Saraki in Italy to Champion Africa's Trade Partnerships Over Aid Dependency

Former Nigerian Senate President Bukola Saraki has arrived in Lake Como, Italy, to participate in an international experts workshop. The gathering, organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, focuses on the future of global partnerships in a world potentially less influenced by U.S. leadership.

Saraki is set to champion a shift in Africa's international relations, moving away from aid dependency towards strategic partnerships. He emphasizes the importance of trade, investment, industrialization, and strengthening domestic resources to empower the continent.

"For too long, Africa’s relationship with the world has been framed around aid," Saraki stated ahead of the session. "The real opportunity is partnership, trade, investment, and mutual interest that treat Africa as an equal, not a recipient. A shifting global order is not a vacuum to fear. It is an opening to build something better."

The workshop, running from June 29 to July 1, will explore various sub-themes including the U.S. strategic priorities, Germany's partnership goals, and new alliances. Saraki will specifically address the African perspective on development policies in the context of potential changes in U.S. international development engagement.

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This is a question that will define the coming decade. What does global partnership look like when it is no longer led by Washington? For too long, Africa’s relationship with the world has been framed around aid. The real opportunity is partnership, trade, investment, and mutual interest that treat Africa as an equal, not a recipient. A shifting global order is not a vacuum to fear. It is an opening to build something better.