In the dynamic arena of global geopolitics, Nigerians must shed the illusion that their country has to pick sides between BRICS and the G7. Rather than viewing these blocs as mutually exclusive, Nigeria should boldly pursue a dual-engagement strategy that taps into the opportunities offered by both. It is not a matter of ‘either-or’ but ‘both-and’. This is a strategic move that reflects Nigeria’s aspirations as a global player.
BRICS vs G7 is a false dichotomy
It is true that China, a key BRICS member, has invested heavily in Nigeria’s industrial sector. This is particularly visible in the Ogun, Ota, Lagos, and Badagry axis, among other locations. These visible investments often overshadow Western contributions, which tend to be more subtle and regulatory-focused. But raw investment volumes do not tell the whole story. Many Chinese investments come with challenges. Take debt sustainability as example. Limited local job creation remains an issue. We cannot ignore environmental concerns either. Meanwhile, G7-linked initiatives often support democratic institutions, capacity building, and regulatory reforms that are less visible but equally essential for long-term development.
Currency Policy and the Sovereignty Debate
Yes, Bretton Woods institutions influenced by G7 powers often push currency devaluation policies in emerging economies, including Nigeria. But it would be simplistic to attribute Nigeria’s economic struggles solely to G7 influence. Macroeconomic mismanagement at home plays a major role. It is also worth noting that BRICS institutions like the New Development Bank have not exactly rushed to fill Nigeria’s financing gaps. Neither bloc is altruistic. Both run based on interest. Those rooting for Nigeria should assume the responsibility of strategically aligning their interests with those of Nigeria.
Non-Alignment 2.0: Nigeria’s Diplomatic Playbook
Nigeria must take a cue from fellow emerging powers like India and South Africa who engage both BRICS and G7 with calculated pragmatism. This is not fence-sitting. It is strategic positioning in a multipolar world. Nigeria’s influence must be exercised in multiple fora. The country must use BRICS to assert African agency while using G7 platforms to strengthen ties with traditional powers and access advanced technology, finance, and markets. And this brings me to the issue of strategic engagement as opposed to selective alignment.
Frustration with the G7 is understandable. However, disengagement is not a strategy. Nor is blind faith in BRICS a silver bullet. Nigeria must evolve from being a passive recipient of foreign policy to becoming a confident global actor. The future lies not in choosing sides, but in choosing strategy.
That is why I stand by my position: Nigeria needs BRICS and G7. This is not naivety; it is geopolitical maturity. Let us play the global game with clarity, courage, and conviction.
Rumours, if credible, can be as disruptive as confirmed facts. The reported leaked memo from the office of the United States Secretary of State lists Nigeria among 36 countries. These countries are facing potential visa bans. This situation is more than just a footnote in foreign policy gossip. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and a long-standing regional partner of the United States. The implications of such a policy shift for Nigeria demand urgent reflection. It requires thoughtful consideration, not emotional retaliation.
Visa bans are often dressed in national security or immigration control rhetoric. They are rarely about the individuals they directly affect. They send broader geopolitical signals. They declare who is in favour, who is out of step, and who must fall in line. If Nigeria is indeed being placed on the punitive side of US immigration policy once again, Nigeria should consider retaliation. Retaliation is understandable. The temptation to act swiftly and visibly can be strong. At least a prominent former Senator of Nigeria has spoken out in favour of a reciprocal action. But as any seasoned strategist will suggest, in global affairs, the wiser path is often the one less shouted about.
Sovereignty Yes, But Not Symbolism Reciprocity in diplomacy is a legitimate tool. It affirms sovereignty. It insists on dignity. It sends a message across that not even the most powerful political figure on earth can bully Nigeria. It may also satisfy public sentiment demanding strong national posture. We get all of that. But when the scales of influence and dependence are unbalanced, they do not favor Nigeria. The relationship is unequal between Nigeria and the United States. A tit-for-tat visa ban on American citizens is unlikely to sting Washington. It is more likely to hurt Abuja. Few US citizens seek Nigerian visas. In contrast, countless Nigerians have lives, careers, and dreams intertwined with the United States. Moreover, let us candidly face the factual reality here. Nigeria’s ability for effective enforcement of such a retaliatory visa ban is questionable. The gesture would be symbolic at best. Yet, symbolism without strategic depth is mere posturing.
