UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for sweeping reforms of global governance and financial institutions, demanding permanent representation for Africa on the United Nations Security Council.
Guterres made the call on Sunday while speaking at the Unstoppable Africa 2026 forum on the margins of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
He said the international financial architecture must be restructured to better reflect the needs of developing countries, particularly African nations.
“We must reform the international financial architecture that was created by the rich for the rich, and we must make it more representative of the needs of developing countries, especially in Africa,” Guterres said.
The UN chief described Africa as a “double victim of colonialism,” arguing that the continent was excluded from key decisions when major international institutions were established after World War II.
According to him, the composition of the UN Security Council and global financial institutions no longer reflects Africa’s population, economic potential and interests.
Guterres therefore called for permanent African representation in global decision-making institutions, saying the continent must have a stronger voice in shaping international policies.
On Africa’s economic outlook, he said global markets were shifting from simply “doing business in Africa” to “doing business with Africa”.
Despite disruptions caused by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Guterres said Africa’s economy grew by 4.4 per cent last year, while trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area is projected to reach $230 billion this year.
He said the development presents an opportunity for African countries to retain more value from their economies rather than continue exporting raw materials.
Guterres also urged African governments and international partners to ensure that the continent’s natural resources, particularly critical minerals, generate local industries, decent jobs and broader economic benefits.
“We must ensure that Africa’s vast natural resources, particularly critical minerals, create local value and decent jobs, rather than simply being shipped overseas,” he said.
He cited progress in renewable energy and digital technology, including Kenya’s high share of renewable electricity, Morocco’s plans for a submarine power cable to Europe, Tunisia’s growing artificial intelligence sector and Rwanda’s development of nationwide drone logistics.
The UN secretary-general also urged multilateral development banks to increase concessional lending, convert climate finance pledges into tangible adaptation funding and channel more capital to female entrepreneurs.
He linked sustainable economic development to peace and stability, commending African-led mediation efforts in conflicts, including in Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Guterres stressed that lasting development would remain difficult without political stability and effective conflict-resolution mechanisms.
