Politics 16 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kampala Geopolitics Conference Spotlights Africa's Role in Global Policy Ahead of G7
The ninth Kampala Geopolitics Conference opened at Makerere University, focusing on elevating Africa's perspectives in international discussions as preparations ramp up for the G7 summit. Experts highlighted funding shortfalls for development and the need for innovative financing amid declining traditional aid. Source: https://observer.ug/news/africas-voice-gains-in-global-debates-takes-centre-stage-at-kampala-geopolitics-conference
The ninth edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference kicked off at Makerere University, emphasizing Africa’s central place in shaping global policy debates before the upcoming G7 summit.
Under the theme ‘The African Dimensions in International Debates,’ this two-day event unites scholars, policymakers, and analysts to explore the continent’s influence amid evolving world dynamics. Organizers expect the outcomes to inform talks at G7 and G20 forums.
UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Leonard Zulu, pointed to severe funding losses for UN agencies—up to $165 million last year—impacting health, education, water, hygiene, and nutrition. He urged shifting to domestic options like pension funds, sovereign wealth, private savings, and diaspora remittances, alongside South-South partnerships and private investments to meet SDGs.
Prof. Nathalie Ferrière observed that while 2023 saw peak Official Development Assistance, much went to Ukraine and refugee costs in donor nations, leaving aid to Africa effectively reduced. She stressed private sector roles in jobs and innovation to bridge gaps.
France’s Ambassador to Uganda, Virginie Leroy, praised the conference’s growth as a key dialogue platform over eight years, noting Uganda’s emergence as a regional hub. She linked the discussions to G7 priorities, with France hosting the summit to tackle imbalances and bolster multilateralism. Africa’s input will shine at the France-Kenya co-hosted Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi in May 2026.
Makerere’s Yusuf Kiranda stressed how global shifts affect Ugandans through higher fuel costs, medicine access, and jobs, calling for African leadership and a permanent secretariat for ongoing impact.
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Anna Reismann highlighted the agenda’s balance of challenges and opportunities to boost African voices globally. Alliance Française’s Loïc Boivin added cultural flair with performances by Tracy Melon and other artists, celebrating Africa-France links.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)