Africa’s Momentum / DAVOS 2025

Summary

This discussion focused on Africa’s role in global governance and its potential for increased influence on the world stage. The panel, consisting of ministers from various African nations, explored opportunities presented by South Africa’s G20 presidency and the continent’s aspirations for greater representation in international bodies.

A key topic was Nigeria’s bid for G20 membership, with Minister Tuggar emphasizing Nigeria’s non-threatening nature and potential to represent African interests. The importance of reforming global financial systems, including taxation and special drawing rights for energy transition, was highlighted. Ministers also stressed the need for Africa to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, given that 60% of its resolutions concern Africa.

The discussion touched on the challenges of presenting a unified African voice while acknowledging the continent’s diversity. Panelists emphasized the importance of internal dialogue and complementarity between African Union principles and individual country governance. The role of critical minerals in Africa’s development was explored, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and the need for data to support civil society organizations.

Relationships with global powers like the US and China were addressed, with ministers advocating for strategic autonomy and equal partnerships that respect African sovereignty. The panel concluded by emphasizing the importance of adapting democratic principles to African realities and the need for solidarity among African nations in facing global challenges.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– Africa’s role in global governance and institutions, particularly South Africa’s G20 presidency

– Nigeria’s aspirations for G20 membership and greater African representation in international bodies

– Challenges around natural resources, conflict, and accountability in countries like DRC

– Balancing relationships with US and China while maintaining strategic autonomy

– Prospects for a unified African voice despite differences between countries

Overall purpose:

The discussion aimed to explore Africa’s growing influence and potential on the global stage, examining opportunities and challenges for African nations to have a stronger voice in international affairs and governance.

Tone:

The tone was largely optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers emphasizing Africa’s potential and the need for greater representation. There was also a pragmatic acknowledgment of challenges and differences between African nations. The tone remained consistent throughout, balancing aspirational goals with realistic assessments of current situations.

Speakers

– Bronwen Maddox – Director of Chatham House, moderator

– Mohamed Ali Nafti – Minister from Tunisia

– Yusuf Tuggar – Minister of Foreign Affairs from Nigeria

РTh̩r̬se Kayikwamba Wagner РMinister from Democratic Republic of Congo

– Matia Kasaija – Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Uganda

Additional speakers:

– Audience members who asked questions (unnamed)

Africa’s Role in Global Governance: Aspirations and Challenges

This discussion, moderated by Bronwen Maddox, Director of Chatham House, brought together ministers from Tunisia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda to explore Africa’s evolving role in global governance and its potential for increased influence on the world stage. The panel examined opportunities presented by South Africa’s G20 presidency and the continent’s aspirations for greater representation in international bodies.

Representation in Global Institutions

A central theme of the discussion was the need for stronger African representation in global governance structures. Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made a compelling case for Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20, highlighting the country’s unique position within Africa and its potential contribution to global economic discussions. Tuggar argued, “Nigeria is about the only African country with what you could call a permanent seat in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council. So it’s a natural progression.” He also proposed using special drawing rights to fund energy transition in Africa and advocated for reforming global tax systems to be fairer for developing countries.

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister from the DRC, emphasised the importance of Africa having a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, given that 60% of its resolutions concern Africa. She also revealed the DRC’s campaign for a non-permanent Security Council seat for 2026-2027, underscoring the country’s commitment to pushing forward African interests on the global stage.

Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister from Tunisia, took a more inclusive stance, welcoming any framework that would amplify Africa’s voice in global affairs. He also highlighted Tunisia’s historical role in African independence and development.

Natural Resources and Development

The discussion emphasized the critical role of Africa’s natural resources, particularly in the context of the global energy transition. Minister Wagner highlighted the DRC’s wealth of resources, especially critical minerals, framing them not just in terms of national welfare but as a means to advance the broader African agenda. She stressed the need to address the interconnected issues of natural resources, climate change, and conflict, proposing that these topics be central to discussions in forums like the UN Security Council.

Minister Tuggar raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of global environmental and trade policies on African countries. He cited examples such as carbon border adjustments, deforestation laws, and supply chain regulations, arguing that these policies often put African countries at a disadvantage. This perspective highlighted the need for African nations to have a stronger voice in shaping global policies that affect their economies and development.

The panel agreed on the importance of accountability and transparency in resource extraction, particularly in conflict-prone areas. They emphasized the need for better data availability and transparency in the critical minerals sector, involving civil society organizations in natural resource governance.

Democracy and Governance

The discussion touched on the challenges of implementing democratic principles in African contexts. Ministers Wagner and Nafti agreed that while democratic principles are universal, their implementation should be flexible and adapted to the specific realities of African countries. Wagner described democracy as a “dynamic, open-ended concept” in Africa, while Nafti stressed the need to adapt democratic principles to African realities.

The speakers acknowledged the diversity of governance approaches across the continent and the need for African countries to engage in difficult conversations about governance within the African Union framework. This highlighted the challenge of presenting a unified African voice while respecting the sovereignty and unique circumstances of individual nations.

Relationships with Global Powers

The panel discussed Africa’s relationships with global powers, particularly the United States and China. Minister Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in foreign relations, while Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Uganda, expressed openness to cooperation that enhances development, specifically mentioning Uganda’s positive relationship with the United States. Minister Nafti stressed the importance of African countries being treated as sovereign, equal partners in international relations.

