“One Africa, One Leader”: Malema Pushes for Single Presidency, Currency at NBA 2025 in Enugu

Enugu, Nigeria (osprimetv) — South Africa’s firebrand opposition leader, Julius Malema, has reignited the debate on Africa’s political and economic integration, calling for the continent to embrace a single President, one economy, and a common currency. His remarks came on Tuesday during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2025 Annual Conference in Enugu.

Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), told delegates that Africa cannot compete on the global stage while fragmented into 54 sovereign states with competing interests. “We need one Commander-in-Chief, one African Parliament, and one currency if we are serious about decolonisation and economic freedom,” he declared to loud applause.

His comments echo the founding vision of the African Union (AU), which has long championed continental unity. However, progress toward integration has been slow, with intra-African trade accounting for just 15% of the continent’s total trade, compared to 68% in Europe, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Malema also drew attention to Africa’s economic vulnerabilities, highlighting that 22 African countries spend more on debt servicing than on health and education combined. He argued that a unified African economy could leverage its $2.9 trillion GDP and 1.4 billion population to negotiate better trade and investment terms globally.

The NBA conference, which brought together lawyers, policymakers, and business leaders, provided a high-profile platform for Malema’s bold proposition. Some delegates welcomed the idea as “visionary,” while others dismissed it as “impractical in the current political climate,” citing issues of sovereignty, corruption, and governance.

Despite the divisions, Malema’s call adds momentum to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest trade pact of its kind, already signed by 54 AU members. Advocates argue that a common currency and stronger political union would be the next logical steps.

For now, Malema’s vision remains aspirational, but his fiery message in Enugu has thrust the debate on Africa’s unity back into the spotlight — a debate that resonates strongly with Africa’s youth, who make up over 60% of the continent’s population and are demanding deeper reforms.