Strategic competition and cooperation in Africa: perceptions, implications, and ways forward

The current global context abounds with opportunities for partnerships that take African agency seriously.

European policy-makers increasingly view Africa as a theatre of strategic competition with rising powers. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has dramatically raised the stakes of geopolitical competition. It has heightened perceptions that Western interests are being challenged by rival actors, including in Africa. However, such interpretations tend to obscure Africa’s growing autonomy in an increasingly competitive international order. Redefining European relations with Africa through the prism of strategic competition disproportionately focuses on challenges rather than opportunities. The current global context abounds with opportunities for partnerships that take African agency seriously and understand the influence of smart and soft power in advancing foreign policy agendas.

About the authors:

Dr Fonteh Akum is the Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

Dr Denis M Tull heads the Megatrends Afrika project and is a Senior Associate with the Africa and Middle East Division at SWP.

Image credit: © picture alliance/AP/Olivier Hoslet