AbdulRazaq elected FORAF president, advocates stronger regional integration in Africa

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The newly elected government Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been elected President of the Forum of African Regions (FORAF), a continental body promoting decentralisation, regional cooperation and sustainable development across Africa.

AbdulRazaq emerged president during the FORAF General Assembly held on Monday in Tangier, Morocco, on the sidelines of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress.

The Kwara governor was elected alongside four regional vice presidents representing Central Africa, North Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa, who will support the forum’s efforts to advance subnational governance and regional development initiatives.

FORAF’s mandate includes accelerating socioeconomic development, deepening decentralisation and devolution, and positioning regional and state governments as key drivers of African integration and sustainable growth.

Announcing the outcome of the election, the organisation said AbdulRazaq would lead a renewed governance structure aimed at amplifying the voice of African regions and strengthening decentralised cooperation across the continent.

In his address at the congress, the newly elected president called for stronger collaboration among African countries and subnational governments, stressing that improved connectivity and partnerships were critical to achieving inclusive development.

He noted that geographical barriers had historically limited economic integration in some parts of Africa but argued that strategic investments in infrastructure, transport networks and regional cooperation could help overcome such challenges.

“Africa has the capacity to do the same. By working together, investing in connectivity, and strengthening partnerships among our cities and regions, we can create sustainable linkages that support trade, innovation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth,” AbdulRazaq said, urging African leaders to embrace collective action in building a more integrated and prosperous continent.