World Bank vice president for Africa Dr. Callisto Madavo has said total debt cancellation was not a sustainable solution to Africa's debt problem. On suggestions that Africa refuses to pay back its foreign debt, Dr. Madavo said such unilateral action would be inappropriate. He noted that while Africa's debt burden was a hindrance to the continent's development, there was need for "a negotiated and shared approach to the issue" rather than a refusal to pay.