Guterres: Africa’s Rising Global Influence Must Translate Into Prosperity for Its People

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 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.”

He added:

“We must ensure that its growth serves Africa’s people first and foremost, and secures the future they deserve.”

Africa’s economic moment
Guterres’ remarks come amid growing international attention on Africa’s natural resources, expanding consumer markets, youthful population and investment 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 resources rather than exporting raw materials for processing elsewhere.

“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 globally
Guterres 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 resources, expanded opportunities for young people and women, and 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 — International Politics Desk

Reporting based on statements and information from the United Nations, African Union and published reports surrounding UNGA81.

Disclaimer
This 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 sources for primary documentation and additional context.