African leaders are in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to discuss the world’s pressing issues, but also cut nation-specific deals to bolster their economies as multilateralism struggles to deliver.
The world’s body marks its 80th anniversary this year, but questions about its relevance in times of crises is overshadowing the celebration. Diplomats are concerned about the raging wars in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The UN itself is facing an internal budget crisis as the United States, its largest donor, cuts financial support.
More than 140 world leaders are set to address the assembly starting Tuesday when the general debate opens, with Donald Trump, the US President, billed to mount the pulpit. His speech marks his first statement to world leaders at the UN since returning to the White House.
On Monday, many world leaders condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Several European nations, including France and Belgium, recognized a Palestinian state during a summit at the General Assembly. This followed similar declarations by Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal on Sunday.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, slated to address world leaders on Friday, criticised the recognition, calling it a blunder by Western nations.
Permanent seat at UN Security Council
Ahead of the general debate, African leaders renewed urgent demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council at the 7th Summit of the African Union Committee of Ten heads in New York on Monday.
The UNSC comprises 15 members, including five permanent and 10 non-permanent member-nations. The five permanent members – the US, UK, Russia, China, and France – can veto a resolution, while the 10 non-permanent members, allocated by region, lack vetoing power.
The current structure has long been criticized for not representing many regions of the world. Critics contend that the increasing use of the veto is inhibiting the council’s functionality.
“Reform of the UNSC is not a matter of convenience, but of necessity, essential for the credibility of multilateralism itself,” said Mahmoud Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union.
The call for inclusion will be a focal point in statements by African leaders when they address the General Assembly.
Many nations have been pushing for reforms of the UNSC council, established in 1946, but the P5 members have been reluctant to consent to the changes, fearing reduced influence.
Tensions in Africa
The wars in Gaza and Ukraine, which have resulted in unprecedented humanitarian crises, are expected to dominate discussions during the high-level week.
Ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the insurgency that has plagued Nigeria and the Sahel region may not receive attention.
However, there will be efforts to patch the strained relations between the Alliance of Sahel States (Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso) and the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), according to some diplomats who wished to remain anonymous.
Relations between Ecowas and the three nations have been tense since the military took power and refused to restore democratic rule. The bloc imposed creeping sanctions and threatened military action, but have since withdrawn these measures.
Countries making deals
Most African nations will host high-level side events to foster global partnerships aimed at attracting investments.
The Corporate Council on Africa, the organizer of the annual US-Africa Business Summit, held a Kenya-US Investment Forum with the Kenya Investment Authority on Monday. The meeting, which had businesses under the Kenyan Private Sector Alliance, seeks to advance economic partnership between Kenya and the United States.
Nigeria, West Africa’s most populous nation, also convened the Nigeria Investment Day 2025 on Monday. The event showcased investment potential in solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology, while highlighting reforms in the Nigerian economy.
With an estimated $24 trillion worth of untapped mineral resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo is seeking investment to tackle its “resource curse.” On Tuesday, the world’s largest cobalt producer will host the “Invest in DR. Congo Ball and Business Roundtable” as it seeks to derive more value from its mineral resources.
The common theme in all these engagements has been to move from the bottom of global value chains through the export of value-added minerals.
Leading the mineral discussions
African leaders will be hosting critical conversations as they strive to maximize benefits from their mineral wealth. The continent hosts substantial critical mineral resources, but producing nations have not reaped the reward from the boom in demand.
The continent is making progress, albeit slowly, towards shaping the future of its mineral wealth.
On Monday, the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) held a high-level roundtable on critical minerals development in Africa alongside the UN General Assembly. The event brought together heads of state, mineral ministers, and major global mining corporations.
Convened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, the invitation-only roundtable discussed aligning policies on value addition, mineral security, and strategic sovereignty to strengthen Africa’s negotiating power.
The forum deliberated on exploring innovative financing models and leveraging technology to ensure the continent’s mineral wealth benefits its 1.5 billion people.
