As the International Monetary Fund prepares to release its flagship World Economic Outlook in Bangkok on Tuesday, the headline message is one of stability. But behind the forecasts, a fierce debate is unfolding over Africa’s debt burden, austerity measures and the rising cost for ordinary citizens.

As the International Monetary Fund prepares to release its flagship World Economic Outlook in Bangkok on Tuesday, the headline message is one of stability. But behind the forecasts, a fierce debate is unfolding over Africa’s debt burden, austerity measures and the rising cost for ordinary citizens.