Despite some differences in approach, there was an unexpected consensus among the ministers on the openness to diverse partnerships, provided they respect African sovereignty and contribute to development. Minister Kasaija also highlighted the diversity of the African continent and the ongoing process of working towards unity.

Regional Integration and Economic Development

Minister Tuggar discussed the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area and regional economic communities in fostering economic integration and development across the continent. This emphasis on intra-African cooperation was seen as a crucial step in strengthening Africa’s global position.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The discussion concluded with a focus on concrete steps to enhance Africa’s global influence. Suggestions included leveraging special drawing rights to fund energy transition in Africa, revisiting promises made by developed nations regarding technology transfer, and reforming global tax systems to be fairer for developing countries.

The panel also highlighted the need for better data availability and transparency in the critical minerals sector, involving civil society organisations in natural resource governance, and addressing the connection between armed conflict and natural resources through international forums like the UN Security Council.

Overall, the discussion revealed a shared aspiration for a stronger African voice in global affairs, tempered by pragmatic acknowledgment of the challenges in achieving unity across a diverse continent. The speakers emphasised the importance of adapting global governance structures to better represent African interests while also addressing internal governance challenges and leveraging the continent’s resources for collective benefit.

Bronwen Maddox: If you have any questions or other problems, please post them in the comments. Are we good to go? Because it is 9.30. Good morning. Welcome. I’m delighted to be moderating this discussion of Africa’s momentum. I’m Bronwyn Maddox. I’m director of Chatham House, the London-based think tank. And we’re going to have a terrific discussion. All the more when our other two panelists come. They’re stuck in the famous Davos traffic for which Davos has not yet found a solution. Because we’re discussing really go to the heart of what… this Davos gathering this year is about. We’re talking about the role of Africa in the global governance, the institutions of that. We’ll particularly be talking about South Africa’s presidency of the G20 this year, what opportunity that gives both Africa as a continent and individual countries and regions within that. And talking also about countries and regions within Africa, their role in security, in development, in economic growth, and digging into it from many different angles. And I think we’re all reminded right through this gathering of just how important this is and how important Africa’s voice is. It’s projected to have a quarter of the world’s population within just 15 years from now, a really inescapable voice. So let me welcome the two guests who have beaten the Davos traffic. Minister Tuga from, Minister of Foreign Affairs from Nigeria, thank you for joining us. Minister Nafti from Tunisia, thank you also. Thank you. Let’s start with both of you. And Minister Tuga, we were discussing just next door as we were beginning to chat about this session. What is most on your mind? Let me start there with the G20 and with the questions of what having this first ever G20 meeting in the African continent, what this could mean. Well, first of all, let me begin by thanking

Yusuf Tuggar: the World Economic Forum for organizing this and providing us with an opportunity to take a deeper dive into African-related issues. Well, the G20 in South Africa presents an opportunity for us to make a strong case in the case of Nigeria of becoming a G20 member. which you’ve been arguing for for some time. Yes, and of course, South Africa is a brotherly nation. We have very strong ties. Nigeria played a very significant role in bringing about the end of apartheid. So we’ve got that bond. Thabo Mbeki lived as an exile in Lagos. So you can see the close affinity we have. But let me say that it’s important for a country like Nigeria to be part of the G20 because we are used to making the case for Nigeria. We’ve got a lot of, sorry, for Africa, we’ve got a lot of goodwill. We’ve got, for lack of a better word, also soft power because of what we’ve been doing. Support for South Africa, fight against racist regimes on the continent historically. We have what we refer to as the technical aid core where we send volunteers, professionals, doctors, engineers, university lecturers to African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. And we are a non-threatening African power. You can see that the countries that surround us. Interesting word. What do you mean by non-threatening? Non-threatening towards our neighbors. We don’t have any land or border disputes or boundary disputes with our neighbors. We resolve them. And in most cases, we resolve them by conceding to them. So that non-threatening nature allows for them to push us forward, to represent them. And Nigeria is about the only African country with what you could call a permanent seat in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council. So it’s a natural progression. And we are the ones that can be on that table, given that the G20 was created to look at global financial, economic and financial issues. So for instance, there is a very valid case for utilizing special drawing rights to fund the energy transition in Africa. We need to revert back to the promises made by developed nations to the developing nations during the Rio Earth Summit, I think it was 1992, with regards to transfer of technology. These are things that have gone quiet, that Nigeria, with its big strong voice, can make the case for within the G20. I was going to ask you, so what would you do with the G20 seat? Because you would argue particularly for these things. And where Nigeria has a particular position. Amongst many others. Yes, go on, just a few of the others. If I asked you, what would Nigeria do, if I said to you, right, here is the G20 seat? So special drawing rights, definitely. We will also continue the work that we’re doing with regards to tax, because it’s Nigeria that led the resolution at the United Nations for a global reform on taxation, and we are looking at doing more with that to make it fairer for the global south, for developing countries. Tax on companies? Tax, not just on companies, it also relates to governments, of course, and tariffs. It’s all something that is interrelated. This is something that the African countries championed, and Nigeria led the charge when it came to that. So right at this moment, you don’t have that seat. What is the thing you would most like? like South Africa to advance? Well, South Africa can make the strong case for fairness, for the process to be a bit more representative, more democratic, because it doesn’t suffice to say, well, Africa is already represented by the African Union, and then you’ve got South Africa. So Nigeria doesn’t really need to belong. You don’t hear that case being put forward when you’re looking at South America, for instance. You don’t say, well, Brazil and Argentina should not, you know, that’s one too many. Nobody’s talking about the Union of South African Nations, or OAS having a seat. So we have to get beyond this approach to Africa as if it’s one country. And so it has one seat. And one seat, and that’s it, and that’s enough. So we should look at it as a continent with 54 nations. And we should look at Nigeria with this population of 220 million people that are going to be 400 million by the year 2050, the third largest in the world as one that is deserving of representation, and then given its track record, the size of its economy, and so many other reasons. So we expect that South Africa would be making that case along with us. And we’re already being invited as observers.

