Africa is increasingly asserting its influence on the global stage, transitioning from a passive participant to an active shaper of international governance. This shift is underscored by the African Union’s (AU) inclusion in the G20 and its deepening engagement within the BRICS+ framework. The continent is leveraging these platforms to advocate for critical issues such as climate justice, trade equity, debt reform, digital sovereignty, and the restructuring of the global financial system. Experts highlight that Africa’s growing role is a response to the inadequacies of existing financial institutions, which were historically designed to serve Western interests rather than those of Africa and the Global South. Gordon K’Achola, CEO of the Nairobi-based nonprofit One Stop Development Agency, emphasized that Africa’s strategic importance, particularly in the global green transition driven by its vast mineral resources like cobalt, copper, and lithium, makes its inclusion in global discussions indispensable. The continent’s shift from ‘norm-taker’ to ‘norm-shaper’ is evident in its active participation in BRICS+, where countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Ethiopia are already members. K’Achola stressed that Africa must embrace broader engagement and reform its internal policies to capitalize on this momentum. James Shikwati, director of the Inter Region Economic Network, noted that Africa’s governance structures, originally designed for a unipolar world, must adapt to the emerging multipolar order. He believes Africa’s abundant natural resources, youthful population, and rapid urbanization position it to play a pivotal role in global supply chains and geopolitical frameworks. African leaders are also using platforms like the G20 and BRICS+ to push for equitable debt restructuring and fair financing conditions. K’Achola further highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in fostering intracontinental trade and reshaping global business norms. To solidify its influence, Africa must project a unified voice and pursue a policy-driven agenda within international forums.