According to the World Bank, disputes over land access and control frequently escalate into violence and conflict, leading to dispossession and forced displacement within and across borders. Estimates suggest that 56% of global conflicts are related to land, with the majority occurring in developing countries. By the end of 2015, 95% of the 65 million refugees and internally displaced people worldwide were living in developing regions.

READ ALSO: Africa’s Real Estate Boom: Transforming Urban Landscapes and Global Standing

A Global Perspective on Land Ownership and Development

The debate over land ownership and development is not new. From the Americas to Asia, history reveals numerous instances where indigenous landowners have been displaced in the name of modernisation. In the United States, the principle of eminent domain has been applied since the 19th century to acquire land for public use, often at the expense of Native American tribes. Reports indicate that between 1887 and 1934, over 90 million acres of Native American land were lost under policies such as the Dawes Act.

In India, infrastructure expansion has frequently come at the cost of agrarian communities. According to Land Conflict Watch, over 2.1 million people in India have been affected by disputes linked to development projects, with large-scale displacements resulting from coal mining, highway expansions, and urbanisation. Similarly, in Brazil, industrial farming has driven Amazonian deforestation, impacting indigenous territories that account for nearly 13% of the country’s land.

Meanwhile, China has pursued aggressive urbanisation policies. Since 2000, approximately 50,000 villages have been urbanised, displacing millions in the name of economic expansion. While this has contributed to GDP growth, it has also fuelled social unrest, as seen in the 2011 Wukan protests, where villagers revolted against government land seizures.

Africa at the Crossroads: Ancestral Claims vs. Economic Imperatives

In Africa, land remains a deeply political and economic asset. Over 60% of the continent’s population relies on agriculture, yet increasing portions of land are being allocated to large-scale infrastructure projects, foreign direct investments, and extractive industries. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 recognises land as central to sustainable development but struggles to balance land ownership rights with economic growth.

Approximately 90% of Africa’s land is informally held under customary tenure systems. Countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya operate dual land tenure systems, where formal government control coexists with indigenous land ownership. According to the World Bank, over 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s land remains undocumented, making it vulnerable to disputes and state acquisition. For example, the Tanzanian government faced international backlash when it attempted to repurpose 1,500 square kilometres of Maasai land for wildlife conservation, displacing thousands of indigenous inhabitants.

Foreign Direct Investments and Land Grabs

Africa has seen a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in agriculture and mining. Between 2000 and 2020, an estimated 50 million hectares of African land were acquired by foreign entities—a phenomenon often described as “land grabs.” The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone allocated over 9 million hectares to palm oil and biofuel companies, frequently without clear compensation for local communities. Reports from the Oakland Institute indicate that in Ethiopia, vast tracts of land have been leased to foreign agribusinesses, displacing small-scale farmers in the Gambella region.

Infrastructure Boom vs. Displacement

The drive for mega-infrastructure projects, particularly in East and West Africa, has intensified land-related conflicts. Nigeria’s Lekki Free Trade Zone, a flagship economic initiative, has sparked widespread protests, with local communities claiming inadequate compensation for their lands. Similarly, Kenya’s Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor has led to legal battles between the government and indigenous communities over land rights.

Legal Frameworks: Are They Sufficient?

Efforts to establish legal safeguards for landowners have yielded mixed results. The African Land Policy Initiative under the African Union seeks to promote fair land governance, yet implementation remains inconsistent. Some countries, like Rwanda, have embarked on large-scale land titling projects, registering over 11 million parcels and reducing disputes by 85%. However, nations such as Zimbabwe and South Africa continue to grapple with the legacy of colonial land dispossession, making redistribution efforts politically charged.

The Path Forward

Can Africa strike a balance between development and land rights without compromising either? One potential solution is the introduction of land value capture mechanisms, ensuring that the benefits of development are shared equitably. Another approach is the adoption of community-inclusive development models, such as Ghana’s community benefit agreements in mining areas. However, if left unregulated, aggressive land acquisitions could exacerbate displacement, deepen inequalities, and fuel social unrest. This is evident in countries such as Sudan, where land-related conflicts contribute to ongoing instability.

