Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has called on African nations to take charge of their destiny and lead in shaping a new global order rooted in unity, innovation, and self-determination.

Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the Chatham House Conference on Africa’s Rising Influence: Advancing Agency in Foreign Policy and Global Governance on Wednesday, November 6, 2025, Sing’Oei said the continent stands at a defining moment in history.

The high-level meeting, co-hosted by Amani Africa and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together policymakers and global thinkers to discuss Africa’s role in a fast-changing world.

During a panel discussion titled “Power, Partnerships, and the Global Order: Africa’s Role in a Multipolar World,” moderated by Solomon A. Dersso, Executive Director of Amani Africa, Sing’Oei said Africa must move from the margins to the centre of global affairs and become a confident architect of its own future.

“Our strength lies in resilient institutions, integrated markets, and the enduring spirit of our people,” he said, adding that the continent’s collective power depends on unity, vision, and purpose.

The PS observed that African nations are no longer victims of history.

“PS. Sing’Oei noted that African nations are no longer victims of history, but authors of a new story. one grounded in identity, self-awareness, and self-determination,” the statement reads

He said the continent’s true independence lies in harnessing its demographic dividend, technology, and natural resources while confronting challenges such as climate shocks, governance weaknesses, and conflict.

“He highlighted that true autonomy means harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend, technological advancement, and natural resources, while tackling vulnerabilities such as climate shocks, conflict, and governance challenges,” the statement reads

He further noted that Africa’s path to autonomy demands bold investments in renewable energy, improved governance systems, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

He said innovation and job creation for the continent’s young population must be at the heart of Africa’s revival.

Sing’Oei emphasised that Africa’s rise is not about replacing one power with another but about creating a fairer, balanced world where the continent plays a central role in decision-making.

“Africa’s moment is now, a time to claim our future with clarity, confidence, and unity,” he stated

The Chatham House forum in Addis Ababa highlighted Africa’s growing influence in shaping the global order, a message that Sing’Oei said Kenya fully supports as part of its vision for a strong, independent, and collaborative continent.