The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, has articulated Nigeria’s vision for a reformed global engagement with Africa, anchored on sovereignty, strategic autonomy, domestic resource mobilization and bankable infrastructure.
Speaking during the Berlin Global Dialogue 2026 — at the High-Level Panel on “Foreign Policy by Other Means: Trade, Technology, and Geopolitical Power” and the Policy Lab on Infrastructure and Investment — the Minister stated that Africa’s new engagement model was grounded on sovereignty, commitment to African priorities, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
He affirmed Nigeria’s doctrine of Strategic Autonomy: “It allows us a space of action regardless of ideology or political complexion of the various blocs to advance our own national interest, including those of Nigerian companies”, he said.
The Minister insisted that extractive model must end, stressing beneficiation over raw mineral exports. He also underscored the need for sustained attention to Africa’s infrastructure priorities, the advancement of bankable projects, and the development of the technical skills required to support and sustain them.
He noted Africa’s 4.3% average GDP growth rate with an ambition of 7%, and called for the reform of the international credit rating system, while welcoming the establishment of African Credit Rating Agency.
He concluded by urging the mobilisation of long-term capital for Africa’s development agenda and reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, democracy and the rule of law.
