The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has praised the close cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa for establishing a powerful platform that ensures African priorities are effectively represented in global decision-making. Varsha Redkar-Palepu, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative – Programme, made these comments during the G20-Africa outreach meeting on industrialisation and agriculture held in Abuja.
The event, hosted by the South African High Commission in Nigeria ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, emphasized Africa’s commitment to shared prosperity and global solidarity under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. Redkar-Palepu highlighted the African Union’s permanent seat at the G20 as a historic step that institutionalizes Africa’s voice at the global economic table.
She identified agriculture as Africa’s economic backbone, employing half the labor force and contributing about a quarter of GDP, but noted the continent largely exports raw commodities while importing high-value food. Redkar-Palepu stressed the inseparable link between industrialisation and modernised agriculture for Africa’s progress, calling for global financial reforms to unlock Africa’s natural wealth sustainably.
With Nigeria hosting key sessions and active involvement from government ministers, the meeting symbolises renewed solidarity and ambition for Africa’s inclusive and sustainable development.
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