By Ruth Momodu
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday renewed calls for permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council, describing the continent’s exclusion as a historic injustice that must be corrected.
Guterres spoke at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron.
The summit, themed “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” brought together more than 30 African leaders, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to discuss economic cooperation, technology, energy transition, global governance and reforms of international institutions.
Addressing participants, Guterres criticised global systems established more than eight decades ago, arguing that they no longer reflect Africa’s growing population, economic potential and geopolitical relevance.
“There will be no justice until there are permanent African members on the Security Council,” he said.
The UN chief also condemned the high borrowing costs imposed on African countries, saying the continent continues to be unfairly labelled as high-risk by international financial institutions.
He further decried delays in climate financing for African nations despite their relatively low carbon emissions and called for reforms in global financial institutions to make development funding more accessible.
On security issues, Guterres raised concerns over the ongoing crisis in Sudan, warning that civilians were paying a heavy price for the conflict.
He called for an immediate ceasefire and a civilian-led political transition driven by the Sudanese people.
President Ruto, in his remarks, declared that Africa was no longer seeking aid or charity but equitable investment partnerships capable of driving sustainable development across the continent.
According to him, Africa should be seen as a continent of opportunities and solutions rather than dependence.
“Africa wants investment and equal partnership, not aid,” the Kenyan leader stated.
Ruto also criticised the perception of African economies as high-risk destinations, saying such narratives discourage investment and limit growth opportunities.
President Macron, meanwhile, advocated stronger strategic cooperation between Africa and Europe to reduce dependence on major global powers such as the United States and China in areas including technology, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
He said Africa and Europe must work together to build economic and technological independence.
Macron announced plans to establish 50 additional Orange Digital Centres across Africa aimed at training one million young people in digital skills by 2030.
The French President also declared an end to the era of “Françafrique,” a term historically associated with France’s political and economic dominance in its former African colonies.
According to him, relations between France and Africa must now be based on mutual respect, partnership and shared development goals rather than paternalism.
Macron further pledged continued French support for investments in technology and energy while reaffirming France’s commitment to returning looted African artworks through new legislation.
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