UN Secretary-General Calls for Increased African Influence in Global Decision-Making

TOKYO, Japan – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his call for greater African representation and influence in global decision-making processes on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Speaking at a conference in Japan dedicated to African development, Guterres emphasized the need for the continent to play a more prominent role in shaping its own future.

This call echoes long-standing advocacy from African leaders who have consistently argued for a more equitable voice in international forums, particularly when decisions directly impact the continent's development trajectory. Guterres’s support underscores the urgency of addressing the historical imbalances that have often marginalized African perspectives in global affairs.

Africa's Role in Shaping its Own Image

According to the UN Secretary-General, enhanced participation in decision-making is crucial for Africa to shape its own image and effectively defend its interests on the global stage. This includes having a stronger voice within international financial institutions and global governance bodies, like those whose activities are regularly discussed at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

“For too long, decisions concerning Africa's future have been made without adequate African input,” Guterres stated. “This must change. Africa possesses immense potential, and its voice must be heard and respected in all relevant forums.”

TICAD and the Push for African Agency

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), established in 1993, has served as a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration between African nations and their international partners. While TICAD has contributed to development initiatives across the continent, some critics have argued that the conference structure itself reflects an imbalance of power, with external actors often dictating the agenda.

Dr. Fatima Diallo, a political science professor at the University of Dakar specializing in African development, commented on the significance of Guterres's statement. "The Secretary-General's remarks are timely and reflect a growing consensus within the international community that Africa's agency must be prioritized," she said. "TICAD, while valuable, needs to evolve to become a truly reciprocal partnership where African priorities are at the forefront."

Historical Context: A Legacy of Unequal Representation

The push for greater African representation is rooted in a history of unequal power dynamics and colonial legacies that continue to shape the continent's relationship with the rest of the world. From the era of colonial exploitation to the present day, African nations have often been relegated to the periphery of global decision-making processes.

This historical context has led to concerns about externally imposed development agendas that may not align with the specific needs and priorities of African communities. Calls for increased African influence are therefore not merely about representation, but about ensuring that development policies are designed and implemented in a way that empowers African nations and promotes sustainable and inclusive growth.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the growing recognition of the need for greater African influence, significant challenges remain. These include strengthening governance structures within African nations, building institutional capacity to engage effectively in international forums, and promoting greater unity and coordination among African states.

However, there are also significant opportunities for progress. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), for example, represents a major step towards greater economic integration and self-reliance. By fostering intra-African trade and investment, the AfCFTA has the potential to strengthen Africa's position in the global economy and amplify its voice in international negotiations.

Furthermore, the growing recognition of Africa's geostrategic importance and its vast natural resources provides an opportunity for the continent to leverage its assets to secure a more equitable position in the global order.

Professor Kwame Nkrumah, an expert in international relations at the University of Ghana, emphasized the importance of African unity in achieving these goals. "A united Africa, speaking with one voice, will be a force to be reckoned with on the global stage," he stated. "The Secretary-General's call should serve as a catalyst for renewed efforts to strengthen African solidarity and promote a common vision for the continent's future."

Looking Ahead

The UN Secretary-General's statement underscores the critical need for a paradigm shift in the way the international community engages with Africa. By empowering African nations to shape their own future, the world can unlock the continent's immense potential and build a more just and equitable global order. The challenge now lies in translating these words into concrete action, ensuring that Africa's voice is not only heard, but also heeded, in all relevant forums.