Secretary-General of the United Nations is António Guterres. Photo UN
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for bold reforms to global political and financial systems, stronger debt relief measures, and fairer access to technology, urging that Africa be given a central role in shaping the world’s future.
He was speaking at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama, where governments, development partners, and the private sector gathered under the theme “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa.”
Established in 1993, TICAD has been Japan’s flagship forum for advancing cooperation with Africa, bringing together international partners to support sustainable development across the continent.
“For more than three decades, TICAD has embodied the spirit of multilateralism grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility and a deep belief in Africa’s potential,” Guterres said.
He described Africa as a continent “poised for progress” with the world’s youngest population, abundant resources, and growing entrepreneurial spirit.
The Secretary-General outlined five priorities for the continent’s future partnership with global actors.
First, he stressed the urgent need to reform global governance institutions to reflect today’s realities.
“Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping the decisions that affect its future,” he said, pointing to the absence of a permanent African member on the UN Security Council as an unacceptable imbalance.
He also described the global financial system as “unjust and unfair,” calling for an overhaul that boosts African representation.
On debt, he warned that “34 countries spend more on debt service than on health and education,” and urged a new approach that expands debt relief, strengthens domestic resource mobilization through tax reforms, and triples the lending capacity of multilateral development banks.
Second, Guterres highlighted the need for investment in sustainable value chains and regional integration.
He said Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials to adding value locally, creating decent jobs, and building resilience through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He underscored Africa’s “energy paradox” — a continent rich in renewable potential but receiving just 2 per cent of global renewable energy investment while 600 million people still lack electricity.
With Africa also home to minerals critical for renewable technologies, Guterres emphasized that “the countries hosting them must be the ones to benefit first and most.”
He also called for closing the digital divide and ensuring inclusive access to emerging technologies. Japan’s technological leadership, he argued, could help African countries develop digital public infrastructure.
“AI must stand for Africa Included,” he said, referencing new proposals to finance artificial intelligence capacity in developing countries.
Fourth, the Secretary-General urged people-centered development, with investment in education, skills, and decent work for young people, particularly in science and technology fields.
He also pressed for women’s full participation in economic, political, and social systems.
Finally, he linked development to peace, warning that progress is impossible without stability. “Sustainable development requires sustainable peace,” he said, backing the African Union’s call to silence the guns and strengthen social cohesion as a way to attract investment.
Concluding his remarks, Guterres said Africa’s future path was already framed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Let’s co-create solutions that can build a future of dignity, opportunity, and peace for all,” he urged.
