Forming ‘clubs of states’ to resolve common problems is proving an effective global alternative to the multilateral institutions of yesteryear. Organisations with labels like G20 and G8 are developing solutions that have eluded their formal, ineffective and reform-resisting counterparts. So far Africa has not followed suit. But it is time that it dropped its commitment to equality among states and did so. South Africa and Nigeria are the two countries that should lead the move for an A5 Club that will help the continent to meet its own challenges and present a more powerful voice internationally.