The Case for Strategic Recalibration Nigeria’s smarter play lies in recalibrating, not retaliating. That begins with a high-level diplomatic engagement. The Nigerian government must seek immediate clarification from its American counterpart. Not through megaphones, but through mature, backchannel diplomacy. If Nigeria’s inclusion stems from concerns over security or documentation issues, those are areas Nigeria can and should improve. By doing so, it is not to appease Washington. It is to safeguard its global reputation. The good news is that it is already happening. The biometric visa regime is now operational in Nigeria. It has been implemented for over a decade. If the United States is unaware, show it to them. If they are ignoring such positive development, condemn their attitude. The Nigerian American relationship spans decades of military cooperation, economic engagement, and people-to-people ties. These levers of engagement can be subtly recalibrated. For instance, Nigeria may signal a review of its participation in certain bilateral military or counterterrorism collaborations. This is not to jeopardize regional security, but to remind its partners that relationships must be rooted in mutual respect.
Similarly, Nigeria must start playing the long game by diversifying its alliances. The world is shifting into a multipolar order. The time has come for Nigeria to deepen strategic partnerships. This includes not just the West but also emerging powers like India, Brazil, and China. Nigeria must also strengthen regional solidarity within the African Union and ECOWAS. We applaud the current administration for its intentional shuttle diplomacy. Many applaud because its value in deepening and diversifying strategic partnerships is unquantifiable.
A Wake-Up Call for Domestic Reform This episode, whether real or rumoured, must also serve as a mirror for introspection. If Nigeria is perceived globally as a migration or security risk, then its internal systems of governance need urgent reform. The documentation processes also need immediate improvement. Additionally, Nigeria’s diplomacy efforts must be reformed without delay. The Nigerian Immigration Service must upgrade its capacities. The diplomatic missions must engage in proactive image-building. The Diaspora is Nigeria’s most powerful soft power asset. It must be genuinely mobilised to advocate for access. It must also promote fairness and respect in host countries. Let it be clear: Nigeria’s Diaspora remits over $20 billion annually, fuels innovation, and builds bridges of understanding between nations. If that is not strategic capital, what is?
Leverage Multilateral and Regional Platforms
Though it delivers no immediate advantage, Nigeria should see this as a chance to enhance its moral and diplomatic leverage. This is ideal for long-term strategy but not enough as an immediate reciprocal action. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as current rotational Chairman of ECOWAS must call a regional dialogue on Western immigration policies. It could consider raising concerns at the African Union (AU): to foster collective African response or solidarity. It must also investigate if the visa ban affects businesspersons and violates trade facilitation principles. If infractions can be proven, Nigeria must consider making a formal representation to the United Nations (UN). It should also consider addressing the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Putting Nigeria First, Always In this moment, the real challenge is not America’s rumoured decision, but Nigeria’s response. Do we rise to the occasion with maturity, or stumble into the trap of populist chest-thumping? A reciprocal action must not be equal in method but equal in meaning. And the most meaningful message Nigeria can send is this: we are not just a recipient of global policy. We shape global policy. We will act not out of wounded pride but strategic necessity. We will not match bluster for bluster but build the global stature that makes future slights diplomatically unthinkable.
As the world watches, Nigeria must show that it chooses strategy over spite. It opts for reform over revenge. It prioritizes leadership over lamentation. That is the reciprocity that matters most.
The powerful new single from Dlarge: WORK is out now. WORK speaks to the heart of perseverance and determination.
With a captivating beat, soaring melody, and inspiring lyrics, “WORK” delivers an energetic and uplifting vibe that resonates with listeners everywhere. Dlarge’s emotive vocals bring each word to life, making the message of resilience and hope both authentic and relatable.
This is more than just a song – it’s an anthem for anyone who’s faced adversity and come out stronger. Whether you’re grinding toward your goals or overcoming obstacles, “WORK” is the motivation you need.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (1938–2025), one of Africa’s greatest literary minds and cultural visionaries, passed away today. His life’s work spanned fiction, theatre, political essay, and linguistic activism. It ignited generations and challenged empires. It gave voice to the silenced. In this ode, I reflect on his immortal legacy. Not as one who has died, but one who has transitioned into eternity.
The ink has not dried not on the pages of Petals of Blood, not in the margins of Decolonising the Mind, not in the hearts of those who first found themselves in your mother tongue.
Ngũgĩ, son of Kikuyu soil, you did not merely author stories you planted revolutions in syllables, sharpened consciences with prose, and made the pen a machete for the soul’s liberation.
Where others translated their hearts into foreign scripts, you reversed Babel with courage casting off colonial tongues and choosing Kikuyu, as one would choose to speak to God in the language of their mother.
You taught us that language is not neutral, that stories are not innocent, and that to write is to resist to breathe in captivity and still sing.
The prison could not silence you. The exile could not erase you. The critics could not define you. You were, always, your own genre a continent compressed into a single mind, a library walking barefoot among villagers, reading futures aloud in the marketplaces of the poor.
