Panel at Global Baku forum highlights Africa’s challenges, opportunities

Global leaders and policymakers gathered at the 13th Global Baku Forum for a panel discussion titled “Africa: Today and Tomorrow,” focusing on the continent’s geopolitical, economic, and demographic dynamics, as well as the need for stronger international cooperation.

Speaking at the session, former President of the European Council Charles Michel emphasised the importance of strengthening engagement with African institutions and organizations, pointing out the continent’s diversity and scale, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

“Today, conflicts around the world have created difficulties, and the situation has already taken on a tragic form,” he said.

Former Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat addressed perceptions about Africa’s development trajectory, arguing that the continent should not be left to face its challenges alone.

“Many believe that Africa's future depends on its countries. This is not true. We must support these nations,” he stressed.

Former EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos called for a more balanced and respectful relationship between Africa and its international partners.

“Africa should not be viewed as a colony,” he said. “A strong and comprehensive partnership must be built. Interest groups have entered the region. Africa lacks solidarity. There are gaps in democratic governance. The goal should be development, not division.”

Former UN Special Envoy for Somalia Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah highlighted key demographic and economic statistics to illustrate the continent’s current realities.

“Africa covers 30 million sq. km and has a population of 1.3 billion. That means 51 people per sq. km. Despite this, 34 of the world's 38 least developed countries are in Africa. Africa's share in the global economy is 2%. These figures are important to understand the situation correctly,” he said.

He added that national unity remains a critical challenge: “National unity has become a crucial issue in Africa. One-party systems still exist and are harmful. In today's digital era, colonial-style governance is impossible. Security problems undermine solidarity. Migrant trafficking has turned into a business.”

Hakima El Haite, Vice-President of COP21 and Morocco’s former climate envoy, highlighted Africa’s demographic potential and future opportunities.

“By 2050, one in four people worldwide will be African,” she said. “We discussed opportunities for digital innovation. Despite progress in the past decade, it remains a long process. Africa wants to industrialize and become a producer. With minimal costs, we are trying to change conditions through cooperation.”

El Haite also addressed geopolitical competition on the continent, emphasizing Africa’s agency in choosing its partners.

“I have often heard about the US–China rivalry in Africa, but Africa chooses its own partners. The continent must move forward step by step.”

The panel underscored that while Africa faces significant structural and governance challenges, its demographic growth, digital transformation, and industrial ambitions could reshape its global role in the coming decades.

By Sabina Mammadli