At a time when the economic powerhouses of the world, led by figures like the United States President Donald Trump, are adopting increasingly conservative , insular and unfriendly diplomatic postures, the Global South is forging a new path of solidarity collaboration and economic transformation.
Two African leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana are emerging as key architects of this movement, using diplomacy as a tool to reposition their countries as strong voices in the global economic order.
From August 24–25, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu undertook a historic State Visit to Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The visit was more than symbolic; it consolidated decades of friendship into practical agreements that will shape Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
Nigeria and Brazil signed five major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across trade, energy, aviation, science and technology and finance. Cooperation was further expanded in defence, agriculture and political dialogue, demonstrating a shared commitment to deepen integration and mutual growth.
Brazilian energy giant Petrobras announced its return to Nigeria after a five-year absence, restoring investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector and aligning with Tinubu’s gas reforms. Nigeria also secured an Embraer service and maintenance hub, as well as direct Lagos–São Paulo flights by Air Peace which has already made it’s maiden flight from Sao Paulo to Lagos—an aviation breakthrough set to boost tourism, trade, and connectivity.
The visit reenergized the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Mechanisation Project, alongside a $1 billion agricultural and energy pact, these are initiatives that promise food security, job creation and rural development for Nigeria.
During the visit, President Tinubu strongly reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to Global South solidarity, stressing the importance of prioritizing climate resilience, healthcare access, debt management and sustainable development in the global agenda.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama also made history by becoming the first Ghanaian leader to be invited on a State Visit to Singapore. Beyond the symbolism, Mahama secured investment deals worth over US$1 billion, positioning Ghana as a key destination for Asia–Africa partnerships.
Among the highlights and deliverables of the visit was a US$200 million Olam investment for a pasta processing plant and feed processing industries expected to create 4,000 jobs , a proposed Shangri-La’s US$300 million green 5-star hotel and convention centre, positioning Ghana as West Africa’s top conference and hospitality hub.
An investment for an enhanced Kotoka Airport security systems, Tema Port expansion and revival of the dry dock. There would also be an establishment of a Ghana–Singapore central bank cooperation to establish a common payment platform, boosting intercontinental trade.
There was also a landmark TVET agreement with Singapore Institute of Technology and leadership training for Ghanaian civil service directors with signing of execution of bilateral carbon credit projects, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to green growth.
Singapore will also open an Enterprise Singapore office in Accra while Ghana is set to establish a Consulate in Singapore by 2026.
Tinubu and Mahama’s diplomatic breakthroughs reflect a broader recalibration in global politics. While the Global North leans increasingly toward protectionism and self-interest, leaders in Africa Latin America and Asia are knitting together economic frameworks that prioritize mutual growth, shared knowledge and sustainable development.
This South–South cooperation model echoes the spirit of two great modern founding fathers, Kwame Nkrumah and Lee Kuan Yew, whose early vision of intercontinental collaboration is now finding new expression through transformative partnerships.
Together, Nigeria’s renewed ties with Brazil and Ghana’s deepened engagement with Singapore showcase how Global South leaders are leveraging diplomacy to create new growth corridors, rewrite the rules of global commerce and ensure their nations are not left behind in international decision-making.
At this pivotal moment in world history, Presidents Tinubu and Mahama are not just securing investments, they are laying the foundation for a stronger self-reliant and interconnected Global South economy.
– Bello Akinkunmi Yakub, Development Economist and Public Relations Consultant.