We read your fiction in our youth, awed by Weep Not, Child the sorrowed laughter of a betrayed generation. We taught your truths in Omu in Igbuzo to young minds, hoping they too would dream in African syntax, think in ancestral rhythms, and refuse to be ghosts in their own lands,
And we are greeted here and there with the outcomes.
Now they say you are gone. But Ngũgĩ, those who write with eternity in their quills do not die.
You have merely crossed over into that sacred place where Achebe drums, where Biko reasons, where Sankara strategizes, and Lumumba speaks unfiltered.
Your books stay open. Your thoughts are still breathing. Your mission unfinished but unstoppable.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, may your spirit now rest in the arms of ancestors who understand the weight you carried and the fire you lit.
And may we who remain, scribble in your shadow, write in your wake, and live the truths you dared to name.
You are not gone. You have merely become one with the story.
Today is Children’s Day, your day. Growing up in the 70s in Nigeria, it used to be a day filled with laughter. It was a time of celebration and the limitless dreams of our young minds. I am not sure if that is still the case with you. I sit far away in the Diaspora. From here, I think of you, beloved and beautiful children across our great nation. This, with a heart heavy with empathy but also glowing with unwavering hope.
I was once a child in Nigeria too. In some place called Igbuzo, in Delta State.
We played under the rain with the sun shining at the same time. Without fear. We roamed our wallless and gateless neighbourhoods freely. We went to public schools that fed both our minds and our bodies. Our textbooks may have been worn, but our teachers were driven. We recited our national anthem and pledge with meaning. We did this not as a ritual. It was a promise to a country. This country, for all its flaws, still gave us the gift of hope.
But I know, the Nigeria you’re growing up in is not the Nigeria I knew. Your childhood has been clouded by fear and scarcity. The leadership class seems too often to forget its duty to protect your dreams. We read that the Child Rights Act (2003) is now adopted by the 36 States. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) is also adopted by them. Fine! But the roads to your schools stay unsafe. Electricity is a privilege, not a right. And many of your schools are shadows of what they should be. They lack books, desks, even teachers sometimes. That reality breaks my heart. And yet, my dear children, I refuse to give up on you or on Nigeria.
You see, I look at your eyes, and I see fire.
I watch videos of school children dancing barefoot and still finding joy in rhythm. I hear of teenage inventors building drones from scrap metal. I read stories of children learning to code in overcrowded classrooms. These are not just anecdotes. These are signs. They are proof that you are not defined by your limitations, but by your boundless possibilities.
Yes, children in other parts of the world may have more tools. But you, my dears, have something even more powerful: resilience. You adapt, you rise, you find joy even when joy seems like a luxury. This is not a consolation. I know! It is a badge of strength. And as a dad once and now a granddad, as one who carries both the burden and blessing of watching from afar, I want you to know something essential:
You are not alone.
Many of us out here, Nigerians in the Diaspora and our friends, have not turned our backs on you. We are working in ways you may not see yet. We are building bridges across borders. We are advocating for a better Nigeria. We invest in education and technology. And we are dreaming of a nation that will one day match your talents with opportunities.
One day, you too will walk into classrooms with smartboards, not broken benches. You will drink clean water not from sachets, but from trusted taps. You will fly drones, code apps, write novels, do surgeries, build solar farms. Not abroad, but in Nigeria. This is not just wishful thinking; it is a vision already taking root.
So, on this Children’s Day, I say this with all the love of a granddad who sees you, hears you, and believes in you:
Never stop dreaming. Never stop learning. Never stop believing in Nigeria, even when Nigeria forgets to believe in you.
The Nigeria of your dreams is not a myth. It is your birthright. And together, across generations and continents, we will build it. Brick by brick. Voice by voice. Hope by hope.
Happy Children’s Day, precious ones. With pride and boundless love!
Collins Nweke
A Nigerian granddad in the Diaspora with faith in your future.
On the eve of Africa Day 2025, as I delivered my opening remarks prior to Professor P.L.O. Lumumba taking the stage as Keynote Speaker, I was reminded once more of the unfinished business of memory and justice. It was a poignant moment. Not simply because I share with Professor Lumumba a Belgian experience. His was brief, spending time in Ghent, a short drive from Ostend my adopted hometown, taking his doctorate. And mine becoming enduring having made Belgium home since the past three decades. Brief or enduring, we both carry the heavy legacy of a nation that refuses to reckon with its past.
Nine years ago, in May 2016, I introduced a motion in the Ostend City Council. The motion was to name a public square in honour of Patrice Emery Lumumba. Not as an act of provocation, but as an act of memory, justice, and hope. The motion sparked public debate. And with it, a flurry of reactions. Some were thoughtful, many spiteful, and a few, frankly, racist. One such reaction was based on an article on 20 May 2016 published in the Zeewacht newspaper about my motion. It was magnified on social media, dripped with cynicism and ignorance. It mocked my proposed “Lumumba Street” by listing a litany of dictators and insurgents as possible alternatives. It was more than a rejection of the proposal. It was a rejection of the very idea that history should be re-examined. That wounds should be acknowledged, and that the silenced should be heard.