Africa’s approach to land ownership and development must navigate a precarious path. While economic progress is essential, it cannot come at the complete expense of indigenous rights. The future depends on transparent legal frameworks, equitable land policies, and inclusive development models. If managed correctly, Africa can achieve both growth and stability, ensuring that land remains a source of empowerment rather than a catalyst for conflict.

The post Land Rights vs. Development: Who Owns Africa’s Future? appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Progress Amidst Fragmentation

The region’s defence industry, though fragmented, has seen notable progress. Countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria have made significant strides towards military self-sufficiency. South Africa, through Denel, has long been a leader in military production, manufacturing sophisticated weaponry, armoured vehicles, and missile technology. Nigeria, through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), has intensified efforts in small arms production and is collaborating with foreign partners to develop indigenous military capabilities.

READ ALSO: Digitalising Regional Security: An Era of Threat Detection and Collaborative Defence

Egypt stands as one of the continent’s most advanced military producers, manufacturing a range of weapons, armoured vehicles, and even assembling fighter jets. Algeria, leveraging its economic strength, has heavily invested in domestic arms production. Meanwhile, countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana are slowly emerging as players in the sector, exploring partnerships to boost local manufacturing.

A major challenge Africa faces in building its defence industry is fragmentation. Unlike Europe, where collective defence mechanisms such as the European Defence Fund foster collaboration among nations, Africa lacks a unified military-industrial framework. While the African Union (AU) has made attempts to promote security cooperation, these efforts have yet to translate into a cohesive defence strategy.

Regional Collaboration: A Path Forward

A potential solution lies in regional collaborations. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) could spearhead joint military manufacturing projects. Pooling resources would lower production costs and ensure standardisation of weapons across multiple nations. A coordinated approach would not only strengthen Africa’s defence capabilities but also enhance interoperability among its armed forces.

Investment and Economic Prospects: The Business of War

Military manufacturing is not just about security; it is also an economic driver. Africa currently spends billions annually on arms imports. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the continent accounted for 5.1% of global arms imports between 2018 and 2022, with major suppliers including Russia (40%), China (13%), and the United States (11%). Redirecting even a fraction of these expenditures into local production could significantly impact employment, technology transfer, and economic growth.

Some African nations have begun to explore defence exports. South Africa already supplies military hardware to multiple countries, while Egypt has ambitions of becoming a regional arms supplier. Expanding domestic production to supply African nations could reduce dependency on external players while strengthening economic ties within the continent.

Funding, Technology, and Political Challenges

Building a sustainable defence industry comes with considerable challenges. First, funding remains a major hurdle. Defence manufacturing requires substantial capital investment, which many African nations struggle to secure due to economic constraints. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and public-private partnerships could offer a pathway to overcoming this financial barrier.

Secondly, technological expertise is a limiting factor. Advanced military hardware, such as fighter jets, drones, and missile systems, requires specialised knowledge. Africa’s reliance on foreign technical expertise restricts its ability to produce cutting-edge weaponry. Strengthening science and engineering education, as well as securing technology transfers through strategic partnerships, could help bridge this gap.

Political instability also presents a significant challenge. Many African nations experience frequent leadership changes, policy inconsistencies, and bureaucratic inefficiencies that hinder long-term defence planning. A stable and transparent governance structure is crucial to sustaining military-industrial growth.

The Path to Military Independence

For Africa to establish a formidable defence industry, several key strategies must be pursued. First, regional collaboration is essential. The establishment of an African Defence Production Alliance could unify efforts, much like NATO’s defence industry collaborations. Secondly, strategic partnerships with countries such as Turkey, Brazil, and India—nations that have successfully built their own defence industries—could provide crucial expertise and technological support.

Finally, African nations must view defence manufacturing as a long-term investment rather than an immediate necessity. A phased approach, beginning with small arms and gradually advancing to high-tech weaponry, would be more sustainable. With political will, strategic investment, and regional cooperation, Africa can indeed forge its path towards military self-sufficiency and emerge as a key player in the global defence industry.

