Stakeholders discuss Africa’s relevance on global stage at NIIA-Czech embassy dialogue

Stakeholders have emphasised the need for the African continent to maintain a leading role and status of relevance in the international arena.

The discourse on Africa’s role in the international scene formed the crux of an event which took place in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday.

The event was organised by the embassy of the Czech Republic in Nigeria and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

The dialogue — attended by embassy officials, academia, media practitioners and government officials — was titled ‘Africa in the International Arena and the Search for Relevance’.

In his opening remarks, Osaghae Eghosa, director of NIIA, said the debate was organised to put Africa in the “proper” perspective on the global stage.

Eghosa said Africa points to the future of the global system, adding that there is no way the world can move forward without the continent.

Zdenek Krejci, ambassador of the Czech Republic to Nigeria, said the embassy is organising debates on the African conversation in three geo-political zones.

Krejci said the Czech embassy hopes that the conversations will spur new perspectives on the role of Africa on the international stage.

On her part, Adesuwa Eradiawu, a researcher and one of the panellists, said despite the challenges facing Africa, the scramble for the continent is intensifying.

Eradiawu said there must be a reason for the continuous scramble for Africa, adding that the continent has a “potential role” on the global stage.

On his part, David Aworawo, a professor, argued that Africa must present itself as a “unit” when dealing with the rest of the world.

The professor made a case for the “solidarity norm”, saying many African countries are “too weak and marginal” in the international arena.

“Africa fought colonialism and racism and succeeded in breaking South Africa from the clutches of apartheid,” he said.

“Africa achieved these when the entire continent approached the global system as a whole.

“When Africa had the solidarity norm, they achieved a lot in the global system. This is what Africa should do at this time.”

On his part, Jan Zahorik, a professor, said industrialisation is the key to Africa becoming a major player internationally.

Zahorik said industrialisation will also help to solve some of the problems bedevilling the continent.

The panel discussion was moderated by Femi Otubanjo, a professor.

Below are more photos from the event.