United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres renewed his call for Africa to receive permanent representation on the UN Security Council on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Speaking at the ‘Unstoppable Africa 2026 Forum’ on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Guterres said global governance and financial institutions must be reformed to reflect Africa’s population, interests and development needs.
He described the continent as a “double victim of colonialism”, noting that African countries were excluded when major international institutions were established after the Second World War.
Guterres also called for reforms to the international financial system, increased concessional lending, stronger climate adaptation financing and greater support for female entrepreneurs.
He urged African countries to create local value and jobs from their critical minerals instead of exporting raw materials. According to him, Africa’s economy grew by 4.4 per cent in 2025, while trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area is projected to reach $230 billion in 2026.
The UN chief further highlighted the continent’s progress in renewable energy and digital technology and stressed that sustainable economic development depended on peace and political stability.