The recently concluded 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi has renewed attention on the changing global order and the growing influence of emerging economies. Held on 12–13 September, the summit focused on cooperation in areas including trade, finance, artificial intelligence, …
The recently concluded 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi has renewed attention on the changing global order and the growing influence of emerging economies. Held on 12–13 September, the summit focused on cooperation in areas including trade, finance, artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainable development, while also calling for a more representative global governance system.
For Africa, this conversation is particularly important. South Africa remains a key BRICS member, giving the continent an important platform within one of the world's most influential groupings of emerging economies. At the summit, African representation and greater participation of developing countries in global decision-making were among the broader issues surrounding discussions on reforming international institutions.
But having a seat at the table is only the beginning. Africa's ambition should go beyond being represented in global institutions. The continent needs the economic strength, knowledge, innovation and institutional capacity to shape decisions and influence global priorities. Trade agreements, international financial policies, climate commitments and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence increasingly affect African economies and young people's opportunities. The decisions made today will influence the jobs available tomorrow, the technologies Africans can access and the ability of African businesses to compete globally.
This makes economic integration and cooperation particularly important. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can help create larger markets for African businesses, strengthen intra-African trade and improve Africa's position in global value chains. Africa's growing youth population is one of its greatest strategic assets. Yet young people cannot simply be viewed as future leaders. They are already entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, creatives and community leaders. Their participation in global and continental policy discussions therefore matters.
Young Africans need access to quality education, digital and entrepreneurial skills, leadership opportunities and platforms where they can contribute to decisions affecting their future. Strengthening these capacities will help transform Africa's demographic advantage into economic and political influence. The shift from rule-taker to rule-maker ultimately begins with Africa's own capacity. Stronger institutions, quality education, innovation, regional integration and youth leadership are essential if the continent is to negotiate from a position of strength. This aligns closely with the ambition of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want an Africa that is prosperous, integrated, peaceful and influential on the global stage.
The changing global order presents Africa with an important opportunity. The question is no longer simply whether Africa will be present when global decisions are made. It is whether the continent will have the capacity, confidence and collective voice to help shape those decisions.
Africa's future should not only be discussed at global tables. Africa must increasingly help shape the agenda.