Foreign Relations and Africa’s Agency in the International System

Research and networks of governmental and non-governmental actors help to support a deeper understanding of the changing dynamics of African political economies and international relations.

In 2019, the programme hosted its flagship conference in Addis Ababa, Africa’s Future in a Changing Global Order: Agency in International Relations. The two-day conference was launched with a keynote address by Former President of Tanzania, HE Jakaya Kikwete.

The Africa Programme focuses on Africa’s changing relationship with the European Union, as well as the drivers and prospects of engagements between countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019, the programme co-hosted Slovenia’s eighth Africa Day Conference in Ljubljana. The UK’s engagements and influence in Africa are analysed through work on UK Policy in Africa.

Emerging economies around the world are developing their political and economic relations with African states in pursuit of a number of strategic goals. The Programme’s research shows the extent of the impact that Gulf region dynamics and links into the Horn of Africa have on outcomes in that region.

A series of papers have examined relations between Africa and emerging powers, including South Korea, Turkey, and South Africa. In 2018, H.E. Sibusiso Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, spoke about the country’s international re-engagement.

A Chatham House symposium provided an early assessment of the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), held in Nairobi in August 2016 and the first to take place on the African continent. Ahead of the 2011 India-Africa Forum, a conference and collection of resources examined India’s modern day relationship with Africa.

The Africa Programme is part of the T20 Africa Standing Group (T20-ASG), a group of African and international think-tanks which will support cooperation between the G20 and Africa with evidence-based policy advice.

Options for improving the effectiveness of international policy towards Africa in the post-G8 world were discussed in a report, Our Common Strategic Interests: Africa’s role in the Post-G8 World, published in 2010.

The Programme continues to follow African states’ engagements in international fora and organisations, including the UN, the African Union, the Commonwealth, l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, and the Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa. H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, spoke at Chatham House in 2017.

Project content

Tanzania’s rising economic influence and its ambitions for major cross-border infrastructure projects demand a more proactive approach to foreign policy. The policy review currently under way is a chance for the country to reach its potential as a regional leader and reliable global partner.

The UK needs to get the tone right as South African president Cyril Ramaphosa is welcomed by King Charles III for the first state visit of his reign.

Increasing maritime awareness has already delivered impact, but consistency and continental leadership are needed to realize the sector’s full potential.

Change is necessary not only in global economic structures and attitudes – but in African governance too.

Discussion of ‘African agency’ must distinguish between the continent and specific groups of Africans, and can manifest as resistance to totalitarian power.

This paper finds that the transition perspectives of Central and Eastern European member states can help shape the EU’s evolving partnership with Africa.

African governments need to coordinate and leverage the power of their collective voice to garner sustained support and influence global governance systems.

Genuine partnership between international industry and African governments can unlock mining’s potential and give it greater influence in the global economy.

To mark the centenary of Chatham House, the Africa programme curated an exhibition of archive material which charts how the institute has been both a major forum for discussion on Africa, and an important platform for African leaders to engage in international affairs.

Structures to support more in-depth investigative journalism are vital in Africa because that seems to be the only thing those in power still truly fear.

The agreement, which entered into force in May, could be a major step for Africa’s role in international trade, if the continent can overcome barriers to implementation.

Familiar promises of equal partnership must be backed by bolder action, including an expanded budget, internal reform and a rethink of its approach to trade negotiations.

More and more, African countries are able to act in concert to stand up for the interests of the continent.

Trade between Central and Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa has increased significantly in the last decade and a half. There is a strong case to be made for greater economic re-engagement, especially in terms of investment, that has the potential to support inclusive growth in both regions.

How African leaders respond to this renewed attention will determine whether there is further continental political fragmentation or whether Africa develops its international voice.

With proper government commitment, the UK could see substantial economic, security and diplomatic benefits from deepening relationships with African partners.

A trip to Beijing by Zimbabwe’s military chief was a ‘normal military exchange’, China’s foreign ministry said after the army seized power in Harare. Alex Vines examines the extent of China’s influence in Zimbabwe.

Despite cost concerns, Kenya’s deal shows that infrastructure agreements with China can be made fairer for citizens of partner countries. Its neighbours should take note.

Castro supported many independence leaders in Africa, but Cuba’s solidarity and sacrifice was greatest in Angola.

Past events

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This webinar will launch a new Chatham House research paper which explores the key considerations for Tanzania’s foreign policy review.

How can African countries position themselves in diversifying global supply chains of strategic minerals?

The 12th Africa Day International Conference hosted in Slovenia offers a platform for interregional exchange and policy cooperation between African and European countries on climate security.