At the 17th MEDays Forum, in Tangier, Morocco, President Joseph N. Boakai made a clear appeal for a changed African role on the international scene, saying that the continent could no longer let others dictate its future rather Africa should be a co-author of the new global order.
“The world is changing in ways that are deep, unpredictable, and at times unsettling. The critical question is this: Will Africa remain a spectator while others define the new world order, or will Africa claim its rightful place?” he asked.
Reflecting on history, he warned that although past centuries witnessed Africans forcibly taken from their homeland, today the greater threat is that Africa itself risks being “taken away from Africans” through exploitative systems, externally driven policies, and distorted global narratives.
“This cannot continue. Not if we believe in fairness, dignity, and Africa’s rightful place in the global conversation,” he said.
President Boakai outline four pillars he believes are pivotal for Africa to influence global transformation: geopolitics, security, economic governance, and regional integration emphasizing the need for a unified African voice at global institutions, stronger continental security cooperation, added value to natural resources, and accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“A divided continent cannot influence a divided world,” he cautioned.
He underscored the need for partnerships rooted in shared prosperity, calling for investments and focused on industrialization, ownership, infrastructure, and responsible governance urging Africans to be contributors to global innovation and partners.
He closed with an emphatic proclamation of Africa’s readiness to shape a more just and peaceful world: “Africa is not silent. Africa is speaking. Africa is not waiting. Africa is moving. Africa is not behind. Africa is rising.”
President Boakai extended blessings to Africa, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Amadeus Institute, and the people of Liberia as the forum concluded.
Widely regarded as the “Davos of the Global South,” the MEDays Forum continues to gather global leaders and innovators to address the critical geopolitical, economic, and social issues shaping emerging nations.
