Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general, has urged African leaders to take a stronger role in shaping decisions that determine their future.
Speaking at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan, Guterres renewed calls for reform of the UN Security Council, describing it as “long overdue.” He noted that Africa still lacks a permanent member, while other regions also remain underrepresented.
The UN chief further pushed for a comprehensive restructuring of the global financial system, calling it “unjust and unfair,” and pressed for immediate action on debt relief.
Guterres highlighted the need for Africa to harness digital innovation and artificial intelligence to accelerate growth, stressing that Japan’s technological leadership could help bridge the digital divide and provide infrastructure support. He added that Africa should leverage its youthful population and abundant natural resources.
“With the world’s youngest population, abundant natural resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Africa is poised for progress. Let us invest in women’s full participation across economies, societies, and political systems,” he said.
He also spotlighted investment in sustainable global value chains and regional integration, urging African nations to add value to their raw materials, create jobs, and maximise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to build resilience.
On energy, Guterres noted Africa’s enormous renewable potential but pointed out that about 600 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity, while Africa receives just two percent of global investment in the sector. He called for prioritising benefits for African people first, while building stronger links to both local and global value chains.
TICAD is co-hosted by Japan, the UN, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC). Since its launch in 1993, the conference has aimed to promote Africa’s development, peace, and security. This year’s event, themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” runs from August 20–23, bringing African leaders together in Japan.
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