China Africa global governance reform takes centre stage in Abuja seminar as scholars call for UN, IMF, and G20 reforms to include the global south

China Africa global governance reform was the central theme of a one-day seminar held in Abuja on Thursday, bringing together diplomats and scholars who strongly advocated for structural changes in global institutions.

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The event, themed “Opportunities for China-Africa Cooperation under the Global Governance Initiative (GGI),” provided a platform to challenge the existing global order and propose inclusive alternatives.

Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, highlighted the GGI as part of Beijing’s broader commitment to fairness, multilateralism, and shared global development.

Hairong argued that the current global landscape, shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic instability and health crises, justifies the need for deep reforms.

“GGI aims to build a fairer, more equitable international system through joint efforts of all countries and multilateral bodies,” she stated.

She added that the Nigerian government welcomes the initiative, seeing it as aligned with the core interests of both Nigeria and Africa at large.

She also reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria’s bid for permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council.

The call for change was echoed by Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research.

He criticised the dominance of a few global powers in decision-making, particularly within the UN Security Council, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and G20.

“There is exclusion in global governance. The current structure is outdated and favours a handful of nations,” Ibrahim said.

He called for the inclusion of African, Pacific, and Latin American voices, and questioned the absence of the Chinese yuan in the global financial framework.

Referencing Nigeria’s position at the 79th UN General Assembly, Professor Ibrahim applauded the country’s assertiveness and noted that China had openly supported Nigeria’s ambitions on the world stage.

Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, emphasised domestic readiness as a crucial factor.

“You are either on the table or on the menu,” he remarked. “To be on the table, African countries must strengthen institutions, fight corruption, and prioritise people-centred development.”

Onunaiju praised China’s commitment to capacity-building, contrasting it with failed Western-led interventions.

He expressed optimism that the China Africa global governance reform through GGI would yield tangible results, describing the initiative as “a game-changer.”

The GGI, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus summit in September 2025, champions a just and inclusive approach to global governance.

Nigeria was among the first countries to endorse the initiative officially, calling it a timely response to today’s international challenges.

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As the seminar concluded, a clear consensus emerged: Africa must strengthen its voice, deepen strategic partnerships—particularly with China—and work toward a more representative global order.