YOKOHAMA – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened a major international conference on Wednesday with a powerful message, declaring that Africa is “poised for progress” and must be granted a stronger voice in global institutions that shape its future.
Addressing the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), Mr. Guterres pointed to Africa’s young population, vast natural resources, and entrepreneurial drive as the foundation for a transformative era. The conference’s theme, ‘Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,’ underscores the belief that the continent’s strengths are vital for building a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.
The Secretary-General outlined five critical areas for international cooperation, placing significant emphasis on global governance reform. He highlighted the urgent need to modernize institutions like the UN Security Council, stating, “Incredibly, Africa has no permanent member, and other regions remain underrepresented.” He argued that Africa deserves a seat at the table where decisions affecting its future are made.
A major pillar of his address was a call for a complete overhaul of the international financial system, which he labeled “unjust and unfair.” He pushed for bold action on debt relief to free up resources for development.
Mr. Guterres also focused on economic transformation, urging investment in sustainable value chains so African nations can add value to their raw materials rather than simply exporting them. This, he said, would create jobs and build resilience, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He spotlighted a central paradox: despite possessing enormous potential for renewable energy and critical minerals essential for green technologies, Africa receives a mere two percent of global investments in renewables while over 600 million of its citizens lack electricity. He insisted that host nations must be the primary beneficiaries of their own resources.
The agenda also included harnessing digital innovation, like artificial intelligence, to close the digital divide, and investing heavily in the education and skills of Africa’s youth. Mr. Guterres stressed the importance of investing in women’s full participation across all sectors.
Linking peace to prosperity, he concluded, “Sustainable development requires sustainable peace,” endorsing the African Union’s goal of “silencing the guns” to create the stability needed to attract business and investment.
Co-hosted by Japan, the UN, the World Bank, and the African Union Commission, the TICAD forum has been a cornerstone of multilateral cooperation for Africa’s development since 1993. The conference continues through August 23rd.
