Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
27 May 2025 | 15:45 CAT

Africa’s Strategic Crossroads: As Global Powers Scramble for Influence, Can the Continent Reclaim Its Pan-African Dream?

In a rapidly evolving geopolitical climate, Africa is finding itself at the centre of a complex global power struggle, with shifting alliances, economic realignments, and renewed calls for self-determination.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Dr. Wayne Malinga, Policy and Research Manager at the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe, outlined how emerging global powers are scrambling for influence on the African continent. With the West recalibrating its foreign policy and traditional aid relationships, Africa faces a pivotal moment to reassess its strategic alliances and chart a path of economic resilience.

“We are seeing Western retreat, recalibration and increasing Chinese and Russian footprints in Africa,” Dr. Malinga explained. “Meanwhile, Gulf nations like the UAE, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are growing their diplomatic and economic presence too.”

Amidst these shifting dynamics, African nations are urged to adopt selective partnership strategies to diversify economically and reduce dependency on traditional powers. This, Malinga argues, must be matched by institutional reforms to tackle persistent governance challenges.

Trade Wars & the AfCFTA: A Window of Opportunity

As global trade tensions between superpowers intensify, notably between the US and China, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) emerges as a vital buffer and opportunity for Africa’s economic growth.

Dr. Malinga noted that while trade wars have disrupted traditional markets and imposed high tariffs—Lesotho reportedly facing tariffs as high as 50%—AfCFTA offers a route to internal market resilience and foreign investment redirection.

“The AfCFTA shields the continent from external shocks and creates potential for industrial diversification, from agro-processing to renewable energy,” he added.

With Africa’s young population and strategic location, the continent stands as a prime destination for multinationals seeking alternatives to China’s manufacturing base. But Malinga cautioned that for AfCFTA to succeed, African nations must address structural barriers like poor infrastructure, weak dispute resolution mechanisms, and inefficient payment systems.

Africa Day at 60: A Dream Deferred?

Reflecting on 60 years since the formation of the African Union’s predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity, Malinga offered a sobering assessment.

Despite the promise of pan-Africanism, unity, and self-reliance, the continent remains mired in political instability, rising inequality, and underdevelopment.

“We must ask whether African institutions truly reflect the will and needs of its people,” said Dr. Malinga. “Too often, our natural resources serve the elite rather than the masses.”

As Africa commemorates six decades of formal unity, the continent still grapples with unemployment, inadequate healthcare and education, gender inequality, and fragmented development goals. Yet, the potential remains—vast resources, youthful energy, and a growing global relevance.

For Africa to truly realise its dreams, Dr. Malinga concluded, it must confront corruption, strengthen regional integration, and build institutions that serve the people—not the powerful.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabahul Muslim with Muallimah Shakirah Hunter and Dr Wayne Malinga.