Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a significant development for African regional governance, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been elected as the President of the Forum of African Regions (FORAF). The election took place on Monday in Tangier, Morocco, on the sidelines of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress. AbdulRazaq's election places Nigeria at the forefront of efforts to deepen collaboration among subnational governments and regional authorities across the continent.
FORAF is a continental body focused on strengthening regional cooperation, decentralisation, and sustainable development across Africa. Its mandate is to accelerate socioeconomic development, deepen decentralisation and devolution, and position subnational governments as key drivers of continental integration and sustainable development. AbdulRazaq was elected alongside four regional vice presidents representing Central Africa, North Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa. The newly elected vice presidents are: Mr. Ousmanou Oumarou of the Association of Regions of Cameroon for Central Africa; Ms. Mbarka Bouaida of the Association of Regions of Morocco for North Africa; Mr. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o of Kisumu County, Kenya, for East Africa; and Mr. Panyaza Lesufi of Gauteng Province, South Africa, for Southern Africa.
In an address at a session during the event, Governor AbdulRazaq called for improved synergies among African nations, including subnational governments, to deepen development and sustainable growth. He stressed that greater integration is essential to unlocking the continent's development potential. He noted that many countries around the world have successfully addressed geographic limitations through investments in infrastructure and transport networks that link markets and people. According to him, Africa possesses the capacity to achieve similar results through collective action and stronger regional partnerships. "By working together, investing in connectivity, and strengthening partnerships among our cities and regions, we can create sustainable linkages that support trade, innovation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth," he stated. He further urged African leaders to view the continent through the lens of shared opportunities rather than geographic separation. "Tangier and Cape Town should not merely be seen as distant points on a map, but as anchors of a connected African future," he added.
The body said it is poised for a renewed governance to amplify the voice of African regions and strengthen decentralised cooperation across the continent. His election comes at a time when discussions around regional integration, intra-African trade, and sustainable development are gaining increasing prominence under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area. The development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's engagement with continental governance structures and underscores the growing recognition of subnational governments as critical actors in Africa's integration and development agenda.
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