For more than two decades, Africa has been calling for fair representation in global political institutions—most notably, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The demand is simple: the world’s second most populous continent, with over a billion people across 54 countries, deserves a permanent place at the table where major global decisions are made—especially when so many of those decisions concern African affairs.
Yet today, Africa remains without a permanent seat or veto power at the Security Council, even though more than 70% of the Council’s agenda has historically been focused on African issues—ranging from peacekeeping missions to sanctions and conflict resolution. This stark imbalance has led to growing frustration and a renewed call for structural reform.
But as Africa pushes for a stronger voice globally, an important question arises: is the continent truly ready to lead on the world stage? The answer depends as much on internal reform and unity as it does on international recognition.
The Ezulwini Consensus: Africa’s Unified Demand
In 2005, African leaders gathered in Ezulwini, Eswatini, and adopted a historic agreement now known as the Ezulwini Consensus. In this unified position, the African Union (AU) proposed a formula to correct the long-standing marginalization of Africa at the UN: two permanent seats with veto power, and five non-permanent seats, the 2+5 formula, on the Security Council.
The call is grounded in the need to correct what African leaders have called “historical injustices.” When the UN was founded after World War II, Africa was still largely under colonial rule. Its interests were neither represented nor respected in the creation of the post-war world order. Today, with its population expected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050 and its geopolitical importance growing, Africa insists it can no longer be left out of key global decision-making platforms.
The AU’s recent admission as a permanent member of the G20 was a symbolic but significant step in this direction. It suggests that global powers are beginning to recognize Africa’s relevance. However, symbolism must be matched with substance. For Africa to lead globally, it must first confront its own internal challenges.
Challenges at Home: Governance, Security, Development
While Africa has every right to demand inclusion, many of its internal struggles undermine the strength of its external voice. The continent continues to grapple with serious governance and security issues. The resurgence of coups, referred to by the AU as “Unconstitutional Changes of Government,” has shaken political stability in countries like Niger, Mali, and Guinea. Civil wars, insurgencies, and extremist threats remain active in parts of the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and Great Lakes regions.
Meanwhile, piracy, human trafficking, and irregular migration are on the rise. Maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, for example, have become a major international security concern. At the same time, economic instability in many African states continues to push thousands into desperate migration routes, often with tragic consequences.
On the economic front, much of the continent struggles with underdeveloped infrastructure, food insecurity, and limited industrial capacity. Agriculture, which employs the majority of the population, remains largely inefficient and vulnerable to climate change. Manufacturing output is low, and many local markets are overwhelmed by foreign goods, with minimal protection or promotion of domestic industry.
The continent also lags behind in science, technology, and innovation, areas crucial for long-term development and global competitiveness. While there is no shortage of talent, there is a deficit in investment, infrastructure, and coordination to harness that potential.
These are not minor challenges. They are foundational weaknesses that cast doubt on Africa’s readiness to take on permanent, leadership-level responsibility in global affairs.
Agenda 2063 and Institutional Reform
Recognizing the need for transformation, the AU has outlined an ambitious development blueprint—Agenda 2063. It envisions “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.” The plan includes targets for economic growth, infrastructure development, social inclusion, education, and technological innovation.
To support this vision, the AU began internal reforms in 2016 to become a more efficient, transparent, and financially independent institution. These reforms aim to reduce donor dependency, streamline operations, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms among member states. Yet, progress has been slow. Many of the same bureaucratic inefficiencies and political rivalries that have historically plagued the Union continue to limit its effectiveness.
Unity and Representation: A Tough Tuning
One of the thorniest issues in Africa’s UNSC bid is the question of representation. Even if the world agrees to give Africa two permanent seats, which countries would occupy them?
Regional powers like South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt are often mentioned as frontrunners. These countries have relatively larger economies, more stable institutions, and diplomatic influence. Yet their nomination is far from universally accepted. Other nations question whether these “big three” can truly represent the diverse interests of the entire continent. In fact, AU has its own preference which country to nominate.
Unlike the European Union, which has developed mechanisms for collective diplomacy, the AU lacks a clear process for selecting and mandating representatives on behalf of all its members. And given that each African country also has its own foreign policy, economic agenda, and regional alliances, the risk of internal competition is high.
Moreover, there are signs that the global powers currently dominating the Security Council are cherry-picking which “emerging powers” to include. There are countries termed as G4, Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, as four countries supporting each other’s bids for permanent seats on the UNSC.
Africa has garnered supports from countries including the UNSC permanent members such as the US and France. India, Brazil, and South Africa are often named together in reform discussions, hinting at a preference for individual states rather than collective blocs like the AU. This dents Africa’s efforts to speak with a united voice.
The Path Forward: More Than a Seat
There is no question that Africa deserves fairer and meaningful representation at the United Nations and other global bodies. But gaining a seat is not the end goal. The challenge lies in attesting that Africa can lead, not just participate.
But that entails, stronger governance at national and continental levels, genuine unity and consensus on key foreign policy priorities, bold action to address economic inequality and underdevelopment, institutions that are accountable, effective, and rooted in the needs of everyday people.
The AU and its member states must also become closer to their citizens. Continental diplomacy must not be disengaged from domestic realities. Representation in New York or Geneva means diminutive if millions at home remain marginalized, unemployed, or unsafe.
Ultimately, leadership starts from within. Africa’s global ambitions are valid and overdue—but they must be matched by real reforms, tangible results, and a clear demonstration of the continent’s readiness to help shape the future of global peace, security, and development.
Because in the end, representation is not just about having a seat at the table—it is about having the strength, unity, and vision to lead once you are there.
Contributed by Birhanu Fikade