Bronwen Maddox: Absolutely. So it sounds as if you’re well on your way. Minister Mohamed Ali Elinafti, let me come to you next. Very different, perhaps, position of Tunisia. First, let’s start with South Africa G20. What would you like? this? Well, thank you, first of all, for inviting me and inviting Tunisia to bring a new light on Africa.

Mohamed Ali Nafti: Africa is brightening, and we are happy and honoured to represent it today in this World Economic Forum, and we thank you, Maddox, for moderating our session today. Welcome, dear brother, minister. I’m so happy to be with you. Our view is not necessarily different from Nigeria, a brotherly country. We have a lot of expectations, but let me first recall some souvenirs from the 60s. Tunisia at that moment, a newly independent country, played its role in bringing Africa, a whole continent, to the world. We have succeeded to have our independence at that moment, and we have built on pillars, strong pillars to build our nation, the new Tunisia, what we wanted at that moment. Pillars very solid on education, health, and women emancipation, and today we have a product of women emancipation policy undertaken six decades ago. She is present with us, and most probably she will be very active during this World Economic Forum. through her participation in some thoughts related to innovation. So we brought our experience within the United Nations institution to the newly independent African countries. And we have supported them within the Security Council, General Assembly, and all the specialized organs related to the UN system. Today we are in the same track, and still we are committed to a better future of Africa. We are aware about all these problems, all these obstacles, all these challenges we are facing together. Yet being a member of G20 is in itself very symbolic, very productive, and conducive to that path which had been, let’s say, the ambition of the founders of our nations, so that to bring Africa into the world. We have succeeded in some sectors, in some fields, but yet there is a lot of efforts to be done. To be honest, there are indigenous factors and exogenous. Let’s talk about the indigenous. There is a lack of answering the way to tackle issues, very delicate issues. starting by democracy, security, and sustainable development. So far, we think that we did a big path on that way when it comes to democracy. It’s not enough, but we have to teach the new generations what are the real procedures to undertake. Excuse me, when you say we, are you talking about Tunisia or Africa generally? I’m talking about my country, Tunisia, first of all. And if they allow me to talk on behalf of my continent, I will be very happy. By the way- I’m gently encouraging that. Thank you. By the way, Tunisia was generous enough to give its name to Africa. Initially, Tunisia was called Africa. So our ancestors, they gave this name to Africa and we are very proud of this. So whatever, coming, let’s say, I’m talking as an African citizen, very proud of my Africanity in a way. So there are a lot of lessons to give to the new generations. There was a big experience undertaken in terms of democratization of our nations, not necessarily based on the Western experience, but it should be related to our own experience because at the end, six decades, we learned a lot that democracy should be protected. to go hand in hand with sustainable development. Now we are in a way to…

Bronwen Maddox: So this is, I’m not, we’re gonna welcome in a moment, Minister Therese Kayakwamba, Wagner or Wagner? We are about to reach gender equality. Yeah, we are, and then we’re gonna lose it again if the final minister comes. But I just want to press you on this point, welcome minister, about what you would like to come out of this South Africa G20 year. Because as you said, it is symbolic. It’s not symbolic. But also a chance for possibly making some… It is a step forward. Arguments for African voice.

Yusuf Tuggar: Own right to be member of the Security Council. This is one step forward, and we are very conscious on it. And we have a lot of expectations in terms of gender equality, in terms of education, in terms of women empowerment, in terms of this gap in digital transformation, in climate change. We would like our continent more attractive for foreign investments. Now we did not exceed 2.5 billion dollars. 2.5 billion dollars, we are not really represented in the world, in the global economy, in this global system, whether it concerns economy, energy transfer, and we need to have this potential. Those are really good points. Sorry? Yeah, those are really good points. Which we will come back to, I think. I want to bring in the minister. Welcome. Thank you so much. Great to have you. here. We’re discussing just as a first question what your expectations and

Bronwen Maddox: hopes are of this year and we’re talking about Africa’s voice in the world and what it can do to get more influence on global governance and global decisions. And talking about this year of the G20, South Africa having a presidency, what