The opposition I encountered then was significant. It lingers today. This resistance was rooted in what I have come to understand as false nostalgia. This is a sentimental yearning not for the Congo as it was. It is a longing for a time when its suffering under Belgian colonialism was comfortably ignored. This is nostalgia not for memory, but for amnesia. For a past airbrushed of its atrocities. And this brand of nostalgia is dangerous. It breeds indifference and erects barriers to healing. It also robs our children and grandchildren of the chance to learn the truth about the world they have inherited.
Naming a square after Patrice Lumumba is not about erasing Belgian heritage. It is about enriching it. It is about admitting, however late, that Belgium’s imperial footprint has left scars. It has left deep, painful, and still visible scars. But it is also about choosing to build monuments not to domination, but to dialogue. Not to silence, but to truth. Lumumba was more than the first Prime Minister of an independent Congo. He was the voice of a people long dehumanised and exploited, a pan-African beacon extinguished far too early. He was, undeniably, a victim of an international conspiracy in which Belgian complicity is no longer contested. To honour him in Ostend is important. The sea fittingly links Belgium to the wider world. It also does so symbolically. This would be a powerful gesture. It would be a gesture of reconciliation. It would say to our grandchildren: we no longer turn away. We confront, we acknowledge, and we grow.
I am the Patron of The AfrikaFora, convener of Nzuko2025. Yesterday, this event brought together Africans, Europeans, and global citizens under the theme “Sovereignty and Independence of African States.” I reiterated that governance is a continuum. Our past, glorious or grotesque, can’t be divorced from our current. I formally retired from Belgian party politics in December 2024. Still, I am confident in my colleagues like Silke Beirens, Sofie Cloet, Herman Lodewyckx, Natacha Waldmann, and Wouter De Vriendt. They continue to champion the values we collectively stood for, though I had the international development portfolio. Together, we understood that the Lumumba Square proposal was not about one man’s legacy. It was about Europe finding the moral courage to reimagine itself.
History has shown that symbolic gestures, when grounded in truth, have corrective and restorative power. Germany’s remembrance culture stands today not as a scar, but as a source of moral strength. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, imperfect as it was, offered a framework for healing. Belgium too must find its way. A Patrice Lumumba Square in Ostend would be a step – modest, yes, but meaningful – towards that destination.
The battle for truth and justice is never truly won or lost. It is passed along, from generation to generation. I trust that the people of Ostend, and of Belgium, are ready to move beyond the comfort of false nostalgia. They are prepared to embrace the courage of historical responsibility.
It’s time. Let us name it: Patrice Lumumba Square.
In their trade relations with Nigeria, the economies of Belgium and Luxembourg have seen a remarkable evolution over the years. From a predominantly extractive and commodity-based trade model, there is now a shift to a more diversified and investment-driven partnership. We unscore three main clusters of evolution. First is the early trade era. Then followed by the expansion and diversification era, culminating in the era of consolidation and growth.
The Early Trade Era, which could equally be classified as Pre-2000s trade model was dominated by mineral and commodity trade. Given that Nigeria remained a key exporter of energy resources, Belgium and Luxembourg historically engaged with the economy through importation of crude oil and mineral products. During those early years, the foundation stones for basic manufacturing and consumer goods were equally laid.
Belgium, in particular, exported industrial equipment, chemicals, and consumer goods to Nigeria.
Decade of Expansion & Diversification: The 2000s – 2010s saw an upsurge in infrastructure and maritime investments.
Belgian companies, particularly in dredging, maritime services, and port management, expanded their footprint in Nigeria during this decade. More than any period, this era can rightfully be credited with the birth of deeper person to person relationship between Belgium and Nigeria. When the two giant duo of Jan De Nul and Deme Group, became involved in major dredging and port development projects in Nigeria, it was not envisaged that the young men they sent to the field will equally find love on the field. But that was exactly what happened. Inter-marriages between Belgian workers with Nigerian ladies was one of the unintended positive consequences of the trade relations. This increased the vested interest dynamics. Over the next decades, offsprings of these relationships may carry on to be the unofficial trade ambassadors of these economies.