The vision of an Africa that produces its own military power is ambitious but achievable. While challenges exist, the momentum is growing, and the economic and security benefits are undeniable. If African nations can overcome the hurdles of funding, technology, and coordination, the continent could transition from being a consumer of defence technology to a formidable force in the global arms industry. The future of Africa’s defence industry is being written today—one factory, one innovation, and one collaboration at a time.

The post Africa’s Defence Industry: Can the Continent Build Its Own Military Power? appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Africa’s economic dynamism has made it a pivotal player in the Global South coalition. Recent initiatives, such as South Africa’s presidency of the G20, have positioned the continent as a bridge between emerging markets and established economic powers. The Development Bank of Southern Africa underscores the significance of these efforts, noting that African nations are championing dialogues on sustainable development, climate change, and equitable trade practices.

READ ALSO: Celebrating Dr. Ken Giami: A Visionary Leader Bridging Global South-South Cooperation

Economic Transformation

Africa’s evolution from resource dependency to innovation-led economies symbolises a remarkable paradigm shift. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal have become tech hubs, hosting start-ups that address local challenges with global implications. For instance, Kenya’s M-Pesa platform revolutionised financial inclusion, inspiring digital payment systems worldwide. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s fintech industry has attracted over $600 million in investment annually, according to McKinsey & Company.

Agriculture, long the backbone of African economies, is undergoing a renaissance driven by technology. Smart farming techniques and agri-tech innovations have increased productivity and bolstered food security. Rwanda’s efforts to digitise farming practices have resulted in a 25% increase in crop yields since 2020, illustrating how technology can revolutionise traditional sectors.

Infrastructure remains the lifeblood of Africa’s economic growth. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 underscores ambitious projects like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at integrating a market of 1.4 billion people. The AfCFTA, expected to increase intra-African trade by 52% by 2025, reflects the continent’s commitment to creating a unified economic bloc.

Flagship infrastructure projects, including Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam and Senegal’s Dakar-Diamniadio Toll Highway, symbolise Africa’s determination to overcome logistical challenges and harness its natural resources effectively. According to the African Development Bank, investments in infrastructure could add up to 2% to Africa’s annual GDP growth by 2030.

Harnessing the Power of Partnerships

Africa’s collaboration with other Global South nations has amplified its voice in international forums. Partnerships with China, India, and Brazil have driven investments in renewable energy, technology, and manufacturing. China alone has committed over $300 billion in infrastructure projects across Africa, while India’s trade with the continent exceeded $90 billion in 2023.

The growing emphasis on South-South cooperation is reshaping the geopolitical landscape, enabling Africa to negotiate better terms for trade and investment. Initiatives like the India-Africa Forum Summit and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation have reinforced this dynamic, fostering mutual growth.

Challenges on the Horizon

While Africa’s ascent is noteworthy, challenges persist. Climate change, political instability, and inadequate access to education and healthcare remain formidable barriers. The continent’s youthful population, while a potential asset, also poses a risk if job creation does not keep pace with demographic growth.

Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder progress. According to Transparency International, Africa loses an estimated $50 billion annually to illicit financial flows, funds that could otherwise be channelled into development initiatives.

A Vision for 2030 and Beyond

To sustain its momentum, Africa must adopt a multi-faceted approach:

Investing in Education and Skills Development: Empowering its youth with relevant skills can transform Africa’s demographic bulge into a dividend. Initiatives like Rwanda’s coding academies and Nigeria’s tech hubs are steps in the right direction.

Accelerating Green Growth: Africa holds 60% of the world’s solar energy potential. Countries like South Africa and Morocco are already leading the charge with large-scale renewable energy projects. By harnessing this potential, Africa can not only achieve energy security but also lead global efforts in combating climate change.

Strengthening Governance and Transparency: Addressing corruption and fostering institutional reforms are crucial for attracting foreign investment and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

Africa’s New Dawn

Africa’s journey to becoming the vanguard of the Global South is not just a tale of economic growth but a testament to its resilience, innovation, and ambition. Like the Baobab tree, deeply rooted yet reaching skyward, Africa’s economic renaissance symbolises strength, adaptability, and boundless potential.