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner: you would like to see emerge from that? Well I think I can concur with what my colleague just said. It’s about seeing how Africa’s voice is amplified, of course, but not just amplified in terms of its audibility and visibility, but also amplified through the structures of, you know, the international architecture that governs the world. And so I come from a country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which basically has the answers to most of the great challenges that the world is going to face. There will be no energy transition without the DRC. There will be no, we are the second and the last lung of the world. And so it’s about seeing how the potential, the resources that Africa brings to the table translates into reshaping that table and making sure that we’re no longer on the menu, but that we’re actually at the table and the ones also, you know, making, taking the decisions. And so we speak about a lot of issues including Security Council reform, Security Council reform which has to go into taking account that African countries matter, that they are the countries where you see the most UN Security Council resolutions materialized through peacekeeping missions. So there’s a wealth of lessons learned from a posture of the DRC in 2025. We are engaging in a year of campaign because we are aspiring to have a non-permanent seat in the Security Council 26-27. And these are very important steps for us where we do not see ourselves as propelling a voice for the DRC, but rather the interest of the African continent and making sure that it is not a temporary fix, but actually a permanent and long-lasting fix that restructures the architecture that we’re all seeking to, you know, influence and operate through. And I’m really interested in the way you put it, that the DRC is essential for this transition that the world is leaning on, and others, but particularly on cobalt and lithium and so on. What would you do with that seat if you get it? Well, again, making sure that we have more equal discussions. As I said, the DRC, of course, has a wealth of resources, a wealth of natural resources. We do not perceive them necessarily only for our welfare, but we perceive ourselves in the aspiration of also pushing the African agenda forward. So with a seat at the Security Council, I think we want to push for some very strategic reflections in the Council, a reflection, for example, on the connection between armed conflict and natural resources. This is something that we are seeing right now in the DRC that we have been living through for decades. We have, last week, the UN group of experts which published a report condemning Rwanda of benefiting over 150 tons of cobalt exploited illegally. And so there is a track record of armed conflict being amplified by the wealth of resources. This is not proper to the DRC. We have seen it in other countries. We have seen it in Sierra Leone, we have seen it in Liberia, two countries who will also be, Liberia is also aspiring to have a seat in 26, 27, Sierra Leone is currently in the Council. And so these are reflections that we need to push forward. We need to push forward reflections on natural resources, climate change, and the juxtaposition with conflict. So these are issues that are at the heart of the African continent, at the heart of the DRC, and where we want to push the Security Council to have these reflections too, and also have past milestone resolutions. Let me just push you on this, because you put it so well. What would you like the Security Council to do? Establish greater accountability, for example, for established… links between natural resource exploitation and conflict. We see in many countries that conflicts are amplified by natural resources. You look at the DRC, you see that there is a lot of talk about clean minerals, but when it comes to actually ascertaining that value chains are indeed clean, when it comes to holding companies accountable, this is where the goodwill starts to fail us. So it’s about putting in place a more robust. I’m really interested in this,

Bronwen Maddox: and I’m moderating a session tomorrow on critical minerals where this will come up particularly, but is it that you would like the Security Council to crack down on the companies, on the armed groups that are abusing us, on governments? I think a multi-pronged approach is necessary, obviously, because armed groups do not exist in a vacuum. They do not exploit natural resources.

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner: They don’t build the mobile phones. They don’t build the EV vehicles. So there are a number of stakeholders. In the case of the DRC, when you look at the M23 armed group, again, the United Nations group of experts has established that it has been benefiting from support for Rwanda. So this is a test case where you can see armed groups being stakeholders in the illicit exploitation of natural resources, which are critical to energy transition. You have states which are backing these armed groups, but you also have off-takers that are using these natural resources in the technology that is so omnipresent. So it’s about seeing how we put in place mechanisms that hold all of these stakeholders accountable, and not just at the starting point and demonize, for example, natural resources from the DRC, and we have to bear, if you want, the bad publicity and the burden of this, whilst at the same time,

Bronwen Maddox: the world is benefiting from our natural resources and from our cobalt and so on and so forth. It’s accountability on all levels and throughout the value chain. So let me ask you all then a second broad question, which is what opportunity… is for African countries, given the rivalry between the U.S. and China. Since Davos began, we have a new president in the U.S., but a lot of rivalry with China, which is trying to cultivate the BRICS. We don’t know yet what will come of the BRICS. Minister Tugger, is there an opportunity for African countries there? Well, I wouldn’t exactly phrase it that way. We’re not looking at it as an opportunity, as if to exploit either side, but… I’m conscious of the vocabulary of rivalry that has come out of Washington in the past 24 hours, but let me put it a different way, of relationships with both.

Yusuf Tuggar: We’re looking to develop, we’re looking to thrive, and most African countries you would find have, even during the Cold War, were non-aligned, okay? And by extension, a country like Nigeria, President Ntunubu’s foreign policy agenda is centered, the fulcrum is strategic autonomy. We want to get along with everyone, and we want to have the right to be able to deal with every country. And just to touch on some of the points that were raised by my colleagues, when you look

Bronwen Maddox: at the United Nations Security Council, by some accounts, as many as 60% of the resolutions have to do with Africa, and yet Africa doesn’t have a permanent seat. So this is something we need to address. We also… That is a really striking number. Yeah.

Yusuf Tuggar: And then we look at some of the ongoing discussions and even decisions, regulations, carbon border adjustment, which is going to have a deleterious effect on African countries, deforestation laws. You look at… supply chain laws, all that seem to, you know, sort of put African countries on the back foot. Because with deforestation law, for instance, the argument is don’t buy anything from African countries that comes from deforested land. And yet, nobody is making the argument to stop the sale of chainsaws and bulldozers to the same African countries. Because that’s what you use to cut down the forest in the first place. So why don’t we tackle that, focus on that, instead of focusing on what is produced from the very soil.

