Nigeria Calls for Stronger, More Equitable Africa-Europe Partnership
Nigeria Calls for Stronger, More Equitable Africa-Europe Partnership
Nigeria Calls for Stronger, More Equitable Africa-Europe Partnership
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called for a more strategic, equitable and resilient partnership between Africa and Europe to address growing geopolitical challenges confronting the international community.
The Minister made the call while speaking at Panel Six on Geopolitics during the Portugal EurAfrican Forum 2026, held under the theme, “How Will Africa and Europe Navigate Global Geopolitical Turmoil?”
She said the changing global landscape, marked by armed conflicts, economic fragmentation, terrorism, climate change, food insecurity and disruptions to global supply chains, required stronger cooperation based on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that Africa should no longer be viewed merely through the lens of humanitarian crises or resource extraction, but recognised as a strategic partner with vast human capital, abundant natural resources, expanding markets and significant innovation potential.
She identified four key areas for strengthening Africa-Europe relations, including promoting economic resilience through industrialisation, infrastructure development, technology and value-chain expansion.
Other priorities, she said, include deeper cooperation in peace, security and counter-terrorism; a fairer approach to climate action through increased climate financing and technology transfer; and reforms to global governance institutions to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
The Minister also reiterated Africa’s demand for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.
She reaffirmed that Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda remained focused on strategic engagement, economic diplomacy, regional stability and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Minister further urged Africa to pursue strategic autonomy by engaging international partners from a position of confidence and in line with national and continental interests, rather than being driven by geopolitical rivalries.
Nigeria Calls for Stronger, More Equitable Africa-Europe Partnership