As the continent continues to write its growth narrative, it serves as an inspiration for the Global South, proving that sustainable development is not just a goal but an achievable reality. The world is watching as Africa leads the way—not as a follower, but as a trailblazer.

The post Africa’s Economic Growth Leading the Global South appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

A Powerhouse in Global Development

Since its founding in 2009, BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has evolved into one of the world’s most influential geopolitical alliances. Initially focused on economic cooperation, BRICS has broadened its scope to address global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, and green innovation. Together, the original BRICS nations represent over 40% of the world’s population and contribute nearly 31.5% of global GDP, a figure expected to grow with the inclusion of new members.

The decision to expand BRICS reflects the group’s desire to diversify and enhance its influence on the world stage. The inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE significantly strengthens the bloc’s position in global affairs, particularly in energy and technological innovation. This enlarged BRICS presents an opportunity for enhanced collaboration on green technology and renewable energy solutions, where these countries have made substantial progress.

Green Technology as a Priority

With climate change threatening to exacerbate social, economic, and environmental inequalities, BRICS has prioritised green technology innovation. The bloc’s commitment to driving advancements in renewable energy, carbon reduction, and sustainable development is evident in its recent initiatives and investments.

In 2022, BRICS nations accounted for 36% of global renewable energy capacity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). China leads in this area, producing over 70% of the world’s solar panels and dominating wind energy production. Meanwhile, India is rapidly expanding its renewable energy infrastructure, aiming for 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity by 2030. Brazil, with its extensive hydropower resources, and Russia, through advancements in nuclear energy and clean energy research, also make significant contributions to the bloc’s green agenda.

Reflecting the urgency of this mission, Xi Jinping, President of China, stated at a previous BRICS summit, “Our focus on clean energy is not just a necessity; it is a responsibility. As BRICS nations, we must lead the way in promoting green development for the world.” This sentiment captures the bloc’s ambition to position itself as a leader in the global fight against climate change.

New Members, New Strengths

The expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE introduces fresh opportunities for collaboration in green technology. Each country brings unique strengths that can enhance BRICS’s capacity for innovation and sustainable solutions:

• Egypt: A leading player in Africa’s renewable energy landscape, Egypt is home to the Benban Solar Park, one of the largest solar farms globally. The country has been a key advocate for climate action, hosting the COP27 summit in 2022.
• Ethiopia: Rapidly developing its hydropower capacity, Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is set to be one of Africa’s largest hydropower installations, significantly contributing to BRICS’s green energy goals.
• Iran: With rich natural resources, Iran is diversifying its energy portfolio through investments in wind and solar power. The country’s potential to harness these resources through green technology offers BRICS an opportunity to enhance its renewable energy capabilities.
• UAE: Home to Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy, the UAE has invested billions in solar and hydrogen energy technologies. Its participation in BRICS is expected to accelerate the bloc’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

READ ALSO: BRICS and Africa: A Partnership for African Youths

Sustainability and Leadership Commitment

BRICS leaders consistently emphasise their commitment to advancing green technology and sustainability. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, has highlighted the importance of cooperation in the green sector, noting that “BRICS is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in sustainable development by pooling resources and technological know-how to innovate in clean energy.” Similarly, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, stressed the need for strategic partnerships during last year’s summit, stating, “By working together, BRICS can build the sustainable infrastructure needed to create a greener world.” This shared sentiment reflects a common vision: to invest in green technology and foster partnerships that drive collective success.

The Way Forward

As the 2024 summit unfolds in Russia, the expanded BRICS has a unique opportunity to lead global green technology innovation. With their combined economic strength and natural resources, BRICS nations are well-positioned to make significant contributions to the fight against climate change.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy investments within BRICS countries are projected to grow by 8% annually through 2030. With new members like Ethiopia, which has vast hydropower potential, and the UAE, with its advanced solar energy infrastructure, this expansion heralds a new era of green development.

The ongoing BRICS summit is not merely a meeting of nations; it is a call to action. With increased membership, greater resources, and a collective ambition to innovate, BRICS has the potential to set the global standard for green growth. As Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, aptly stated, “Our path forward must be one that leads to sustainability—not just for BRICS nations, but for the entire world.”