Growth of agricultural investments and pharmaceuticals is another hallmark of the 2000s. Presco plc, a subsidiary of Siat s.a., a Belgian agro-industrial company, has been a dominant player in smallholder plantations of tree crops, mainly palm oil and rubber, and allied processing industries like palm oil mills, refining, soap making, and crump rubber factories. Similarly, SOCFIN Group, a Luxembourg-listed holding company, increased its presence in Nigeria’s palm oil and rubber industry, managing significant plantation operations. So too was pharmaceutical and medical sector growth as Belgium became a major supplier of pharmaceuticals. Initiatives to establish messenger Ribonucleic Acid or mRNA for short in vaccine production in Nigeria is another area of engagement. There is also the expanded use of dialysis machines, reflecting a commitment to future-proof and diverse investments. The use of trade missions as policy tool to interface business people was accentuated during this era. Business forums are strengthening bilateral cooperation, facilitating direct investments and partnerships.
The Post-COVID Era marks a defining period with sustainable trade. Belgium stands as the European Union’s largest exporter to Nigeria, underscoring its pivotal role in the bilateral trade landscape. The EU’s wheat trade pivot has seen Nigeria emerging as a major buyer due to shifting export patterns. It is notable that diversification is an intentional trend. While mineral products, particularly crude oil, have traditionally dominated trade, there is a concerted effort to diversify. Belgian investments in Nigeria have been expanding into construction, transport and logistics, food and beverages, port and maritime services, dredging, and fisheries.
Investment Trends for Belgium and Luxembourg Investors in Nigeria 2025 – 2035
As Belgium and Luxembourg deepen economic ties with Nigeria, it is recommended that investors focus on emerging high-growth sectors that align with Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, regulatory shifts, and technological advancements. A Seven-Point Investment Agenda are trends to watch for the next decade.
1. Clean Energy & Renewable Investments
A gradual shift from Fossil Fuels to Renewables, one that takes the Nigerian idiosyncrasies into consideration is recommended. Belgium’s stricter fuel export regulations signal a move toward cleaner energy solutions. In this regard, in September 2024, Belgium implemented stricter regulations on fuel exports. This essentially limits the permitted sulfur content to 50 parts per million. The move, aligning with similar Dutch regulations, led to a significant reduction in gasoline exports from the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) hub to West Africa, including Nigeria. This appears to be compensated by the increasing investments in solar, wind, and hydro projects, presenting opportunities for Belgian and Luxembourg firms in renewable energy infrastructure. Partnerships with Nigerian stakeholders in off-grid solar solutions can help bridge the country’s energy deficit. Linked to this is Hydrogen & Green Fuel Technologies. As Europe pushes for green hydrogen, Belgian and Luxembourg firms can explore hydrogen production, storage, and export solutions in Nigeria.
Agro-processing and food export is set to be a lucrative sector to watch. With the EU shifting wheat exports westward, Nigeria’s demand for food processing technology is rising. Belgian expertise in agribusiness logistics, food storage, and mechanization can support Nigeria’s push for food security and export diversification. The foundation for Palm Oil and Rubber Investments has long been laid by actors like Luxembourg-based SOCFIN Group and Belgium-based Siat s.a. Other Belgian agribusiness firms should continue investing in sustainable palm oil and rubber plantations, leveraging Nigeria’s raw material base. Agri-tech & Smart Farming is poised to receive a boost in this decade op opportunities. Precision farming, irrigation systems, and biotech are crucial for boosting Nigeria’s agricultural productivity. This is where investment in AI-driven farming solutions and blockchain traceability comes in. The potential to enhance Nigeria’s export credibility in EU markets is juicy.
3. Infrastructure & Maritime Development
Seaport and logistics expansion beckons in Nigeria in the next decade more than ever before. With Jan De Nul and DEME Group, Belgium already has a domineering presence in Nigeria’s dredging, port management, and logistics. The next decade is likely to see operational expansion in Nigeria’s growing port infrastructure. Lekki Port as a critical deep-sea port and inland container depots will need foreign expertise. The decade up to 2035 should go down in history of Nigeria for smart logistics and warehousing solutions, powered by Belgian Investment in AI-driven logistics hubs and warehouse automation. This should help solve supply chain inefficiencies in Nigeria. As Nigeria seeks private sector involvement in road, railway, and airport expansions, Belgian and Luxembourg investors can participate in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) projects.
4. Digital Economy & Fintech Expansion
Being Africa’s financial technology leader, Nigeria with companies like Flutterwave and Paystack is attracting global investment and will attract more.Luxembourg’s strong financial sector can explore joint fintech ventures, payment processing innovations, and digital banking solutions.Linked to that is Blockchain & Cybersecurity.With Nigeria adopting blockchain regulation, Belgian and Luxembourg firms can introduce secure digital ID systems, e-governance solutions, and financial inclusion technologies.Nigeria’s growing e-commerce market represented by Jumia, Konga, and others is a space that Belgian tech companies can tap into by offering AI-driven logistics, digital marketing, and automation services.
