In a rapidly shifting global landscape, African nations are recalibrating their foreign policies and forging new alliances that promise to reshape the continent’s influence on the world stage. Over the past two years, Nigeria and Ethiopia—two of Africa’s most populous and strategically vital countries—have emerged as key players in this diplomatic renaissance, each charting ambitious new courses in international relations, economic development, and regional leadership.
At the heart of Nigeria’s transformation is Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Since assuming office, Tuggar has redefined Nigeria’s foreign policy through what’s known as the 4D Doctrine: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. According to reporting in Financial Times and Bloomberg, this doctrine has not only repositioned Nigeria globally but also anchored its diplomacy in pragmatic partnerships and a people-centered approach. Under Tuggar’s watch, Nigeria has moved from merely participating in international forums to actively shaping agendas and outcomes.
One of the most visible signs of Nigeria’s renewed clout is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election as Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This, combined with Nigeria’s ongoing membership in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council and the successful campaign for Ambassador Bankole Adeoye’s reappointment as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, underscores the country’s reasserted continental leadership. Nigeria’s inclusion as a partner member in BRICS—a powerful bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—further cements its status as a central figure in global decision-making.
But Nigeria’s ambitions don’t stop at symbolism. The country has become a regular invitee to G20 summits and is vocally advocating for Africa to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. These moves, as reported by BBC, signal a determined shift from passive involvement to strategic influence. Nigeria’s selection as host for both the African Energy Bank and the African Central Bank reinforces its emergence as a continental financial powerhouse, with potential ramifications for the wider African economy.
Economic diplomacy has been a hallmark of Tuggar’s tenure. Through a series of bilateral and multilateral engagements, Nigeria has secured major foreign investments that are already reshaping its economic landscape. Recent figures include $14 billion from Indian investors, €250 million from the Netherlands, and a significant $2.5 billion from Brazil’s JBS for industrial expansion. These partnerships have opened new corridors in trade, manufacturing, and agro-industrial development, directly supporting Nigeria’s economic integration efforts.
A defining moment came with the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES 2025), hosted in Abuja. The summit brought together heads of state, CEOs, investors, and innovators under the theme “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region.” The event wasn’t just for show—it delivered tangible results, including cross-border trade agreements and fresh investment commitments that align perfectly with the government’s integration agenda.
People-centered diplomacy has also taken center stage. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated humanitarian evacuations, secured scholarships for Nigerian youths, and facilitated the repatriation of stranded citizens. The Nigerians in Diaspora Database, now boasting over 11,000 registrants, is deepening diaspora participation in national development. These efforts underscore a shift toward diplomacy that prioritizes citizen welfare alongside traditional statecraft.
Cultural diplomacy has been another area of focus. Tuggar’s advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes—a campaign widely covered by international media—has helped restore Nigeria’s heritage and project its artistic identity to a global audience. The establishment of the MFA Exhibition Atrium further showcases Nigeria’s rich historical legacy.
Technology and digital diplomacy are rapidly modernizing the ministry’s operations. With over 940 million global media impressions recorded through platforms such as BBC, Financial Times, and Bloomberg, Nigeria’s global narrative is reaching wider audiences than ever before. The digitization of consular services, scheduled for launch before the end of 2025, promises to further streamline service delivery and enhance transparency.
Security remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy. The country’s Sealift Agreement with the African Union, which enables the transport of troops and equipment for peacekeeping missions, has strengthened Nigeria’s reputation as a stabilizing force on the continent. Meanwhile, the launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy—a home-grown West African initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—has established a framework for democratic resilience rooted in African values and local ownership.
Diplomatic momentum continues to build. On October 20, 2025, Tuggar met with France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, in discussions that spanned Artificial Intelligence, agriculture, security, and cultural diplomacy. Both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to innovation, trade, and multilateral cooperation.
While Nigeria asserts its leadership, Ethiopia is equally determined to recalibrate its position on the world stage. Ethiopia’s relationship with Russia, which stretches back over a century, has entered a new phase of diplomatic and economic collaboration. In October 2025, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos, visited Moscow for high-level talks with Russian officials, focusing on trade, energy, and nuclear technology cooperation, as reported by Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs.
This renewed engagement reflects Ethiopia’s strategy to diversify its international partnerships and accelerate industrialization. One of the central topics was Ethiopia’s economic reform and its pursuit of full membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO)—a milestone that would mark a significant step toward global economic integration. Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, Maksim Reshetnikov, expressed unequivocal support for Ethiopia’s WTO accession, signaling Moscow’s commitment to Addis Ababa’s ambitions.
Energy diversification is another cornerstone of the partnership. In September 2025, Russia’s state-owned nuclear agency, Rosatom, and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation formalized an action plan to construct Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant. This initiative aims to reduce Ethiopia’s heavy reliance on hydropower—a vulnerability in the face of mounting climate uncertainties—and chart a path toward a more resilient energy future.
Russia’s expanding role in Africa’s energy and defense sectors is hard to ignore. It has signed nuclear cooperation agreements with several African nations, including Egypt, Nigeria, and Rwanda. These deals often accompany military and defense collaborations, reflecting a broader realignment in African foreign relations as countries pivot from traditional Western alliances to new partnerships with Russia and China.
For Ethiopia, these developments come just after its formal accession into the BRICS group. Membership in this influential bloc not only raises Ethiopia’s geopolitical profile but also provides access to alternative global markets and development financing models outside the Western-dominated system. Foreign Minister Gedion’s visit to Moscow was more than a diplomatic courtesy—it was a strong declaration of Ethiopia’s intent to establish a long-term, strategic partnership that supports national sovereignty, industrial growth, and a more influential role in an increasingly multipolar world.
As Nigeria and Ethiopia forge ahead, their evolving foreign policies and bold new partnerships are reshaping Africa’s place in the global order. With visionary leadership and a willingness to embrace both tradition and innovation, these nations are charting a future where Africa’s voice is not only heard, but heeded.