As the world watches the outcomes of this summit, anticipation builds that BRICS, now strengthened by its new members, will forge ahead with sustainable innovations benefiting both its economies and the global community. The time for green leadership is now, and BRICS is poised to lead the charge.

The post BRICS Green Technology Collaboration: Shaping a Sustainable Future with New Members appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The Evolution of the UN General Assembly

Established in 1945 following the World War II, the United Nations was founded to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. Originally comprising 51 member states, the organisation has since expanded to 193. Leaders from two non-member observer states—the Holy See and the State of Palestine—along with representatives from the European Union, also participate in the Assembly.

A Tradition of Speeches: Who Speaks and When?

Brazil traditionally opens the general debate, a practice rooted in the early years of the UN when Brazil was often the first to volunteer to speak. Following Brazil, the United States, as the host country, delivers the second speech. After these initial addresses, speakers are scheduled based on a first-come, first-served basis, with heads of state and government receiving priority.

This year, around 87 heads of state, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and other African leaders, will address the Assembly. Other key speakers include Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Altogether, more than 140 dignitaries will speak, with leaders encouraged to adhere to a voluntary 15-minute time limit, though exceptions are often made.

Key Themes for 2024: Leaving No One Behind

This year’s General Debate is centred on the theme, “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.” As usual, leaders will use this platform to address a wide range of global and national  issues.

The War in Gaza

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has drawn significant global attention. With casualties exceeding 41,000, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Leaders, particularly from the Middle East and Europe, are expected to renew calls for a ceasefire, echoing previous UNGA resolutions. Both Israeli and Palestinian representatives will deliver speeches later in the week, likely offering perspectives on the conflict.

The Russia-Ukraine War

Now in its third year, the war between Russia and Ukraine remains a critical issue in global diplomacy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to make a much-anticipated address calling for continued international support. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will follow later in the week. Many leaders will reiterate calls for an end to the conflict, some reaffirming past UNGA resolutions condemning Russia’s actions and urging the Russian troops.

Climate Change: Urgency in Action

As climate-related disasters devastate vulnerable regions, particularly small island nations, the Assembly is expected to see strong demands for immediate action to tackle global warming. Leaders from countries most affected by rising sea levels and extreme weather events will make urgent pleas for accelerated efforts to meet climate targets, including the goal to limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C. Climate financing, renewable energy transitions, and global commitments will dominate many of the speeches.

UN Security Council Reform

Calls for reform of the UN Security Council will once again take centre stage. Countries like Brazil, India, Germany, and Japan have long advocated for the restructuring of the 15-member body, arguing that it no longer reflects the realities of the modern world. Reform proposals include expanding membership and limiting the veto powers currently held by the five permanent members: the US, Russia, China, the UK, and France. African leaders are expected to push for greater representation, highlighting the continent’s demand for a permanent seat on the Council.

The Role of African Leaders

African leaders are likely to focus on issues such as economic development, peace, security, and international cooperation. Key topics will include the crisis in Sudan, efforts to combat illicit arms trade, and Africa’s participation in global climate initiatives. These leaders are also expected to advocate for more equitable global governance, including representation on the Security Council.

Moving Forward: The Role of Diplomacy in a Fractured World

As the UNGA session progresses, leaders are expected not only to focus on immediate crises but also on broader questions of global governance, security, and sustainability. While the Assembly offers a platform for countries to voice their concerns, the true test will be whether their speeches translate into concrete actions.

With major conflicts unresolved, a worsening climate crisis, and mounting calls for institutional reform, the 2024 General Assembly may prove to be a turning point in how the international community addresses these challenges.

The post UN General Assembly 2024: Africa’s Hopes Amid Global Expectations appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Agriculture is central to Africa’s economy, employing over 50% of its workforce and contributing significantly to GDP. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the past two decades have seen a consistent upward trend in global agricultural production to meet growing demand. Between 2000 and 2021, the production of primary crops increased by 54%, meat production by 53%, and milk production by 58%.

