New Strategic Cooperation Between Africa, the United Nations, and France

May 14, 2026, 10:24
AfricaInternational

Introduction

The United Nations and the African Union have confirmed their strong partnership during a summit in Addis Ababa. This meeting took place alongside important diplomatic and economic discussions involving the French government and Nigerian leaders.

Main Body

The 10th AU-UN Annual Conference focused on improving cooperation regarding peace, security, and sustainable development. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the lack of African representation on the UN Security Council is a historical injustice and called for reforms to make the Council more legitimate. Furthermore, both organizations worked to align the AU's Agenda 2063 with the UN 2030 Agenda. This includes creating the African Humanitarian Agency and using UN Resolution 2719 to ensure steady funding for peace operations led by the AU. Financial inequality was another major topic of discussion. The UN Secretary-General noted that African nations face borrowing costs up to three times higher than standard rates, which prevents investment in essential public services. Consequently, the African Development Bank is developing a new financial system for development. The leaders also discussed climate change, noting that Africa could produce ten times its electricity needs through renewable energy by 2040, provided that barriers to clean energy investment are removed. Finally, diplomatic efforts focused on ending conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a future conference in Paris to raise money for the AU Peace Fund. Additionally, France promised aid to help reduce the economic impact of the Middle East crisis, specifically regarding inflation and fertilizer shortages. Meanwhile, the France-Nigeria Business Council meeting in Nairobi showed a shift toward economic growth. President Bola Tinubu highlighted that bilateral trade reached $4.7 billion in 2025, with a new focus on industrial expansion and infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

Current efforts are focused on reforming global financial and political systems while turning diplomatic relations into real investments in industry and infrastructure.

Learning

🚀 The "B2 Power-Up": Moving Beyond Simple Connectors

At the A2 level, you probably use and, but, and because to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need logical bridges—words that show the relationship between two ideas more precisely.

🔍 The Pattern Discovery

Look at how this text connects complex ideas. It doesn't just list facts; it builds a logical argument using these specific markers:

  • Adding Weight: Instead of just saying "also," the text uses Furthermore and Additionally.
    • Example: "...called for reforms... Furthermore, both organizations worked to align..."
  • Showing Results: Instead of just "so," the text uses Consequently.
    • Example: "...prevents investment... Consequently, the African Development Bank is developing..."
  • Setting Conditions: The text uses provided that to show that one thing must happen for another to be possible.
    • Example: "...Africa could produce ten times its electricity... provided that barriers... are removed."

🛠️ How to Use This in Your Speaking/Writing

Instead of...Try using...Why?
And→\rightarrow AdditionallyIt sounds more professional and organized.
So→\rightarrow ConsequentlyIt emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship.
If→\rightarrow Provided thatIt sounds more like a formal agreement or a specific condition.

💡 Pro-Tip for the B2 Transition

Stop thinking in short sentences. Try to combine two A2 thoughts into one B2 sentence.

  • A2 Style: The prices are high. So, people buy less food.
  • B2 Style: Prices are rising rapidly; consequently, consumer spending on food has decreased.

Vocabulary Learning

summit
A high-level meeting of leaders to discuss important issues.
Example:The summit brought together heads of state from across the world.
diplomatic
Related to managing international relations; skilled in negotiation.
Example:She gave a diplomatic response to the question.
economic
Concerning the economy or finances.
Example:The economic growth has slowed this year.
cooperation
Working together towards a common goal.
Example:Their cooperation helped solve the problem.
sustainable
Capable of being maintained without depletion.
Example:Sustainable agriculture preserves soil for future crops.
development
The process of improving or growing.
Example:The development of new technology is rapid.
representation
The act of standing in for someone or something.
Example:The lack of African representation was highlighted.
injustice
Unfair treatment or a wrong.
Example:The injustice was felt by many.
reforms
Changes made to improve a system.
Example:Reforms were announced to increase transparency.
legitimate
Lawful, accepted, or justified.
Example:The council's decision was legitimate.
agenda
A list of items to be discussed.
Example:The agenda included climate change.
resolution
A formal decision or statement by an authority.
Example:The resolution was passed unanimously.
funding
Money provided for a project.
Example:Funding for the program was secured.
inequality
Lack of fairness or equal opportunity.
Example:Economic inequality is a major concern.
investment
Money put into something to gain profit.
Example:Investment in renewable energy is rising.
public
Belonging to or affecting all people.
Example:Public services are essential for communities.
services
Actions performed to help others.
Example:Health services are available in the city.
climate
The weather conditions in a region over a long period.
Example:Climate change threatens agriculture.
renewable
Capable of being replenished naturally.
Example:Renewable energy sources reduce emissions.
electricity
The flow of electric charge.
Example:Electricity powers homes and factories.
barriers
Obstacles that prevent progress.
Example:Barriers to investment were removed.
conflicts
Disputes or fights between parties.
Example:The conflicts in the region have escalated.
inflation
The rise in prices of goods and services.
Example:Inflation has made living costs higher.
fertilizer
Substance added to soil to promote plant growth.
Example:Fertilizer shortages affected crop yields.
shortages
A lack of sufficient quantity of something.
Example:Shortages of water were reported.
business
Commercial activity or enterprise.
Example:The business sector is growing.
trade
Exchange of goods or services between countries.
Example:Trade agreements benefit both nations.
industrial
Relating to manufacturing or large-scale production.
Example:Industrial expansion requires investment.
infrastructure
Basic physical systems like roads and bridges.
Example:Infrastructure projects create jobs.
reforming
Making changes to improve.
Example:Reforming the tax system is underway.
financial
Related to money or banking.
Example:Financial stability is crucial for growth.
political
Related to government or politics.
Example:Political decisions affect the economy.
systems
Organized methods or structures.
Example:The educational systems vary by country.
relations
Connections or interactions between entities.
Example:Improving relations can reduce tensions.