Nigeria has called for a more strategic, equitable and resilient partnership between Africa and Europe as both continents confront growing geopolitical and economic challenges.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call while speaking during Panel Six on Geopolitics at the Portugal EurAfrican Forum 2026, themed “How Will Africa and Europe Navigate Global Geopolitical Turmoil?”
Addressing participants, the Minister said the current global environment, characterised by armed conflicts, economic fragmentation, terrorism, climate change, food insecurity and disruptions to global supply chains, demands stronger cooperation anchored on mutual respect, shared responsibility and common interests.
She stressed that “Africa should no longer be viewed solely through the lens of humanitarian crises or resource extraction but recognised as a strategic partner with vast human capital, abundant natural resources, expanding markets and growing innovation potential.’
“Africa is not simply a continent in need of assistance; it is a strategic partner with the resources, talent and innovation required to shape global prosperity. Our partnership with Europe must therefore be built on equality, mutual respect and shared responsibility,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The Minister outlined four priority areas for strengthening Africa-Europe relations. They include promoting economic resilience through industrialisation, infrastructure development, technology transfer and value-chain expansion; enhancing cooperation on peace, security and counter-terrorism; advancing a fair climate agenda through increased climate financing and technology transfer; and reforming global governance institutions to reflect present-day realities, including permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed that Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises strategic engagement, economic diplomacy, regional stability and mutually beneficial international partnerships.
She also urged African countries to pursue strategic autonomy by engaging global partners from a position of confidence, guided by national and continental interests rather than geopolitical rivalries.
According to her, “the future of Africa-Europe relations depends on replacing dependency with genuine partnership and competition with collaboration to build a relationship founded on trust, innovation and shared responsibility.”
The Portugal EurAfrican Forum brings together policymakers, business leaders, diplomats and development experts to explore opportunities for deepening cooperation between Africa and Europe amid an increasingly complex global geopolitical landscape.
