Leverage and Limits: What African Actors Make of the New Multipolarity
Megatrends Working Paper 21, 08.10.2025, 48 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-WP21
Africa is entering a new era of multipolarity, with global powers competing to become key partners to the continent. This study analyses the different facets of multipolarity and how African actors respond to both opportunities and constraints arising from the growing interest of foreign actors.

Just as the market in Jos, Plateau region, Nigeria, was filled with colourful umbrellas on August 2, 2025, a variety of foreign actors are shaping the new era of multipolarity in Africa.
© picture alliance / Amazing Aerial Agency | Sunday Polycarp
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