In 2023, history was made when 54 African nations unanimously backed a resolution urging the UN Security Council to grant permanent representation to Africa. This wasn’t just another symbolic move—it was a bold declaration that the continent is no longer content to be a passive observer on the global stage. Africa at the UN is evolving from presence to power, from participation to influence.
From climate change to global health, peacekeeping to trade, Africa’s fingerprints are increasingly visible on international policies. The world can no longer afford to ignore the continent’s collective stance—and more importantly, Africa is learning how to use its voice effectively. Through strategic coalitions, sharpened negotiation skills, and a renewed focus on African diplomacy, the continent is asserting itself as a key player in shaping global governance.
Resolution Power: Africa’s Strategic Use of Voting Blocs
The African Group at the UN—made up of all 54 African member states—has become one of the most cohesive voting blocs. In 2022, this unity was evident during negotiations on food security, when African nations championed a resolution that framed hunger not just as a humanitarian issue, but a structural global failure exacerbated by unfair trade and climate injustice.
Countries like Kenya and Ghana are taking the lead. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, in a powerful UNGA speech, called for “a new international order where African nations are equal stakeholders, not perpetual aid recipients.” That speech sparked widespread debate and went viral across African digital media.
Behind the scenes, the Africa at the UN dynamic is now driven by seasoned diplomats and policy experts who understand how to translate continental interests into global language—one that resonates across the political spectrum. As highlighted in this UN press release, Africa’s proposals are increasingly gaining traction.
From Peacekeeping to Policymaking: Africa Shaping Global Agendas
For decades, Africa has contributed soldiers to UN peacekeeping missions. Now, it’s contributing policy. In 2021, Nigeria and Ethiopia spearheaded a resolution on youth inclusion in peace processes, directly impacting how future UN missions are structured.
This shift—from implementing to influencing—is a defining feature of African diplomacy in the 21st century. No longer just the subject of UN discussions, African nations are setting agendas on everything from pandemic response to digital rights.
Take Rwanda, for example. Its Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Claver Gatete, has been a vocal advocate for digital inclusion. Thanks to Rwanda’s leadership, the UN adopted a framework that prioritizes affordable internet access as a human right—a big win for Africa’s youthful, mobile-first population.
This evolution was further cemented by the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), which supports African Union-led peace support operations, symbolizing a deeper UN-Africa partnership.
The Push for UN Security Council Reform
Perhaps the loudest and most persistent demand coming from Africa at the UN is for reform of the Security Council. Africa, home to 1.4 billion people, remains without permanent representation—a glaring oversight that many now see as indefensible.
The Common African Position, also known as the Ezulwini Consensus, has long called for at least two permanent seats for African countries with full veto powers. While progress is slow, the pressure is growing.
Support is growing internationally too. The United States has backed this reform, and even the UN Secretary-General has voiced support for permanent African seats by 2026.
South Africa’s recent term on the Council was marked by bold, independent stances—refusing to be drawn into great power rivalries, and instead emphasizing diplomacy and non-alignment. This approach has earned respect and attention, bolstering Africa’s argument that it can bring balance and moral clarity to global decision-making.
Diaspora Diplomacy: African Voices Beyond Borders
The African diaspora is also playing a pivotal role in amplifying Africa at the UN. From Caribbean nations aligning with African-led resolutions to African-American lawmakers pushing for UN reforms, the diaspora acts as an informal but powerful diplomatic bridge.
One striking example: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Kenya’s President William Ruto co-chaired a UN panel on climate financing, advocating for fairer terms for developing nations. Their united front challenged outdated Bretton Woods structures and introduced fresh language around “climate justice”—an African-born concept now central to global talks.
Diaspora influence is not just symbolic. It’s strategic. It shows the depth of African diplomacy—not limited by geography, but united by purpose. For deeper insight into Africa’s evolving UN presence, Amani Africa’s report on the A3 bloc is a valuable read.
Analysis: Opportunities and Challenges in Africa’s Diplomatic Evolution
Africa’s growing influence at the UN reflects deeper structural shifts—but challenges remain.
Opportunities:
-
Demographic Power: With over 60% of its population under 25, Africa has a generational advantage in pushing progressive policies.
-
Coalition Strength: The African Union’s alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda offers a clear roadmap for influence.
-
Moral Authority: Africa’s historical struggles with colonialism and inequality give it credibility in debates on justice, fairness, and reform.
Challenges:
-
Uneven Representation: Not all African nations have the same diplomatic capacity or resources.
-
Internal Divisions: Regional rivalries and political instability can dilute Africa’s unified voice.
-
Limited Access to Decision-Making Circles: Despite strong positions, Africa often lacks a seat at the most critical tables.
Still, the momentum is undeniable. Atlantic Council’s analysis argues that African membership could reshape Council priorities and bring attention to often-neglected crises.
Why This Matters: Africa’s Voice Shapes the Future of Global Governance
The rise of Africa at the UN signals more than a diplomatic shift—it reflects a deeper reckoning with how global systems are structured, and who gets to shape them.
In an age where multilateralism is under strain and geopolitical tensions are rising, Africa brings something increasingly rare: a unifying perspective rooted in shared history, resilience, and the belief that development must be inclusive, not imposed.
Whether it’s pushing for Security Council reform, championing digital equity, or redefining climate justice, Africa is charting a new course. And slowly, the world is listening.
But the question remains: Will the world act—or simply applaud?
