NNA News - Africa is expected to play an increasingly influential role in the evolving global economic order as the world moves towards greater multipolarity, African Development Bank (AfDB) Chief Economist and Vice President Kevin Chika Urama told the media.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 African Economic Conference in Abidjan, Urama said Africa's natural resources, growing population and economic potential position the continent to play a greater role in global economic governance. "As more countries participate in global governance, we are going to have more inclusive and greater options for countries to decide on partnerships, on trade relations, and on other things," Urama told the media.

The African Economic Conference, held from 10 to 12 July under the theme Strengthening Africa's Geopolitical Agency and Trade Resilience in a Multipolar World, brought together researchers, policymakers and representatives of regional and international organisations to examine Africa's place in a changing global economy. Urama said the rise of emerging economies was contributing to a more multipolar global economic system, creating new opportunities for African countries to strengthen their geopolitical agency and diversify international partnerships.

He noted that the African Development Bank, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), used the conference to explore how Africa could strengthen its position within the evolving international landscape. According to Urama, Africa's extensive natural resources give the continent significant strategic importance. He said Africa is home to between 60% and 65% of the world's remaining arable land, positioning it as a key contributor to future global food security.

The continent also holds around 30% of the world's mineral reserves and possesses substantial renewable energy potential, making it increasingly important to global industrial development and the energy transition. "So this continent has a great voice, a great opportunity to help shape the global economic order," Urama told the media.

He also identified Africa's demographic profile as one of its greatest long-term advantages. Urama said Africa's population is projected to reach approximately 2.5 billion by 2050, with more than 60% of its population expected to be young. "We have a young, growing population in Africa. So whether you are talking about human capital, or you are talking about natural capital ... Africa has a great role to play in this new global economic order," he said.

He said the combination of human capital, natural resources and expanding economic opportunities positions Africa to play a more prominent role in shaping future global trade, investment and economic governance.