Events

Due to its strategic location, its abundant resources and rapidly growing population, Africa is well positioned for economic and industrial development. This potential has clearly attracted many external powers to scramble for political and economic influence in the continent.

Hence, for the past two decades, Africa has been the site of fierce competition between large and medium powers reflecting the new geostrategic power relations in the world. The most visible manifestations of this competition are the projection of foreign military powers as the continent is witnessing a concentration of foreign military forces on its soil. The fight against terrorism and the security of commercial and economic interests are today the main engines of foreign intervention in Africa and Western powers are no longer the only ones trying to assert their influence on African theaters. In fact, emerging powers have joined the great powers in their play and race for influence in Africa and have become competitors.

- What are the implications of this scramble for Africa?

- Can we say that all external powers are similar in their strategy towards Africa?

- How is the scramble for the continent driving further militarization and securitization and how is it affecting internal continental dynamics?

- Is the continent doomed to be a space for competition or is there room for cooperation between global powers towards better outcomes for Africans?