Bronwen Maddox: Welcome, Minister Kisaije. Well done for getting here. Thank you. Sorry for being late. Do not apologize. Because I’m not used to this kind of weather. We are delighted to have you, Finance Minister of Uganda. Thank you. Thank you. We’re discussing at the moment relationships with China, relationships with the U.S. under its new administration, how African countries might position themselves. Let me come first to Minister Naftali. What is your view on this? Is the BRICS a useful gathering for some countries to join? I was about to say in my first intervention that every scope, every framework is welcome for Africa.

Mohamed Ali Nafti: G20, later, probably for the next coming generation, they could enjoy being member of the Security Council. Whatever the scope is suitable to raise the voice of Africa, to bring all these frustrations, feelings. towards our generation, towards the founders of our nations, because they had big ambitions for this continent. And now that we are handling this high position, we are entitled and we have this responsibility on our shoulders, a big burden to play our role in bringing all these issues to the world. We just want to live in perfect harmony with the rest of the world. We have contributed in this tremendous development. You can see it all over the world, in the United States, in Europe, in the Arab world, in Asia, and we are partners. By the way, we should talk about all this partnership being handled between the African country, with the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, United States, Russian. All are welcome whenever they respect our sovereignty, our national sovereignty, our dignity as a human being, and to behave as a real partner, equal partners. That’s what we want. And all the human beings are facing the same challenges. Whether it concerns digital transformation, climate change, shortage of water, education, women empowerment, these are all issues that do concern all the human beings in the world, in the planet.

Bronwen Maddox: Africa should be in the core, in the heart of all these issues. Yeah, thank you very much, Minister Kesaja. Let me bring you into the conversation, Minister of Finance. planning, economic development. We were talking before you came about South Africa having the G20 presidency this year and what opportunities this might give for African countries. And I wondered what you most wanted to see from this year.

Matia Kasaija: Thank you very much. And first of all, good morning. Anything that enhances our programs, particularly development, is welcome. Two, anybody who wants to work for us is welcome. Three, anybody who wants to trade with us, invest but also trade, is also most welcome. I don’t know that I have answered your question. Yes. Yes, you have. And how for you in Uganda, does the new U.S. presidency represent a change? Well, we have got a very good relationship between the United States of America. He has been there before. He has. We have dealt with him before. We shall continue to develop, I mean, to deal with him, as my colleague here was saying, on mutuality, interest. This idea of others are taller, others are shorter, others are darker, others are white, that is not this. We are a human race. Thank you. Thank you, Minister. We have colours simply because on the globe there is nature which is acting. As I said, I have never seen a climate like I have seen this today. If you came now to Uganda you can see also a certain climate, 24 hours from January to January of sunshine and 12 hours of sunshine and 12 hours of darkness. So really the issue is to respect each other and help each other if circumstances are against

Bronwen Maddox: a certain country. All right, thank you for that. I’m going to go to questions now because I think there will be a lot of good questions and we have just 12 minutes, 13 minutes left. I think we have dangling though a question possibly, this is a session about Africa, it is not primarily about Trump, but we have dangling a question about the US’s climate change policies perhaps. Let’s go to questions which are possibly all around. Has anyone got any? I have lots more questions. Right, here is one and let me take two at a time. And if you could stand up please and say who you are.

Audience: Good morning everyone, my name is Mervis from Democratic Republic of Congo. My question is quite simple. Can you speak, hold up the microphone? Yes, actually. My question is quite simple. We have our leaders who represent us actually outside countries and apart from that they represent Africa in all. So how do we move to represent Africa as one if internally we still have, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs says, we still have conflict that some of us are being used against ourselves. How do we move past that? And how do we promote democracy if in the region where you find something, region you have one or two countries who have actually peaceful transfer of power, apart from that you have still people who have more than 20, 30 years in power. Thank you. All right, thank you.

Bronwen Maddox: You’ve got at least two good questions in there, it seems to be. How do you have an African voice with differences between countries and particularly you’ve got a question about democracies versus other countries. Thank you. Is there a second question? If not, we will plunge into that one. And if you’re behind me, please make a dramatic signal. Let’s start. This is an excellent question though, so let’s go into that. Can there be one African voice and what about the significant differences? Is there one in the back? Right. Also, second question.

Audience: All right. Good morning. Global Shaper from Nigeria. I love the idea and the points that the minister from DRC raised. Could you speak up, please? About energy transition and critical minerals, particularly because we’re doing some work, I’m doing some work in the region, trying to clean up the system, drive advocacy for transparency and accountability. But one of the challenges that we’ve faced has often been the lack of data to help support our work. So particularly I would like to know what the government, the government of DRC or the other governments here are doing. you know, to provide access to data or access to information to support CSOs and actors within the area that are also trying to contribute to a change.

Bronwen Maddox: Brilliant, thank you very much. Okay, we’ve got the first question which is about One African Voice and then about differences on democracy and authoritarian governments and then about the energy transition accountability and lack of data. Minister Vagadon, would you like to start?

