Former President Goodluck Jonathan has embarked on a high-profile diplomatic and developmental mission. Bound for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as he left Abuja on Tuesday. The trip, which comes amid renewed global focus on Africa’s sustainable development, will see Dr. Jonathan attend two major events organized by the Ethiopian Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In his first engagement, scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Dr. Jonathan participated in a policy dialogue on “Perspectives on Climate-Resilient Irrigation and Policies for Africa’s Food Sovereignty.” The event, hosted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, aims to address critical challenges posed by climate change to agricultural productivity across the continent. High-level panelists at the dialogue include former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, former Tanzanian President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. These distinguished leaders will join Dr. Jonathan to share insights, exchange best practices, and deliberate on innovative irrigation policies designed to bolster food security and ensure sustainable production for Africa’s growing population.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a fundamental challenge to Africa’s food sovereignty,” an official from the Ministry noted in a recent briefing. The dialogue is expected to serve as a crucial platform for shaping future agricultural policies and promoting the adoption of climate-smart irrigation systems that can mitigate the adverse effects of a changing climate. With millions of Africans depending on agriculture for their livelihoods, the success of such initiatives could have far-reaching economic and social impacts across the region.
Meanwhile, on Friday, February 14, 2025, Dr. Jonathan will take center stage at a high-level keynote presentation during the launch of a groundbreaking United Nations report titled “Advancing Inclusive Development: Policy Options for Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gabon, Mali and Niger.” This report, a collaborative effort between UNDP, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), provides forward-looking policy recommendations to support inclusive transitions in countries affected by complex political dynamics.
In an official letter of invitation, the UNDP highlighted the importance of Dr. Jonathan’s participation. The letter stated that his support and advocacy would “significantly enhance the impact of the research and pave the way for prompt and effective implementation of the report’s policy recommendations.” The report forms a key component of the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) project—a joint initiative of the UNDP, AUC, and ISS aimed at fostering sustainable peace, democratic governance, and leadership development in West and Central Africa.
AFSIT was developed in response to the call made by African Union Heads of State at the 16th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, held on May 28, 2022, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. This initiative provides integrated programmatic support for countries undergoing complex political transitions, aligning with the broader agendas of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Dr. Jonathan’s itinerary in Addis Ababa places him at the crossroads of discussions that are central to Africa’s future. His long-standing experience in governance and his previous leadership in Nigeria’s democratic transition make him an influential voice on issues of political transition and inclusive development. Experts note that his insights on these matters are particularly valuable given Nigeria’s own challenges with political stability and sustainable growth.
The timing of these engagements is also noteworthy as both events are scheduled on the close margins of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union. This session is expected to generate significant momentum for policy reforms and developmental initiatives across the continent, further emphasizing the strategic importance of Dr. Jonathan’s mission.
In a broader context, this trip underscores a renewed commitment by global institutions and African governments to address critical challenges such as climate change, food security, and inclusive governance. Dr. Jonathan’s participation signals a bridge between the lessons learned during Nigeria’s democratic transition and the urgent need for transformative policies in Africa today.
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