In a recent letter, more than 30 prominent economists, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, have urged immediate debt relief for low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa. They warn that exorbitant debt servicing costs are diverting funds away from essential services like education and healthcare. Currently, African governments allocate an average of 17% of their state revenue to debt servicing, with many countries spending more on debt than on healthcare and education. The letter suggests that capping debt servicing at 10% could significantly improve access to clean water and reduce child mortality rates. The call for action comes amid a public sector funding crisis exacerbated by cuts in international aid, particularly from the United States. Economists argue that existing debt relief frameworks have been ineffective, relieving only 7% of total external debt. They advocate for urgent reforms in how the World Bank and IMF assess debt sustainability and propose the creation of a 'Borrowers' Club' to enhance negotiation power for indebted nations.