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner: Sure, with pleasure. And yes, indeed, two very interesting and challenging questions. I will start with the first one. How do we have an African agenda amidst tensions within the continent? How do we have an African agenda also in the context of different levels of democratization and different styles of governance, if we can put it that way? I think what’s important is that at the African Union, we still have guiding principles, we still have our own legacy and it’s about making sure that we have the courage to engage in very uncomfortable conversations at time and also the courage to acknowledge that democracy is a very dynamic concept. And I would want to say an open-ended concept. I think it’s an exploration that every country journeys on, not just in Africa, but we also have seen democracies that we have, considered as established, stable democracies, take different turns and unexpected turns. So we have to give ourselves some room for flexibility and when it comes to the dynamic nature of governance and the dynamic nature of democracy. At the same time, there is a challenge of ensuring there is a complementarity with the principles, with the values of the African Union. And this is where I think we still have some work to do internally. This is where I expect us as African countries to engage in those difficult conversations in a much more open manner. There are a lot of issues, as the Honourable Minister… Indicated that are referred to the United Nations Security Council 60% of the resolutions touch on Africa and yet at the same time at The EU we have the Peace and Security Council of the African Union So I think you know, there is a need to reassess to what extent the complementarity of these instruments is actually being leveraged to its fullest potential Why are we not seeking and finding our solutions within the structures that are in place? So I think it’s about having these conversations that are a bit challenging on the issue of data I think it’s it’s work in progress in the DRC we’re working towards a greater diversification when it comes to the mining sector and not just diverse diversification of Foreign entities that are coming to mind in the DRC, but also a diversification of stakeholders and including a greater You know cooperation with civil society organizations So I would want to say that this is work in progress because we have also seen The added value of associating other stakeholders that are not necessarily driven by the economic gains or by the business side of The extraction of natural resources and this is an ongoing conversation So I think you know, there there is certainly room for improvement but we’re also encompassing a more larger understanding of who are the stakeholders when it comes to critical minerals and Who needs who which voices need to be heard and taken into account?

Bronwen Maddox: Okay, thank you that could be a whole conversation on its own and we’re squeezing into the time

Yusuf Tuggar: There’s another question there if we can get it in minister to go. Well, you see Africa is a diverse continent So because in the same vein you could ask the same of the European Union for instance, they have their challenges They have their differences Hungary is thinking one way We have a situation in Romania, but it doesn’t mean that, you know, the European Union doesn’t exist or in the same vein African continent, African Union, you know, has its own diversity, we’re talking about 54 different countries, and in terms of democracy, democracy is an ideal that we all aspire to, we have our idiosyncrasies as countries, and so we should expect that, so we shouldn’t expect one size fits all template. So what do you think the African Union should aim to be?

Bronwen Maddox: Because the European Union did obviously hammer out rules from which countries like Hungary are saying no, we don’t agree. African Union is already aiming at what it should be, which

Yusuf Tuggar: is one huge market that would engage others. The African continental free trade area is there, because in order to achieve that, we created, to achieve unity, we created the regional economic communities, then the Minister of Foreign Affairs Congo referred to complementarity, so we have complementarity, we have subsidiarity, so that everything comes together at the African Union. It’s a work in progress. With regards to the question that if I asked about minerals, in the case of Nigeria, we are pushing as hard as possible to domesticate some of the processes, like processing of minerals. We don’t want to become simply a net exporter of lithium, which we have a lot of. So we are encouraging our partners, development partners, other countries, to invest in metals refining and processing in Nigeria, so that we expand the supply and value chain, and we employ the huge pool of use that we have. This is how, and this is why we want to… be in the G20. This is why we want to be in the United Nations Security Council. And then we have local domestic programs by the government. We have the presidential artisanal gold mining initiative. We’ve got the solid minerals development fund. So we are coming to the table with funds to cover some of the risk to encourage our partners. So these are some of the things.

Bronwen Maddox: Thank you. Minister Kasaja. We have the one African voice question. Can there be one African voice? What does that mean? And what about differences between countries like on democracy and not having democracy?

Matia Kasaija: How much agreement? Things cannot all come together in a single day. Yes, we do have our differences on the African continent, but also we have got mutuality of interest. Our political leaders, they often meet, at times agree, at times don’t agree. But if you are my neighbor and I disagree, it does not mean that you kill me. The best thing is for us to sit down and see how to sort whatever problem is between us. The unfortunate thing is that the African continent and with our organization, we rarely, first of all these days. We rarely meet, but also we have divergent perspectives. Others want to become democratic, others say no. My take is that as we move, definitely we shall agree. Particularly that we have a problem on the African continent. You know, we are producing children. And these children, they want a good life, they want work, jobs.

Bronwen Maddox: Because of that commonality issue, I can guess that unity will come. Thank you for that. Minister Nafti, you have 30 seconds, I’m afraid.

Mohamed Ali Nafti: What a big challenge, Madam. I should say, obviously we are part of the world. And we do share the same ambitions, the same hope, just like all humankind. Democracy is the same for all the world, when it comes to its principles, its values. But we should think about how to adapt it to the reality in Africa. We have diversity. Diversity is the source of enriching our democracy. When we couple it with sustainable development, with this very high level of conscience towards our new future. generations. Four years ago we have suffered from the pandemic. It showed us how the solidarity has a meaning in difficult time. So we have to keep in mind the spirit of solidarity among all the African countries.

Bronwen Maddox: I’m going to have to, so sadly, but that was a great last line. I’m going to have to because Davos encourages all conversation except when we’ve reached the deadline. So we are going to have to stop there. Apologies to the gentleman who’s going to ask a question which I’m sure was a brilliant one. Thank you all for making it here and thank you everyone for for watching. To be continued. Thank you.

Agreement Points

Africa needs stronger representation in global governance

speakers

– Yusuf Tuggar
РTh̩r̬se Kayikwamba Wagner
– Mohamed Ali Nafti

arguments

Nigeria deserves G20 membership

DRC’s resources are essential for global energy transition

Any framework to raise Africa’s voice is welcome

summary

The speakers agree that African countries need stronger representation in global governance structures to address the continent’s issues and leverage its resources effectively.

