Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has told global leaders at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York that Africa holds the future of the world.
Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, September 25, 2025 in New York, President Mahama emphasised Africa’s growing significance, noting that the continent is projected to account for a quarter of the world’s population by 2050.
This demographic shift, he argued, makes Africa a force to be reckoned with in global decision-making.
President Mahama highlighted the historical marginalisation of Africa in global affairs, particularly during the formation of the United Nations.
He pointed out that out of the 42 founding member states of the League of Nations, only three were African: Liberia, the Union of South Africa, and Ethiopia, with Egypt jo ining later in 1937. He attributed this limited representation to the continent’s colonisation, referencing the 1884 Berlin discussions that led to Africa’s partitioning.
“Out of the 42 founding member states of the League of Nations, only three were African: Liberia, the Union of South Africa, and Ethiopia. Egypt joined later in 1937. Africa’s overall participation in the organisation’s founding was minimal and relatively unimportant,” President Mahama stated.
He continued, “It has famously been written that ‘past is prologue.’ Well, in the past, the majority of the 54 nations that now comprise Africa were never offered a seat at the table where plans for a new World Order were being drawn.”
However, President Mahama emphasised that Africa’s role in shaping the future is set to be significant. “As fate would have it, the tables have turned, and Africa’s role in the authorship of whatever is yet to come for this world will be huge, and it will be consequential,” he said.
Citing the UN’s own projections, President Mahama noted, “By the year 2050, more than 25% of the world’s population is expected to come from the African continent.”
Given this demographic reality, he renewed the call for Africa to be granted a permanent voice at the UN Security Council, reinforcing its critical role in global decision-making.
“Additionally, by 2050, one-third of all young people, aged 15 to 24, will be residing on the African continent. So, you see, the future is African. Allow me to say this once again, a little louder for the people in the back. The future is African!” he reemphasised.
The President’s statement underscores the need for a more inclusive and representative global governance structure, acknowledging Africa’s growing influence in shaping the world’s future.
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