United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, saying the continent should have a greater role in global decision-making.
Guterres made the call in New York during the fifth annual Global Africa Business Initiative, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The UN chief also called for an end to the exploitation of Africa’s mineral resources, urging countries on the continent to process critical minerals locally instead of exporting them primarily as raw materials.
He said Africa’s natural resources should generate local value, create decent jobs and contribute more directly to economic development across the continent.
Guterres argued that Africa’s growing economic importance should be matched by stronger representation in global institutions.
He said the continent needs permanent seats on the UN Security Council to enable African countries to contribute more directly to decisions affecting international peace and security.
The Security Council currently has 15 members, including five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — which hold veto powers. Africa currently has no permanent seat.
Guterres described Africa as having been disadvantaged by the structure of international institutions created after the Second World War, noting that most African countries were not independent when those institutions were established.
He also called for reforms to international financial institutions, arguing that the global financial system should better reflect the interests and development needs of developing countries.
According to Guterres, Africa has significant economic potential, including about 30 per cent of the world’s mineral resources and around 60 per cent of its solar-energy potential.
He also highlighted the continent’s growing labour force, expanding fintech industry and increasing trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Guterres said Africa’s economy grew by 4.4 per cent in 2025 despite conflicts and wider economic challenges, while trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to reach about $230 billion in 2026.
He urged African countries to use the changing global economic environment to move from dependence on raw-material exports towards local processing and manufacturing.
The UN Secretary-General’s comments come as African countries continue to push for reforms of the Security Council and greater representation in international institutions.
Nigeria is among the African countries advocating permanent representation for the continent, with the Federal Government expected to renew its campaign for Security Council reform during the 81st UN General Assembly.
