Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Africa for its leadership in reforming global financial institutions originally designed in 1945, highlighting the continent's role in driving debate and crafting solutions like the Pact for the Future and new debt negotiation tools.
He also noted Africa’s contributions to the Sevilla Commitment for expanding multilateral development bank lending and championing climate action, emphasizing that Africa is not waiting for solutions but producing them.
However, Guterres pointed to ongoing systemic challenges, including Africa’s exclusion from permanent seats on the UN Security Council and limited influence in international financial institutions, describing this as a continuation of century-old injustices that disadvantage the world by sidelining African voices.
The Secretary-General warned of a “crisis of solidarity” as official development assistance declines and aid budgets are reduced, even during heightened need. He underscored that Africa, though contributing minimally to climate change, suffers the most severe impacts such as displacement, food insecurity, and economic shocks.
Noting Africa’s significant solar potential—60 percent of the world’s best solar resources—Guterres highlighted the paradox of the continent receiving only 2 percent of clean energy investments. This leaves 600 million Africans without electricity and a billion relying on harmful cooking fuels responsible for approximately 800,000 deaths annually, mainly among women and children.
In his concluding remarks, he stressed the importance of placing Africa at the center of climate justice and ensuring it benefits from the global green energy transition, including the responsible use of its critical mineral reserves.