ABUJA — Nigeria has called for a more strategic and balanced partnership between Africa and Europe to tackle rising global geopolitical challenges, including conflicts, economic instability and climate change.
The call was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the Portugal EurAfrican Forum 2026, where she stressed the need for cooperation rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility.
The position was contained in a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday and signed by its Spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Speaking on a geopolitics panel themed “How Will Africa and Europe Navigate Global Geopolitical Turmoil?”, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the current global environment requires stronger collaboration to address terrorism, food insecurity and disruptions to supply chains.
“Africa should no longer be viewed solely through the prism of humanitarian crises or resource extraction, but as a strategic partner with vast human and economic potential,” she said.
The minister outlined key priorities for deeper cooperation, including industrialisation, infrastructure development, technology transfer and value chain expansion to boost economic resilience.
She also called for enhanced collaboration on peace and security, a fair approach to climate action with increased financing, and reforms in global governance institutions, including permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strategic engagement and economic diplomacy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Africa must pursue partnerships based on its own interests.
She urged both continents to replace dependency with genuine collaboration, saying a relationship built on trust and innovation would promote global stability and shared prosperity.
