UNGA-80: Africa Speaks, the World Must Listen

By Dr. Michael O. Omoruyi, iNewsAfrica | September 26, 2025

When African leaders gathered in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, they did not come to merely sit in the grand hall and applaud. They came with purpose, clarity, and conviction. This UNGA was not another polite ritual—it was a moment of reckoning, a time to press the world’s conscience and demand overdue justice for Africa’s people.

From Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima to South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, from Kenya’s President William Ruto to Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo, the message was strikingly united: Africa must no longer be on the menu of global decision-making—it must be at the table.

Nigeria – VP Shettima

Nigeria: Breaking Free from Debt Chains

Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking for President Tinubu, warned the assembly of Africa’s crushing debt burdens. He called for a new global financing architecture—one that prioritizes fairness, grants for climate adaptation, and relief that frees nations to invest in their people rather than paying endless interest to creditors.

South Africa – Ramaphosa

South Africa: Trade Justice and Climate Reparations

President Cyril Ramaphosa was blunt: “Trade must never be weaponized.” He demanded an end to unfair barriers, the renewal of AGOA, and real action on loss and damage financing for climate justice. South Africa’s position was clear—if the global system continues to exploit, it risks irrelevance.

Kenya – Ruto

Kenya: A Voice of Reciprocity

President William Ruto pressed for urgency—finalize a U.S.–Kenya trade deal this year and extend AGOA without hesitation. He tied Kenya’s economic demands to its security commitments, reminding the world that Kenya shoulders heavy responsibilities in Haiti and the Great Lakes. If Kenya stands for global peace, the world must stand with Kenya on trade.

Ghana – Mahama

Ghana and Uganda: Financing Development, Sharing Burdens

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana reinforced the need for fair financial systems that allow Africa to grow sustainably, while Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo highlighted the crushing burden of hosting millions of refugees with little global support. Uganda’s call was simple: if Africa carries the humanitarian load, the world must carry it too.

Egypt – Madbouly

Egypt: Diplomacy and Regional Balance

Egypt, represented by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, tied its presence to the region’s most pressing geopolitical flashpoints, particularly the Palestinian question. By aligning itself with peace efforts while signaling domestic reforms, Cairo positioned itself as both a regional power and a responsible actor on the global stage.

A Continental Chorus

Together, these voices carried a common refrain:

• Reform the UN Security Council—Africa deserves permanent seats.

• Finance African Union peace operations with predictable support.

• Deliver climate justice—not loans, but grants and reparations.

• Respect Africa’s role in digital governance, AI, and data sovereignty.

• Recognize the moral weight of history, with 2025 declared the AU’s Year of Reparations.

The World at a Crossroads

UNGA-80 was meant to celebrate 80 years of multilateralism. Yet Africa reminded the world that without inclusion, justice, and reform, the UN risks becoming a hollow symbol. Africa is no longer asking politely; it is asserting. The choice before the world is stark: either listen to Africa or lose Africa’s trust.

For too long, Africa has been the stage where others acted. At UNGA-80, Africa wrote its own script. And this time, the world had no choice but to listen.

✍️ Dr. Michael O. Omoruyi is an author, technologist, and founder of iNewsAfrica. His latest book, “From Grit to Grace,” blends memoir with a call for African reinvention in the 21st century.

From Grit to Grace: A Memoir of Roots, Resilience and Reinvention