At the table or on the menu? Africa’s agency and the global order

Africa is largely a resilient but marginal global player – what can be done to change this?

Africa has often been on the periphery of global processes and events. Where is its ‘agency’ in a changing global order? Does Africa have a clear unified ‘voice’ in a complex, polycentric and unstable world? And what can Africa do to strengthen its participation in a challenging global environment? This report reflects discussions by key African think tanks on promoting African agency in an international system that faces increasing pressure. It makes recommendations that could benefit the continent.

About the authors

Gustavo de Carvalho joined the ISS in 2014 as a Senior Researcher in the Peace Operations and Peacebuilding programme in Pretoria.

Steven Gruzd is Head of SAIIA’s African Governance and Diplomacy Programme.

Chido Mutangadura is a Consultant with the ISS Peace Operations and Peacebuilding programme in Pretoria.

Picture: Amelia Broodryk/ISS