By Henry Uche
Former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations and 74th President of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, has called for a renewed continental focus on self-reliance, democratic governance adapted to African contexts, and long-term investments in education, science, and innovation.
The former president of the UN General Assembly, who delivered the keynote address on Africa Day 2025 (virtual session), presented a forward-looking vision for the continent’s future, emphasising Africa’s vital place in shaping the global order, hence the need to promote the image of Africa as a key contributor to global development.
Put together by Belcrest Institute, USA, with the theme “Africa Rising: Innovation, Heritage, and Hope”, Muhammad-Bande said, “Africa is not a passive participant in global affairs. We are contributors to world civilisations—past, present, and future.”
The don, who emphasised the importance of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development, critically highlighted the central role of Africa’s youth and the need to equip new generations to lead in sectors ranging from agriculture and health to climate resilience and diplomacy.
Africa’s vast human capital, he noted, must be conscientiously empowered to drive structural transformation and global engagement on equal terms.
Addressing topical issues like democracy, migration, population growth, regional peace, and security, the diplomat said, “Migration is not alien to Africa. The real task is to build systems that make staying as viable and rewarding as going.”
On conflict and governance, the scholar pointed to the ongoing crisis in Sudan, advocating for stronger, more coordinated interventions by the African Union and regional partners, as the political scientist reaffirms the need for Africa to shape global responses to climate change and public health in line with its own realities and priorities.
The Africa Day Forum 2025, hosted by the Belcrest Institute, forms part of the Institute’s mission to spotlight Africa’s evolving role in global discourse. This year’s event marked a renewed call to view Africa not just as a continent of challenges, but as a wellspring of innovation, culture, and potential.
The forum brought together participants from across Africa and the global diaspora to reflect on the continent’s achievements, potential, and strategic pathways.
On her part, the Co-Founder of Belcrest Institute, Joi John, assured that the group hopes to celebrate a continent that is not only rich in culture and history, but one that is fast becoming a global force in innovation, enterprise, and human potential. “In the first segment, we watched presentations celebrating the beauty of African culture.
“Africa is writing a new narrative. One defined not by what it lacks, but by what it holds (unmatched natural wealth, a tech-savvy youth population, and an emerging marketplace that is attracting the world’s attention).
“Africa is home to over 1.4 billion people, 54 countries, 2,000 languages. A population projected to double by 2050, the largest free trade area in the world.”
Joi John believes that Africa is indeed on the rise; from green energy in Kenya to fintech in Nigeria, agritech in Rwanda to creative economies in South Africa. “Africa is not waiting to be discovered, it is actively building its own future,” she added.