5. Health, Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
The decade up 2035 might be a defining decade for Nigeria in its stride towards reducing dependence on imported medicine. Belgium’s strong biotech and pharmaceutical industry can invest in messenger Ribonucleic Acid or mRNA vaccine production, dialysis equipment, and medical supply chain innovations. Luxembourg’s digital health companies can introduce AI-powered diagnostic tools, mobile health apps, and telemedicine platforms. At the same time, Belgian firms like Protex Healthcare can step up partnership with Nigerian hospitals and healthcare providers to develop modern medical facilities and specialized treatment centers.
6. Mining, Rare Earths & Battery Materials
Nigeria holds untapped reserves of lithium, cobalt, and rare earth minerals. This is critical for Electric Verhicle (EV) battery production and supply chain. This offers potentials for Belgian and Luxembourg firms in battery technology and sustainable mining can secure early stakes in this sector. Similarly, investment in eco-friendly mining technologies can help Nigeria meet EU sustainability standards, enhancing exports to Europe and other markets.
7. Smart Cities & Real Estate Development
Lagos and Abuja are arguably the fastest expanding technology hubs in sub-Sahara Africa with smart city initiatives, and real estate developments. Belgian firms specializing in urban planning, green architecture, and smart energy grids can contribute to these projects. Not unimportant is the housing deficit that Nigeria is facing. Modular housing solutions and sustainable construction materials will be high-demand investment areas for builders from Belgium and Luxembourg.
Strategic Outlook and Business Forum Growth
Nigeria and Belgium / Luxembourg investors who focus on sustainable trade, regulatory compliance, and leveraging EU-Africa partnerships are the ones that will maximize business opportunities in these economies over the next decade. With trade dynamics between Belgium, Luxembourg, and Africa, particularly Nigeria, evolving towards diversification and sustainable partnerships, the development of deal brokerage tools in the form of business forums appears to be a logical outcome. By leveraging platforms like the Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum and aligning with regulatory changes, these economies aim to enhance economic cooperation, address challenges, and explore new opportunities in various sectors beyond traditional mineral products.
(Being Opening Remarks by Collins Nweke, Patron of TheAfrikaFora on the occasion of: Nzuko2025 – Commemoration of Africa Week)
Distinguished Keynote Speaker, Prof. PLO Lumumba
Honourable guests
Esteemed speakers
Articulate moderator
Dear fellow Africans and friends of Africa
Welcome to Nzuko2025!
This is a special gathering that holds profound meaning as we commemorate AfricaWeek. At The AfrikaFora the traditional Africa Day marks our historical journey toward political independence. It also invites sober reflection on the future we must shape together. This perhaps explains why it became more than just a day event for us. It is fittingly a week long event.
As Patron of The AfrikaFora, it is both an honour and a solemn duty to open this important event. The AfrikaFora, as Convener, is not merely creating a platform for discourse. We are nurturing a Pan-African consciousness. We do this together with all of you. It is grounded in truth, dignity, and unapologetic ownership of our destiny.
The theme for Nzuko2025, “Sovereignty and Independence of African States”, compels us to move forward. We must look beyond the celebratory echoes of 1960s liberation. It encourages us to question the achievements of that era. We are dared to interrogate whether the political flags we hoisted back then have truly translated into sovereign agency. This translation is evaluated economically, mentally, diplomatically, and culturally. In this audience, today, we gather not to romanticize history, but to confront it. To question history and to forge the next chapter with clarity and courage. Have we truly secured the freedom for which our forebears paid the ultimate price? Or have we inherited symbols without substance: flags without power, anthems without autonomy?
In this context, we are deeply honoured. Our Keynote Speaker is a towering Pan-Africanist and a voice of moral clarity. He is a man whose intellectual fire continues to illuminate dark corners of complacency: Professor PLO Lumumba.
Permit me to share a personal reflection.
Professor Lumumba obtained his doctorate in Ghent, just a stone’s throw from where I speak to you from today. Belgium has been home to me for three decades, as it was for him briefly. I cherish that commonality that we share. But with that shared connection comes both a burden and a blessing. We both live with the reality of Belgium’s complex legacy in Africa. This legacy includes the imperial sabotage that silenced the original Lumumba. His name was Patrice Emery Lumumba. Our keynote speaker proudly bears this name. He honors it in his lifelong commitment to African freedom. Belgium was complicit in the violent erasure of a visionary leader. Yet today, from this very soil, I join you as Patron of The AfrikaFora to echo his vision anew. In doing so, I am undaunted and unapologetic.
