Africa on the Brink of Progress, Guterres Says at Japan Conference

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A Call for Greater African Representation in Global Decisions

At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, the UN Secretary-General reiterated his strong stance on the need for Africa to have a more prominent role in global decision-making processes. His speech focused on the continent's potential and the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable development.

Africa, with its youthful population, rich natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit, is positioned to drive significant progress. The conference theme, “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” highlighted the importance of leveraging these strengths to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. This sentiment was echoed by the Secretary-General, who emphasized the urgency of accelerating progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Five Pillars of Cooperation

The Secretary-General outlined five key areas for cooperation, starting with the reform of global governance institutions. He argued that current structures do not reflect today’s realities, particularly emphasizing the need for greater African representation. “Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping the decisions that affect its future,” he stated. This includes long-overdue reforms to the Security Council, where Africa has no permanent member, and other regions remain underrepresented.

He also called for overhauling the international financial architecture, describing it as “unjust and unfair.” Additionally, he urged bold action on debt relief to support African nations in their development journey.

Investment in Sustainable Value Chains and Regional Integration

Another focus area was investment in sustainable global value chains and regional integration. Guterres stressed that Africa’s path to prosperity should prioritize adding value to its raw materials, creating decent jobs, and building resilience through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Addressing what he termed “Africa’s energy paradox,” he pointed out that despite the continent’s vast renewable energy potential, it receives only two percent of global investment in this sector. Furthermore, around 600 million Africans lack access to electricity. He also noted that Africa is home to critical minerals essential for renewable technologies but stressed that the countries hosting these resources must benefit first and foremost.

Technology and Digital Innovation

Technology and digital innovation were another focal point. Guterres called for harnessing digital tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to drive development. He praised Japan’s technological leadership and encouraged it to help close the digital divide, ensuring that African countries can catch up with adequate digital public infrastructure rather than being left behind.

Investing in Youth and Women

Recognizing that young people are the builders of Africa’s future, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to invest in their skills and education, especially in STEM fields. He also advocated for women’s full participation across economies, societies, and political systems, stating, “Let us invest in women’s full participation.”

Peace and Prosperity

Finally, Guterres underscored the link between peace and prosperity. He said, “Sustainable development requires sustainable peace,” and called for silencing the guns as the African Union has clearly indicated. Ending violence in all forms and strengthening social cohesion and stability are crucial steps to attract investment and business to Africa.

The Role of TICAD

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) brings together various stakeholders, including Japan, the United Nations, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC). The conference runs from 20 to 23 August, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration on Africa’s development challenges and opportunities.

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