The Africa Political Outlook Summit concluded its third edition in Brussels last week, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s growing influence over global governance reforms.
Under the dynamic theme “New South, Old World,” the summit gathered senior policymakers, business leaders, and international institutions to debate Africa’s expanding role in the reshaping of the global order. The conference emphasised that Africa is no longer a passive player but an architect of change, leading discussions on sovereignty, innovation, and governance.
In his opening address, H.E. Moses Vilakati, representing African Union Commission President H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, stated, “Africa is not merely adapting to global transformations; we are actively shaping them.” This sentiment set the tone for the Africa Political Outlook Summit, underlining the continent’s potential to tackle global food security challenges through innovation and development.
Throughout the summit, the call for an overhaul of the international financial architecture resonated strongly. Camilla Brückner, Director of the UNDP Brussels Office, highlighted that only 17% of Sustainable Development Goals are on track, urging a shift towards innovative financing mechanisms. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, criticised the persistent inequalities within global financial institutions. Despite comprising 75% of membership in organisations like the IMF, developing nations hold merely 37% of voting rights—a disparity she described as a tangible obstacle to meaningful reform.
A major highlight of the Africa Political Outlook Summit was the focus on Africa’s “Great Green Leap”—a triple transformation towards agricultural sovereignty, energy transition, and sustainable industrialisation. Ambassador Al-Moustafa Kouyateh presented Liberia’s National Agricultural Fund, a promising model uniting farmers, investors, and public resources to drive food self-sufficiency. Transitioning from dependency to resilience featured prominently, with leaders underscoring the urgent need for Africa to harness its vast resources and potential.
Speakers also called for a paradigm shift in North-South relations. Papa Amadou Sarr, from the French Development Agency, stressed that Europe must “invest, invest, invest” rather than continue outdated donor-recipient dynamics. The Global Gateway initiative, aiming to mobilise €150 billion through public-private partnerships, was showcased as an instrument to drive sustainable infrastructure growth across Africa. Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament, reinforced this narrative, calling Africa “a geopolitical power in the making.”
Artificial intelligence also captured attention at the Africa Political Outlook Summit. Samson Itodo from Yiaga Africa highlighted how grassroots AI initiatives are improving governance, while Ambassador Bitenge Ndemo urged the continent to fast-track AI adoption. In sectors like health, agriculture, and education, AI is already demonstrating transformative impacts, further validating Africa’s emerging technological potential.
The event concluded with the Africa Political Outlook Prize for Leadership, Governance & Impact. This year’s laureates—Myriam Dossou d’Almeida, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and Jean-Yves Ollivier—embody the values of peacebuilding, inclusive prosperity, and transformative leadership. Their recognition at the Africa Political Outlook Summit sent a powerful message: Africa’s leaders are driving real change, not just within their nations but on the global stage.
As the Giant South asserts itself, the Africa Political Outlook Summit made one reality clear: Africa is stepping forward, not only to claim its place but to lead the charge for a rebalanced, equitable global order.
Further Africa
