Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for stronger economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between Africa and Latin America, as he addressed leaders at the CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum in Bogotá.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuggar described the gathering as a critical platform for advancing dialogue and partnership between regions of the Global South. He commended Colombian President Gustavo Petro for convening the forum, noting that it comes at a time of growing global uncertainty marked by conflicts and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
“We live in extraordinary times,” the Minister said, warning that global conflicts regardless of geographic distance carry real consequences for developing nations. He urged participating countries to take collective responsibility in shaping outcomes that mitigate global risks and promote shared stability.
Tuggar emphasised that Africa and Latin America must work together to redefine their place in a changing international order, which he described as increasingly fragmented and unequal. He called for a united voice among Global South nations to advocate for fairer systems and more effective partnerships.
Highlighting Nigeria’s priorities, the Minister identified key areas for collaboration, including education, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, and technology. He stressed the importance of leveraging innovation and ensuring inclusion in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, adding that Africa and Latin America must not be “ignored again” in global technological advancements.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international cooperation, referencing the country’s Technical Aid Corps programme, which has deployed skilled professionals to Caribbean nations since 1987. According to him, Nigeria is ready to expand cooperation with CELAC countries across trade, health, culture, and climate resilience.
On economic cooperation, Tuggar pointed to Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest market and highlighted opportunities for investment, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing. He noted that Nigeria is working toward food self-sufficiency, supported by policies that empower farmers and boost fertiliser production, expected to reach 6.5 million tonnes this year.
The Minister further underscored the role of culture and creative industries in strengthening ties between both regions, calling for expanded collaboration in arts, education, digital innovation, and intellectual property.
Addressing global challenges, Tuggar called for joint efforts to tackle climate change, improve healthcare access, and promote technology transfer to developing countries. He also reiterated Nigeria’s position on the repatriation of illicit financial flows and renewed calls for historical reparations, referencing the legacy of slavery and colonialism.
In his closing remarks, Tuggar urged leaders to seize the opportunity presented by the forum to reshape interregional relations and unlock economic potential for mutual prosperity.
The CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum, held from March 20 to 21, 2026, brings together leaders and representatives from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and cultural domains.
Alkasim Abdulkadir
SA Media and Communications Strategy
To The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs
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