What Africa’s Leaders Are Saying and Doing at UNGA80

African leaders delivered powerful messages of economic self-determination during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, demanding fundamental changes to international trade and global systems.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized global trade practices, declaring that “trade is now being used as a weapon against a number of countries,” responding to recent U.S. tariffs. He warned that “geopolitical shocks and unprecedented trade policy volatility are destabilising the global economy”.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu called for African nations to control their mineral resources, ending “the ignoble cycle of exporting rocks and importing finished goods.” He urged African countries to take charge of their cobalt, lithium, and rare earths “as one continental bloc”.

Meanwhile, Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai said his country will use its historic UN Security Council seat to advocate for Africa: “… while the nameplate will read Liberia, the seat belongs to Africa.”

Ramaphosa also addressed climate justice, noting Africa “contributes least to climate change” but “bears the brunt of its effects,” and made strong statements on Gaza, declaring “Israel is committing genocide.”