The global balance of power is shifting towards a multipolar and fragmented world order. This has significant implications for Africa's international relations. States such as China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey are increasing their political, economic and military involvement on the continent. They offer African states new forms of cooperation and thus potentially more opportunities to shape their foreign relations. But not all actors are equally interested in sustainable development on the continent. We look at the impact of these developments on African states and their relations with Europe.
Senegal is one of Africa’s top peanut-exporting countries. Exports to China yield significant benefits for local farmers. But with them come long-term repercussions for local consumption, processing industries, and future production, Daouda Cissé argues in this Megatrends Afrika Spotlight.
With the European Peace Facility (EPF), the EU's approach to supporting peace and security in Africa is moving towards a strong focus on military capacity-building. Instead, it should strengthen prevention and peacebuilding dimensions, argues Julian Bergmann (IDOS) in this Megatrends Afrika Spotlight.
The EU faces (geo)political challenges as it implements the Global Gateway Initiative in East Africa, including rent-seeking dynamics and competition between external actors. Our paper recommends adressing mobility needs of East Africans and increasing regional coordination to mitigate risks.
doi:10.18449/2023MTA-WP04
Several African countries have defaulted on their debt, and more could follow. Multilateral solutions for debt relief are needed but are complicated by power struggles between the West and China, argue Karoline Eickhoff and Rainer Thiele on the occasion of the Paris Summit.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, policy-makers have increasingly viewed Western interests as being challenged by rival actors, including in Africa. This obscures Africa’s growing autonomy in the international order. Redefining European relations with Africa through the prism of strategic competition disproportionately focuses on challenges rather than opportunities.
doi:10.18449/2023MTA-PB13
China is reorganising the spatial order in the East African Community through influencing key stakeholders. By heavily investing in regional connectivity projects via the BRI, Beijing promotes an alternative idea of development – one that is favourable to a Chinese-centric order in the region.
doi:10.18449/2023MTA-PB12