United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for bold, transformative investments in Africa’s youth and women, emphasizing that the continent holds immense potential to drive global prosperity, if given the right tools and opportunities.
Speaking at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Guterres described Africa as a region rich in promise.
"With the world’s youngest population, abundant natural resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Africa is poised for progress," he said.
This year’s theme, “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, reflects a vision of partnership that Guterres insists is essential for building a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world, within Africa and beyond.
The UN chief underscored the need to amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage, calling current global governance systems outdated and unfair.
"Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping the decisions that affect its future," he stressed.
This includes long-overdue reform of the UN Security Council, where, as Guterres noted, “incredibly, Africa has no permanent member, and other regions remain underrepresented.”
He also criticized the international financial system as “unjust and unfair”, urging an overhaul that includes bold action on debt relief, a critical issue as many African nations struggle with high borrowing costs and limited fiscal space.
Guterres highlighted Africa’s untapped economic potential, emphasizing the importance of adding value to raw materials rather than exporting them in their natural state.
"Africa’s path for prosperity must focus on adding value to its raw materials, creating decent jobs, and building resilience, taking profit of the African Continental Free Trade Area," he said.
He also pointed to the continent’s critical minerals, vital for powering renewable technologies, as a key opportunity.
"The countries hosting them must be the ones to benefit first and most, while adding value to local and global value chains," Guterres asserted.
Calling technology a game-changer, Guterres urged African nations to embrace digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) as engines for development.
"Japan’s technological leadership can help close the digital divide, and ensure that technology helps African countries catch up, with adequate digital public infrastructure, rather than being left behind," he noted.
Africa’s demographic advantage, its youthful population, was central to Guterres’ message.
"Young people are the builders of Africa’s future," he said, stressing the need to invest in their education and skills, particularly in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
He also made a strong appeal for gender equality:
"Let us invest in women’s full participation across economies, societies, and political systems."
Closing his address, the UN Secretary-General drew a clear link between peace and prosperity.
"Sustainable development requires sustainable peace," he said.
This, he explained, means ending conflicts and violence, “silencing the guns as the African Union clearly points out,” and strengthening social cohesion to attract investment and business to Africa.
Guterres’ call at TICAD9 echoes a growing consensus: Africa’s future is not only Africa’s, it is a global imperative.
But realizing this vision will require inclusive reforms, bold investments, and partnerships that prioritize people, peace, and progress.