This growth in agricultural output has outpaced global population growth, which increased by 29% during the same period. The expansion in farming activities—through greater use of irrigation, pesticides, fertilisers, and cropland—and the adoption of improved production technologies, such as high-yield crops, have driven this increase, despite the challenges posed by climate change.

Today, technological advancements have revolutionised agriculture across the globe, ensuring food security for billions of people and securing the future of coming generations. Staple crops such as yams, potatoes, beans, and maize are essential to the diets of many populations, particularly in the Americas and Africa.

Maize, in particular, plays a crucial role in the production of various commodities, including cereals, cooking oils, sweeteners, animal feed, and dairy products. It not only sustains human life but also serves as a significant economic resource, driving the commercial sectors of many nations worldwide.

Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent rainfall, government policies and several initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity have been actively promoting maize production.

The World Bank asserts that agricultural development is one of the most effective tools to eradicate extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and feed an estimated 10 billion people by 2050. Growth in the agricultural sector is two to four times more effective at increasing income among the poorest populations compared to growth in other sectors. Agriculture is also a key driver of economic growth, accounting for 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP), and in some of the least developed countries, it contributes over 25% of GDP.

As of 2024, the top maize producers in the world are the United States, China, Brazil, India, and Argentina. A report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 2023–2024 period indicated that 1.23 billion metric tons of maize were produced globally. South Africa ranked as the 11th largest producer, with 14 million metric tons during the 2023–2024 marketing year.

Nigeria follows closely, ranking 13th globally with 11.05 million metric tons produced, while Ethiopia ranks 14th with 10 million metric tons.

Below are the top maize-producing African countries:

South Africa

Metric tons: 14,000,000

Global Rank: 11th

Nigeria

Metric tons: 11,053,000

Global Rank: 13th

Ethiopia

Metric tons: 10,000,000

Global Rank: 14th

Egypt

Metric tons: 7,200,000

Global Rank: 18th

Tanzania

Metric tons: 6,400,000

Global Rank: 20th

Kenya

Metric tons: 3,700,000

Global Rank: 25th

Ghana

Metric tons: 3,619,000

Global Rank: 26th

Malawi

Metric tons: 3,510,000

Global Rank: 27th

Mali

Metric tons: 3,387,000

Global Rank: 28th

Zambia

Metric tons: 3,263,000

Global Rank: 29th

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Brazil’s suspended President Dilma Rousseff speaks during a meeting with people from pro-democracy movements in Brasilia, Brazil, August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

By Anthony Boadle

Brazil’s Senate will open the impeachment trial of suspended President Dilma Rousseff on Thursday and hear witnesses for and against the leftist leader who is expected to be removed from office next week on charges of breaking budget laws.

Rousseff, Brazil’s first female president, will appear before the 81 senators on Monday to defend herself, but her opponents are confident they have more than the 54 votes needed to convict her.

The final vote expected on late Tuesday or the early hours of Wednesday would confirm her Vice President Michel Temer as Brazil’s new leader for the rest of her term through 2018, ending 13 years of leftwing Workers Party (PT) rule.

A poll published by O Globo newspaper on Thursday showed that 51 senators were committed to voting to dismiss Rousseff, with only 19 supporting her and 11 undecided.

Temer’s right-leaning government held last minute talks with senators and political parties to shore up votes against Rousseff, who has denied any wrongdoing and described efforts to oust her as a ‘coup’. Temer aides said they expect at least 60 senators to vote against Rousseff.

If he is confirmed president by Rousseff’s ouster, Temer would face a daunting task to steer Latin America’s largest economy out of its worst recession since the Great Depression and plug a budget deficit that topped 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Rousseff is charged with spending without Congressional approval and manipulating government accounts to disguise the extent of the deficit in the run-up to her 2014 re-election.

Financial markets have rallied on prospects of a more market friendly government, with the real currency rising around 30 percent against the dollar this year. Still, investors and members of Temer’s fragile coalition are concerned he has yet to unveil measures to drastically curb the deficit.

A draft budget for next year is not expected in Congress until Aug. 31, after the Senate vote, by which time Temer could have more political leverage to push through unpopular austerity measures.