Dear Professor Lumumba, your presence here today is not just symbolic. It is restorative. You remind us that Africa’s intellectual sovereignty must match its political aspirations. The AfrikaFora salutes your courage, your eloquence, and your steadfastness in reminding us that independence without sovereignty is illusion. Yours is a voice of prophetic clarity in these complex times. You are a true Pan-African luminary. Your words consistently summon us to abandon complacency. They urge us to reclaim the moral and intellectual sovereignty of Africa. Your body of work continues the legacy of your namesake: Patrice Emery Lumumba. Today, the flame burns in individuals like you, Professor. You speak truth to power. You provoke action where silence once reigned. The AfrikaFora and Nzuko2025 are proud to accept your light.
We are equally privileged by the presence of a remarkable lineup of thinkers and doers:
· Sheba Montserrat, whose work on Mental Sovereignty reminds us that the colonization of the mind must be the last frontier to be deconstructed.
· Dr. Martin Ejidike, who will walk us through African diplomacy and development midst the tremors of shifting global power dynamics.
· Benoît Feyt, who courageously explores What’s left of the Lumumbist vision. This is a question we must ask ourselves if we truly claim Pan-African lineage.
· Dr. Abu Bakarr Bah offers a global approach to the challenges of sovereignty. Africa does not operate in a vacuum, and neither do its struggles.
· Chinwe Abuwa, addressing health systems financing. It is the bedrock of a continent’s wellbeing. It is also a true test of independence in the era of pandemics and donor-dependence.
· And Trevor Garabali Palacio, who will stretch our thinking on autonomy and self-determination in the African diaspora. This is a timely exploration. Diasporic Africans seek rootedness without erasure.
· All of which, ably moderated by Hon. Dr. Vernie Barnes from the beautiful Island of Montserrat
The founder of The AfrikaFora deserves special recognition. Our Convener, Winifred Uloaku Gaillard, is an uncommon visionary thinker. She is a quiet and unassuming doer. Let me simply say, thank you for all you do for Africa.
Ladies and gentlemen, Nzuko means “gathering” in Igbo. In its deepest cultural sense, it signifies a gathering of minds and spirits. This gathering is to deliberate on matters of urgent common concern. That is exactly what we are here to do. And let us do so with honesty, intellectual rigour, and a sense of shared purpose.
As we begin this day of reflection and challenge, let us remind ourselves of a critical truth. Africa’s sovereignty is not a gift. It is a task reclaimed. We may not all agree on the path. However, we must remain steadfast on the goal. Our goal is a sovereign, dignified, united, and prosperous Africa.
I thank you for your presence. I thank you for your commitment.
Let Nzuko2025 begin.
Long live the spirit of Africa. Long live African sovereignty. Long live The AfricaFora. Thank you.
An Open Letter to the Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and Belgium (On the Occasion of the 3rd EU-AU Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers) by Collins Nweke | Brussels, Belgium 21 May 2025
Your Excellencies
The 3rd European Union–African Union Ministerial Meeting convenes today in Brussels. It has the commendable goal of advancing a 25-year-old partnership. I write to you not only as a Nigerian Diaspora leader and a Belgian of Nigerian roots. I also write as a bridge between two continents that share more than history, but a destiny.
The themes of today’s deliberations: peace, security, multilateralism, prosperity, and migration, are not merely policy points. They are lived realities for the millions of Africans in Europe and Europeans engaged in Africa. They speak to our aspirations. They equally touch on our anxieties.
A Personal and Collective Stake
I have lived the confluence of African resilience and European opportunity. I see the immense potential in the collaboration between Nigeria and Belgium. This potential exists both bilaterally and through the broader EU-AU frameworks. Yet, it is equally important to speak candidly about missed opportunities. This is particularly true in the realm of Economic Diplomacy. Much of the rhetoric has not translated into meaningful and inclusive outcomes.
Missed Opportunities
There has been goodwill on both sides. A leap forward occurred in the past three years. However, economic engagement between Nigeria and Belgium has still been far below its potential. Trade volumes fluctuate without a long-term strategic framework. Investment flows are lopsided. Dialogues around innovation, technology transfer, and capacity building often stall at pilot phases. Diaspora capital and expertise are underutilized assets in bilateral cooperation. They remain on the margins of structured economic diplomacy.
Belgium, with its expertise in green technologies, port logistics, and smart infrastructure, has much to offer a transitioning Nigerian economy. Nigeria, with its youthful population, creative industries, and vast market, is a gateway to Africa’s future. Yet our nations have not unlocked this constructive collaboration.
A Call for Bold, Pragmatic Collaboration
As Foreign Ministers, you hold the keys to fostering a new diplomatic architecture, one where trade and talent move together. An architecture where diaspora communities are institutional partners, and where prosperity is co-created, not simply negotiated.
