Can middle powers deliver for Africa?

The rise of middle powers could expand Africa’s diplomatic and development options, but there are risks to consider.

Date: 2026-06-23

Time: 15:00 to 16:30

Venue: Online via ISS Zoom

As competition between major powers intensifies, can middle powers shape a more balanced international order? The global influence and African footprint of countries such as the United Arab Emirates, India, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and individual European and Indo-Pacific states are rising. This could expand Africa’s diplomatic and development options, but new coalitions could deepen global fragmentation through competing interests and selective partnerships.

Join this webinar to explore the opportunities and risks of a growing ‘middle power moment’ and what it means for Africa.

This event is the first of a six-part series on global geopolitical developments and Africa’s security-development futures.

Moderator: Priyal Singh, Senior Research Consultant, ISS

Panelists:

• Ayanda Ntsaluba, former director-general of South Africa’s foreign affairs department, and member of the ISS Board of Trustees
• Faith Mabera, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand
• Gustavo de Carvalho, Acting Programme Head for African Governance and Diplomacy, South African Institute of International Affairs (TBC)