From Altruism to Strategy: Understanding Africa’s Rising Role in Geopolitics

The history of Western assistance or investment in Africa has been altruistic and born out of colonial guilt. For decades, Africa has been on the periphery of geopolitics. In other words, the continent was treated as a non-entity in the power play of global politics. That narrative, however, is changing. The overall structure and organization of global political entities are shifting towards other regions. Western influence on the continent is waning as the global political and economic landscape changes.

Given its vast mineral wealth and natural resources, Africa is taking a center stage in geopolitics. It can no longer be ignored. Emerging economies, like China and India are expanding their economic ventures on the continent. They are focusing on critical areas like infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. In the last two decades, China has pumped billions of dollars into trade with Africa, joining other multinational corporations. Countries like Brazil and Russia have increased their efforts to build close alliances with Africa. They hope to gain access to the continent’s abundant and rich natural resources. Russia is canvassing the continent, signing new military contracts and forging alliances to counter Western influence. It is becoming the preferred security partner for many African governments, supplanting traditional allies like France and the United States.

Western governments are beginning to view foreign investment and assistance as a strategic tool. They aim to gain access to the continent’s plethora of rare earth minerals. This includes copper, cobalt, and lithium, among others. The United States is now exploring a critical mineral deal in the resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo. The central African nation has vast deposits of lithium, which is an essential part of battery and electric vehicle production. Currently, China is leading and dominating in Congo’s mineral wealth. The United States has been trailing behind China in this new scramble for Africa’s mineral riches. It lags a step or two behind other emerging global powers as well. The competition between the United States and China over Africa’s economic development is reaching a new high. Both global powers are vying for involvement in critical projects across the continent.

Is this new found economic engagement in Africa’s best economic and political interest? Will Africa be better off with these new business opportunities? Africa has a unique opportunity to leverage these business ventures to its economic and political advantage.