Need for accountability in resource exploitation

speakers

РTh̩r̬se Kayikwamba Wagner
– Yusuf Tuggar

arguments

Need accountability for exploitation of resources in conflict zones

Nigeria pushing to process minerals domestically

summary

Both speakers emphasize the importance of responsible resource management and the need for accountability in the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources.

Similar Viewpoints

Both ministers argue that while democratic principles are universal, their implementation should be flexible and adapted to the specific contexts and realities of African countries.

speakers

– Mohamed Ali Nafti
РTh̩r̬se Kayikwamba Wagner

arguments

Democracy principles should be adapted to African realities

Democracy is a dynamic, open-ended concept in Africa

Unexpected Consensus

Openness to diverse partnerships

speakers

– Yusuf Tuggar
– Mohamed Ali Nafti
– Matia Kasaija

arguments

Nigeria pursues strategic autonomy in foreign relations

Africa should be treated as equal partners in resource development

Uganda welcomes cooperation that enhances development

explanation

Despite potential differences in foreign policy approaches, all three ministers express openness to partnerships with various global powers, as long as these partnerships respect African sovereignty and contribute to development.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement include the need for stronger African representation in global governance, responsible resource management, and adapting democratic principles to African contexts. There is also a shared openness to diverse international partnerships that respect African sovereignty and promote development.

Consensus level

The level of consensus among the speakers is moderate to high on broad principles, but with some variations in specific approaches. This consensus suggests a unified African voice on key issues, which could strengthen the continent’s position in global negotiations and governance structures. However, the differences in specific approaches indicate that achieving a fully unified African stance on all issues may remain challenging.

Different Viewpoints

Approach to G20 representation

speakers

– Yusuf Tuggar
– Mohamed Ali Nafti

arguments

Nigeria deserves G20 membership

Any framework to raise Africa’s voice is welcome

summary

While Minister Tuggar specifically argues for Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20, Minister Nafti takes a broader approach, welcoming any framework that amplifies Africa’s voice.

Focus on specific country vs. continent-wide representation

speakers

– Yusuf Tuggar
РTh̩r̬se Kayikwamba Wagner

arguments

Nigeria deserves G20 membership

DRC’s resources are essential for global energy transition

summary

Minister Tuggar emphasizes Nigeria’s specific role and deservingness for G20 membership, while Minister Wagner focuses on the DRC’s importance in the global context without explicitly pushing for specific representation.

Unexpected Differences

Approach to international relations

speakers

– Yusuf Tuggar
– Matia Kasaija

arguments

Nigeria pursues strategic autonomy in foreign relations

Uganda welcomes cooperation that enhances development

explanation

While both ministers discuss international cooperation, Tuggar emphasizes strategic autonomy, which implies a more cautious approach, while Kasaija expresses a more open stance to any cooperation that enhances development. This difference in approach was unexpected given their shared goal of development.

Overall Assessment

summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around approaches to international representation, resource management, and the implementation of democracy in African contexts.

difference_level

The level of disagreement among the speakers is moderate. While there are differences in specific approaches and emphases, there is a general consensus on the need for greater African representation in global governance and the importance of leveraging natural resources for development. These differences reflect the diversity of perspectives within Africa and highlight the challenges in forming a unified African voice on the global stage.

Partial Agreements

All speakers agree on the importance of African countries benefiting from their natural resources, but they differ in their approaches. Tuggar focuses on domestic processing, Wagner emphasizes accountability in conflict zones, and Nafti stresses equal partnerships.

speakers

– Yusuf Tuggar
РTh̩r̬se Kayikwamba Wagner
– Mohamed Ali Nafti

arguments

Nigeria pushing to process minerals domestically

Need accountability for exploitation of resources in conflict zones

Africa should be treated as equal partners in resource development

Both ministers agree that democracy in Africa should be adapted to local contexts, but Wagner emphasizes its dynamic nature, while Nafti focuses on adapting universal principles to African realities.

speakers

РTh̩r̬se Kayikwamba Wagner
– Mohamed Ali Nafti

arguments

Democracy is a dynamic, open-ended concept in Africa

Democracy principles should be adapted to African realities

Similar Viewpoints

Both ministers argue that while democratic principles are universal, their implementation should be flexible and adapted to the specific contexts and realities of African countries.

speakers

– Mohamed Ali Nafti
РTh̩r̬se Kayikwamba Wagner

arguments

Democracy principles should be adapted to African realities

Democracy is a dynamic, open-ended concept in Africa

Key Takeaways

African countries are seeking greater representation and influence in global governance bodies like the G20 and UN Security Council

Africa’s natural resources, especially critical minerals, are vital for the global energy transition but need to be developed sustainably and equitably

There is a need for greater accountability and transparency in resource extraction, particularly in conflict-prone areas

African countries aim to speak with a more unified voice on the global stage while acknowledging their diversity

Democracy and governance in Africa are viewed as evolving concepts that need to be adapted to local realities

African nations seek equal partnerships and respect for sovereignty in their relationships with global powers

Resolutions and Action Items

Nigeria to continue pushing for G20 membership

DRC to campaign for non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2026-2027

African countries to engage in more open discussions about governance challenges within the African Union framework

Nigeria to encourage domestic processing of minerals like lithium

Unresolved Issues

How to effectively unify Africa’s voice given the diversity of governance styles and development levels across the continent

Specific mechanisms to hold stakeholders accountable for illicit resource exploitation in conflict zones

How to improve data availability and transparency in the critical minerals sector

Concrete steps to reform global governance structures like the UN Security Council to increase African representation

Suggested Compromises

Acknowledging the need for flexibility in defining and implementing democracy across different African contexts

Balancing the pursuit of a unified African agenda with respect for individual countries’ sovereignty and interests

Involving a wider range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, in natural resource governance

Nigeria is about the only African country with what you could call a permanent seat in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council. So it’s a natural progression. And we are the ones that can be on that table, given that the G20 was created to look at global financial, economic and financial issues.

