‘The rules will be rewritten’: Lamola warns Africa must shape new world order

South Africa and Africa must seize a dwindling window to influence an ever-evolving global order, or they risk allowing their future to be dictated by others, warned International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola. Unveiling the Global Africa Research Initiative (GARI), Lamola painted a dire picture of escalating conflict, widening inequality, and eroding global institutions.

He described the current world scenario as an increasingly volatile "world disorder", characterized by a growing volatility in international relations. Lamola highlighted the emergence of new power centers and shifting alliances, while warning that unilateral actions, such as tariffs and sanctions, continue to impede multilateral cooperation.

He emphasized that international institutions are facing increasing pressure and criticism. One of his chief concerns was the pervasive global inequality, with the richest 10 percent owning around 75 percent of the world's wealth, while the poorest half only have 2 percent. He also pointed out that Africa, despite representing a quarter of United Nations member states and a fifth of the world's population, still lacks a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Despite these challenges, Lamola stressed that Africa is taking an active role in shaping its response to these global changes. He highlighted South Africa's efforts to alleviate the continent's debt burden, including setting up a Borrowers' Platform and establishing Africa's first credit rating agency. He also pointed to efforts by African nations to consolidate control over their mineral wealth, which they are using to foster industrialization, beneficiation, and job creation.

Lamola warned that Africa must capitalize on changing global power dynamics to protect its interests and bolster its collective impact on the world stage. He quoted economist Carlos Lopes, warning, "The current global disorder presents an opportunity for power to be exercised in new ways. But the window will not stay open forever.

The rules will be rewritten. The only question is: will Africa be one of the authors?" He called for greater African unity, fresh perspectives, and a challenge to established assumptions, emphasizing the need for an intellectual community that is ready to question conventional wisdom in the service of advancing Africa's interests and aspirations.

With this call to action, Lamola formally inaugurated GARI, positioning it as a platform to generate ideas and research that could help Africa navigate and shape a rapidly changing global order.