Temer’s team has sought to speed up the trial so he can set about restoring confidence in a once-booming economy and remove any doubts about his legitimacy as Brazil’s president.

If Rousseff is removed, Temer must be sworn in by the Senate. He is then expected to address the nation before heading to the summit of the G20 group of leading economies in Hangzhou, China on Sept 4-5 on his first trip abroad.

In her last rally before the trial, in the auditorium of a bank workers union in Brasilia on Wednesday night, Rousseff supporters chanted “Out with Temer.”

Rousseff, who once belonged to a left-wing guerrilla group, said she has refused to resign to make the point that she is being ousted illegally.

“I committed no crime. To stop this happening again, I must go to the Senate to defend Brazil’s democracy, the political views that I advocate and the legitimate rights of the Brazilian people,” she said.

Yet even Rousseff’s Workers Party, hurt by corruption scandals and her dismal economic record, has distanced itself from her last-minute call for new elections to resolve Brazil’s political crisis.

A sign that Rousseff is not expecting a favorable verdict next week is that she has begun to move her personal belongings out of the presidential residence in Brasilia to her home in Porto Alegre.

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President of Brazil’s Supreme Court, Ricardo Lewandowski and Brazil’s Senate President Renan Calheiros speak during a discussion before the Senate votes on whether suspended President Dilma Rousseff should stand trial for impeachment, in Brasilia, Brazil, August 9, 2016. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

Brazil’s Senate voted early on Wednesday to indict President Dilma Rousseff on charges of breaking budget laws and put her on trial in an impeachment process that has stalled Brazilian politics since January.

With the eyes of the world on the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, senators in the capital Brasilia voted 59-21 against the suspended leftist leader in a raucous, 20-hour session presided over by Chief Justice Ricardo Lewandowski.

A conviction would definitively remove Rousseff from office, ending 13 years of leftist rule by her Workers Party, and confirm that interim President Michel Temer will serve out the rest of her term through 2018.

Rousseff’s opponents needed only a simple majority in the 81-seat Senate to put her on trial for manipulating government accounts and spending without congressional approval, which they say helped her win re-election in 2014.

A verdict is expected at the end of the month and will need the votes of two-thirds of the Senate to convict Rousseff, five votes less than her opponents mustered on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s vote showed the movement to oust Rousseff has gained strength in the Senate, which had voted 55-22 in May to take up the impeachment proceedings initiated in the lower house in December. It also looked like game over for Rousseff who lost crucial ground instead of winning over more senators.

This will strengthen Temer’s hand as he strives to establish his legitimacy and stabilize Brazil politically.

The uncertainty has hampered his efforts to plug a fiscal crisis inherited from Rousseff, who is blamed for driving the economy into what could be its worst recession since the 1930s.

Temer, Rousseff’s conservative former vice president who took office in May, has urged senators to wrap up the trial quickly so he can move ahead with a plan to cap public spending, reform an overly generous pension system and restore confidence in government finances.

Investor expectations that Rousseff will be replaced by the more business-friendly Temer have strengthened Brazil’s currency and driven up shares on the Sao Paulo stock market by more than 30 percent since January, placing them among the world’s best performing assets.

Rousseff has denied any wrongdoing and denounced her impeachment as a right-wing conspiracy that has used an accounting technicality as a pretext to illegally remove a government that improved the lot of Brazil’s poorer classes.

“The cards are marked in this game. There is no trial, just a sentence that has already been written,” Workers Party Senator Jorge Viana said in a speech to the chamber. The impeachment, he said, was driven by the elite which oppose social welfare gains.

Rousseff’s critics say her interventionist economic policies and inability to govern led to the debacle in Latin America’s largest country. Some argue that, whatever the legal reasons for impeaching her, she should not be allowed to return to office for the good of the nation.

Her supporters argue that she is being ousted by politicians who are in many cases being investigated for receiving kickbacks in the graft scandal at state-led oil company Petrobras.

Corruption allegations forced the resignation of three of Temer’s cabinet members after and he could also be implicated. In plea bargaining testimony published by local media over the weekend, jailed construction magnate Marcelo Odebrecht reportedly claimed Temer had received illegal campaign funding.

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