A Two-Point Recommendation
1. Establish a Nigeria–Belgium Bilateral Economic Diplomacy Council This should be a structured, high-level platform. It should involve governments, the private sector, and diaspora stakeholders. It would move beyond trade fairs. This initiative would focus on sustained joint ventures and policy alignment. It would strategically target sectors like clean energy, agri-tech, and the digital economy.
2.Create a Diaspora Innovation and Investment Window Through embassies and missions, Nigeria and Belgium should jointly design programmes. These programmes should incentivize diaspora-led startups, skills transfer, and remittances. These remittances should be channeled into productive sectors. This is not charity. It is smart economics.
Conclusion
Excellencies, this is a moment to lead not from tradition, but from transformation. The EU-AU partnership must not only show a shared past. It must project a shared future. Nigerians in Belgium and Europe and Belgians in Africa are part of this future. Our governments should be partners in progress, not prisoners of protocol. As you deliberate on policies that will shape continents, I urge you to also listen to the diaspora. They are the voices of those who straddle both. We live the consequences of your decisions and embody the potential of your vision.
Respectfully yours
Collins Nweke Advocate for Fair EU-Africa Economic Relations | Senior Consultant Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum
Romanians and the world are adjusting to the new reality of a new Centrist President, Nicușor Dan. This is a pivotal page in its democratic journey. The opportunity has arrived for the country to redefine its global role. Romania has opportunities not only within the European Union and NATO. It can also strategically reach beyond traditional partnerships. Nowhere offers more promise for such a recalibration than Africa.
Africa is not just a continent of needs. Africa is a continent of solutions. Africa has the world’s youngest population. It also has a rapidly growing consumer market and a digital leapfrogging ecosystem. Africa stands at the threshold of transformation. Yet Romania’s engagement with this vibrant continent is still minimal and mostly filtered through EU policies. It’s time to take ownership of an Africa strategy. This can be on Romanian terms, driven by its national Interests if such interests are broadly interpreted.
President Dan’s pro-European victory reaffirms the place of Romania in the EU family. But being pro-EU does not mean being EU-dependent. Strategic autonomy requires the confidence to build bilateral partnerships where national interests align. Africa is one such arena.
First step should be economic diplomacy. Romania’s strengths in green energy, agro-technology, civil engineering, and digital infrastructure are a natural fit for African development priorities. A Romania–Africa Economic Cooperation Forum can offer the institutional muscle needed to build trade links and promote Romanian SMEs abroad. Brussels based entities, like CBL-ACP Chamber of Commerce, can engage Romanian SMEs. They can mobilize these businesses and chambers of commerce for trade missions to Africa. Romania can offer credit guarantees through EximBank Romania. It can also give export incentives, prioritizing sectors like green energy, agri-tech, digital infrastructure, and civil engineering.
Second, education. Romania has long been respected for the quality of its scientific and technical education. A ‘Romania–Africa Knowledge Bridge’ could offer African students scholarships in Romanian universities. Joint research with African universities can be explored particularly in STEM fields.
Third, public health. Through a Romania–Africa Health Partnership, the country could export best practices in telemedicine, mobile clinics, and epidemic monitoring.
Fourth is Diaspora engagement. Romania’s demographic crisis is well-documented. A targeted mobility partnership with African nations can bring skilled workers to its shores. This is particularly relevant in caregiving, agriculture, and ICT. Similarly, Romania can develop a diaspora and migration engagement strategy with legal migration through bilateral labour agreements. This should be without prejudice to empowering African communities in Romania as economic bridges.
A fifth pillar is governance and democratic support. Within the EU framework and Romania’s post-communist experience in building institutions, could have value for African nations seeking similar transitions. They could consider the transferability of Romanian knowledge in this regard through closer parliamentary exchanges. A Romania–Africa Governance Exchange Platform is an idea worth exploring. Sharing Romanian digital governance models can be an asset for budding democracies in Africa.
Culture is the soul of diplomacy. A ‘Romania in Africa’ Cultural Season will introduce Africa to the country’s unique identity. It would feature Nollywood films, literature, music, and food.
To move from rhetoric to results, President Dan should consider appointing a Special Envoy for African Affairs. Expanding the diplomatic footprint is also important. Embassies must be established or reinforced in strategic capitals. These capitals include Abuja, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Accra, and Dakar. Additionally, Romanian Agency for International Development Cooperation (RoAid) should be refocused to focus on Africa.
Romania is often spoken of as a bridge between East and West. But Romania can also be a bridge between Europe and Africa, one built on fairness, partnership, and shared future.
The author, Collins Nweke is Senior Consultant with Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the International Association of Research Scholars and Administrators. He serves on its Governing Council. He writes from Brussels, Belgium.
