The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called for a more strategic, equitable and resilient partnership between Africa and Europe to effectively address the growing geopolitical challenges confronting the international community.
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?”, the Honourable Minister stated that the evolving global landscape, characterised by armed conflicts, economic fragmentation, terrorism, climate change, food insecurity and disruptions to global supply chains, demands stronger cooperation built on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that Africa should no longer be viewed solely through the prism of humanitarian crises or resource extraction, but recognised as a strategic partner with immense human capital, abundant natural resources, expanding markets and significant innovation potential.
The Honourable Minister identified four key priorities for strengthening Africa-Europe cooperation: promoting economic resilience through industrialisation, infrastructure, technology and value chain development; enhancing collaboration on peace, security and counter-terrorism; advancing a fair and balanced approach to climate action through increased climate financing and technology transfer; and reforming global governance institutions to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities, including permanent representation for Africa on the United Nations Security Council.
She reaffirmed that Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains anchored on strategic engagement, economic diplomacy, regional stability and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Honourable Minister further emphasised that Africa must pursue strategic autonomy by engaging all international partners from a position of confidence, guided by its national and continental interests rather than geopolitical rivalries.
She concluded by urging both continents to replace dependency with genuine partnership and competition with collaboration, noting that a relationship founded on trust, innovation and shared responsibility would better position Africa and Europe to navigate current geopolitical uncertainties and contribute to a more peaceful, prosperous and inclusive international order.
Signed:
Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Thursday, 16 July 2026
