As world leaders convene in New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), it’s clear that Africa must be at the forefront of global discussions and action. With only six years left to meet the 2030 target for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the international community needs to prioritise accelerating progress in Africa, where development challenges remain most acute.
This year’s UNGA, led by former Cameroonian Prime Minister Philémon Yang as president, offers a pivotal opportunity to amplify African voices and drive meaningful change. The General Debate theme of “Leaving no one behind” could not be more relevant for our continent, where only 6% of measurable SDG targets are on track to meet the 2030 deadline, compared to 16% globally.
The stark reality is that Africa lags significantly behind in key development areas. The average SDG Index score for African countries is 10 points lower than the global average and over 20 points behind OECD nations. Infrastructure and innovation represent the largest gaps between Africa and the rest of the world.
At the highly anticipated Summit of the Future, African priorities must be central to discussions on sustainable development, peace and security, digital access, youth empowerment, and global governance reform.
The demographic trends in Africa underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges. According to the United Nations, Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, accounting for 25% of the world’s population. Even more strikingly, by 2030, young Africans are expected to constitute 42% of the world’s youth.
As we bring together some of Africa’s brightest minds for our invite-only breakfast event, Africa Breakfast Convos,, it’s imperative that African leaders, both political and corporate, rise to the occasion and demonstrate their commitment to driving meaningful change. African leaders must boldly tackle corruption, improve governance, and create an environment that fosters innovation and economic growth. investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure must be prioritised to unlock the continent’s vast potential.
Corporate leaders in Africa must also step up and play a more significant role in addressing societal challenges by leveraging their resources and expertise to drive sustainable development, creating jobs, and promoting responsible business practices. African businesses have a unique opportunity to lead by example and show the world that profit and purpose can go hand in hand.
To the rest of the world, we extend an invitation to partner with Africa in this journey of transformation. Africa’s youthful population, expanding economies, and vast natural resources present unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. By investing in Africa’s potential, global partners can tap into new markets, foster innovation, and contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
