structural reform into small, incremental technical adjustments that leave the underlying problems untouched? The evidence is stark! At the 4th Financing for Development Conference in Seville in July 2025, the Africa Group's push for a UN Framework Convention on Sovereign Debt was significantly diluted in the final Compromiso de Sevilla, anchoring the process instead around the very institutions- the Paris Club, the IMF & the World Bank- that many argue are responsible for Africa's disproportionate debt burden in the first place. Janet Zhou (@jayznotes), AFRODAD's Executive Director, joins Prof. Jean-Emmanuel Pondi,and a panel of brilliant practitioners to unpack exactly how and why this resistance keeps happening. It's a session on calling out patterns of power, not just policy gaps. #AfricaRuleMaker #CAPonDEBT
@TIKenya @TISAKenya @CAID_Kenya @ipf_global @oxfamkenya @OkoaUchumi_KE

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

@BriggsBomba You have been forever consistent dear Cde. Happy birthday to you

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

@nmadzikwa Thank you my friend. I try appreciate your support and always inspiring me as you do!

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

Truly humbled to be offered this platform to lead. We can be assured the journey is going to be one of its kind. Making the African voice matter is my calling.

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

🎉 5 Reasons We're Thrilled to Welcome Our New Executive Director, Ms. Janet Zhou (@jayznotes)
1️⃣ She's joining AFRODAD at a defining moment. As we celebrate 30 years of advancing debt justice, accountable governance, and sustainable development across Africa, we're excited to have Janet lead the organisation into its next chapter.
2️⃣ Her leadership is internationally recognised. Janet was named the U.S. State Department's Anti-Corruption Champion (2022), honoured as Director of the Year in Zimbabwe, and recognised among the Top 50 Emerging Women Leaders. What an incredible achievement!
3️⃣ She brings more than 15 years of experience championing economic justice, accountability, and governance across Africa.
4️⃣ She's deeply grounded in her field, combining strong academic credentials with extensive practical leadership experience.
5️⃣ Her vision for AFRODAD is both bold and inspiring. In her own words: "I am here to turn debt advocacy into debt impact that families can feel... Let us make Africa a rule-maker, not a rule-taker, in the global financial architecture."

Welcome to AFRODAD, Janet! 🎉 Here's to a new chapter of impact, innovation, and transformative leadership.
#AfricaRuleMaker #AFRODADat30

[AFRODAD @AFRODAD2011]

🎉 5 Reasons We're Thrilled to Welcome Our New Executive Director, Ms. Janet Zhou (@jayznotes)
1️⃣ She's joining AFRODAD at a defining moment. As we celebrate 30 years of advancing debt justice, accountable governance, and sustainable development across Africa, we're excited to have Janet lead the organisation into its next chapter.
2️⃣ Her leadership is internationally recognised. Janet was named the U.S. State Department's Anti-Corruption Champion (2022), honoured as Director of the Year in Zimbabwe, and recognised among the Top 50 Emerging Women Leaders. What an incredible achievement!
3️⃣ She brings more than 15 years of experience championing economic justice, accountability, and governance across Africa.
4️⃣ She's deeply grounded in her field, combining strong academic credentials with extensive practical leadership experience.
5️⃣ Her vision for AFRODAD is both bold and inspiring. In her own words: "I am here to turn debt advocacy into debt impact that families can feel... Let us make Africa a rule-maker, not a rule-taker, in the global financial architecture."

Welcome to AFRODAD, Janet! 🎉 Here's to a new chapter of impact, innovation, and transformative leadership.
#AfricaRuleMaker #AFRODADat30

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

@MinisterMM23 @HStvNews @nelsonchamisa You’re not alone

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

@grok unofunga here kuti murombo angarova chinenguwo?

[Trevor Ncube @TrevorNcube]

The People’s Chief, Chief Dakamela at the #IdeasFestival2024. The Chief is sitting next to @YvonneMtengwa and Janet Zhou. #icwt24

[Trevor Ncube @TrevorNcube]

Elders in the room #IdeasFestival2024
The youngest person in the room is 26 and he is @victor_mapunga .
Also in the room is Chief Dakamela of Nkayi District, Dr Nkosana Moyo, Nyasha Zhou, Dr Olivia Muchena , Nick Vingirai, Gloria Zvaravanhu, Dr Divine Ndhlukula , among others.

[Trevor Ncube @TrevorNcube]

The 3rd #IdeasFestival2024 has come to an end at Troutbeck Resort, Nyanga. A transformative 3 days of Ideas, Innovation, Inspiration, Impact and Networking towards Nation Building #icwt24

[Open Parly ZW @OpenParlyZw]

How SADC’s Forgotten Voices Are Hijacking the Summit Agenda

Janet Zhou, SAPSN Secretary General, leads a powerful movement at the SADC People’s Summit, forcing leaders to face harsh realities. @jayznotes @ZIMCODD1 @ComradeFatsooo @zccinzim #PeopleSummit

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

#PeopleSummit 2024.

[SAPSN United @SapsnU]

A very vibrant group of Delegates from across the region say YES! to #ReclaimingSADC centralizing #PeoplePower!

[Janet Zhou @jayznotes]

These are the people affronted by the climate change disasters we face every year. one year its floods, the next year its drought, it's a vicious loop void of community and people centredness. They must centre conversations about surviving the devastating impacts. #PeopleSummit

[SAPSN United @SapsnU]

Here present are community voices that also engage in Climate Resilience projects. Displayed are the products they sale for subsistence & commercial purposes in the face of Climate Change. #PeoplesSummit #PeoplePower #ReclaimingSADC

[Open Parly ZW @OpenParlyZw]

Janet Zhou: We are faced with the drought, so food insecurity and starvation are key issues #PeopleSummit
#ReclaimingSADC #PeoplePower @ZIMCODD1 @visetinfo @ZimRightsLIVE @WalpeAcademy @weleadteam @zccinzim @OpenParlyZED @Izwi_Voices @ZimZPJF @ComradeFatsooo @jayznotes