Guterres: Africa’s Rising Global Influence Must Translate Into Prosperity for Its People
UN Secretary-General calls for greater African value creation, investment and a stronger voice on the world stage
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted Africa’s growing influence in the global economy and international affairs, calling for the continent’s economic expansion to translate into tangible benefits for its people
Addressing the Global Africa <a href="https://usglobalxpress.com/nigeria-digital-economy-event-draws-calls-for-clean-business/” title=”Nigeria digital economy event draws calls for 'clean' business”>Business Initiative (GABI) during the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Guterres said Africa was increasingly commanding influence in world markets while speaking with greater authority on the international stage
“Africa commands an ever-greater influence in world markets – and speaks with ever-greater authority on the world stage.”
“We must ensure that its growth serves Africa’s people first and foremost, and secures the future they deserve.”
Africa’s economic momentGuterres’ remarks come amid growing international attention on Africa’s natural retment potential
At the GABI event, the UN chief pointed to Africa’s significant mineral resources and renewable-energy potential, as well as its rapidly growing workforce. He described the continent as representing a major market opportunity and said the relationship between Africa and global business was increasingly shifting from simply “doing business in Africa” to “doing business with Africa.”
The Secretary-General also argued that Africa should capture more of the economic value generated from its natural rere
“We must ensure that Africa’s vast natural resources – particularly critical minerals – create local value and decent jobs, rather than simply being shipped overseas,” Guterres said, according to reports of his remarks.
From raw materials to African value chains
The call has particular significance as countries across the continent seek to strengthen local manufacturing, industrialisation and intra-African trade
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who also participated in the GABI event, similarly called for Africa to move beyond exporting raw materials and accelerate industrial transformation through stronger African value chains
The AU has placed particular emphasis on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a mechanism for expanding intra-African commerce and creating a more integrated continental market
A stronger African voice globallyGuterres has also continued to advocate for greater African representation in global decision-making institutions
In his opening address to the UN General Assembly’s 81st session on September 22, the Secretary-General again highlighted the absence of permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, describing the situation as unjust and calling for reform
The issue remains a central part of Africa’s longstanding campaign for reform of the international system
‘A rising Africa is a rising world’
Guterres’ message places Africa’s economic transformation within a broader global context
He has argued that stronger investment in African economies, greater local processing of reforms to international financial institutions could help unlock further development across the continent
For Africa, the challenge is increasingly not simply attracting international investment, but ensuring that investment contributes to jobs, industrial capacity, technology transfer, local businesses and sustainable development
As Guterres put it in his message to the continent: “A rising Africa is a rising world.”
ModernGhana
Reporting based on statements and information from the United Nations, African Union and published reports surrounding UNGA81
DisclaimerThis article is published for informational and journalistic purposes and is based on publicly available statements attributed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and reports concerning the UN General Assembly and related international engagements. The views expressed in the quoted statements are those of the respective speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or editorial position of ModernGhana or the author
While reasonable care has been taken to present the information accurately, readers are encouraged to consult official United Nations and African Union