On Monday, November 24 2025, Africa’s leaders have renewed their demand for permanent representation on the UN Security Council and more equitable participation in global financial institutions, using the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda as a platform to call for sweeping reforms to the international system.
African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the continent faces mounting political, security and development pressures, at a time when global governance structures are strained by conflict, terrorism and geopolitical rivalries.
He warned that Africa cannot thrive under a system in which the World Trade Organization is weakened and the UN Security Council paralysed by competing interests among major powers. Reaffirming the Ezulwini Consensus, he urged recognition of Africa’s right to a permanent seat and pressed Europe to support reforms that would lower Africa’s capital costs, widen access to financing and foster balanced trade partnerships.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the world’s shift toward multipolarity is not inherently stabilising, calling for strong multilateral institutions to prevent the mistakes of past eras. He said Europe–Africa cooperation could help correct historical injustices, including by supporting permanent African representation on the Security Council and boosting funding for AU-led peace operations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, pushed for deeper investment in African industries, renewable energy and value chains, stressing that Europe’s model prioritises job creation, local capacity and sustainable growth. Angolan President João Lourenço, chair of the African Union, called for fairer debt restructuring and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure African countries can invest in development without being overwhelmed by unsustainable debt.