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

reason

This comment provides a strong rationale for Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20, highlighting its unique position within Africa and its potential contribution to global economic discussions.

impact

It shifted the conversation to focus on specific arguments for expanding African representation in global forums, particularly Nigeria’s case for G20 membership.

There is a very valid case for utilizing special drawing rights to fund the energy transition in Africa. We need to revert back to the promises made by developed nations to the developing nations during the Rio Earth Summit, I think it was 1992, with regards to transfer of technology.

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

reason

This comment introduces specific policy proposals for addressing Africa’s development needs, connecting historical commitments to current challenges.

impact

It deepened the discussion by moving from general aspirations to concrete policy suggestions, highlighting the importance of financial mechanisms and technology transfer in Africa’s development.

The DRC, of course, has a wealth of resources, a wealth of natural resources. We do not perceive them necessarily only for our welfare, but we perceive ourselves in the aspiration of also pushing the African agenda forward.

speaker

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner

reason

This comment reframes the discussion of natural resources from a national perspective to a continental one, emphasizing collective African interests.

impact

It broadened the conversation from individual country concerns to a more unified African approach, setting the stage for discussing how African countries can leverage their resources for collective benefit.

We need to push forward reflections on natural resources, climate change, and the juxtaposition with conflict. So these are issues that are at the heart of the African continent, at the heart of the DRC, and where we want to push the Security Council to have these reflections too, and also have past milestone resolutions.

speaker

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner

reason

This comment connects multiple critical issues – natural resources, climate change, and conflict – and proposes using international forums like the UN Security Council to address them.

impact

It elevated the discussion to consider how African countries can influence global governance structures to address interconnected challenges, particularly through Security Council reform and resolutions.

You look at some of the ongoing discussions and even decisions, regulations, carbon border adjustment, which is going to have a deleterious effect on African countries, deforestation laws. You look at supply chain laws, all that seem to, you know, sort of put African countries on the back foot.

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

reason

This comment highlights how global environmental and trade policies can negatively impact African countries, challenging the assumption that these policies are universally beneficial.

impact

It introduced a critical perspective on global policies, prompting a more nuanced discussion about the need for African countries to have a voice in shaping these policies to ensure they don’t disadvantage developing nations.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by moving it from general aspirations for African representation in global forums to specific policy proposals and critical analyses of existing global structures. They highlighted the interconnected nature of challenges facing African countries – from resource management and conflict to climate change and economic development. The comments also emphasized the need for African countries to have a unified voice while acknowledging their diversity, and to actively shape global policies rather than simply reacting to them. This led to a more nuanced and action-oriented conversation about Africa’s role in global governance.

How can the G20 be made more representative and democratic for African countries?

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

explanation

This is important to ensure fair representation of African nations in global economic discussions.

How can special drawing rights be utilized to fund energy transition in Africa?

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

explanation

This could provide crucial funding for sustainable development in African countries.

How can promises made by developed nations regarding technology transfer to developing nations be revisited and implemented?

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

explanation

This could help bridge the technological gap between developed and developing nations.

How can global tax reform be made fairer for developing countries?

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

explanation

This could have significant economic implications for African nations.

How can the connection between armed conflict and natural resources be addressed by the UN Security Council?

speaker

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner

explanation

This is crucial for addressing conflicts in resource-rich African countries.

How can accountability be established throughout the value chain for critical minerals?

speaker

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner

explanation

This is important for ensuring fair and ethical practices in mineral extraction and trade.

How can African countries maintain strategic autonomy while navigating relationships with both the U.S. and China?

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

explanation

This is crucial for African countries to maintain independence in foreign policy.

How can the negative effects of carbon border adjustment and deforestation laws on African countries be addressed?

speaker

Yusuf Tuggar

explanation

This is important for ensuring environmental policies don’t unfairly disadvantage African economies.

How can African countries move towards representing Africa as one while addressing internal conflicts?

speaker

Audience member (Mervis from Democratic Republic of Congo)

explanation

This is crucial for presenting a unified African voice on the global stage.

How can democracy be promoted in regions where peaceful transfer of power is rare?

speaker

Audience member (Mervis from Democratic Republic of Congo)

explanation

This is important for improving governance and stability across the continent.

How can governments provide better access to data to support transparency and accountability in the critical minerals sector?

speaker

Audience member (Global Shaper from Nigeria)

explanation

This is crucial for improving governance and reducing corruption in the mining sector.

How can the African Union’s Peace and Security Council be better leveraged to address African security issues?

speaker

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner

explanation

This could reduce reliance on external bodies like the UN Security Council for African security matters.