Investment in Africa

Examining Africa’s increased economic momentum, as soaring prices for oil, minerals, and other commodities have helped lift GDP since 2000.

The rate of return on foreign investment is higher in Africa than in any other developing region, and the continent is fast developing its commercial future. In the 21st century, the rate of real GDP has risen at more than twice its pace in the 1980s and 1990s, as industries such as construction, telecommunications, banking, and retail have all grown significantly.

Investors continue to face different challenges across the continent, including environmental pressures, social protest, conflict and insecurity. But emerging pan-African economic initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area are working to support the creation of a market greater than Brazil or India, and the continent’s economy is among the most rapidly growing of the world’s regions.

In this episode, Wenjie Chen of the International Monetary Fund’s African Department discusses the IMF regional economic outlook for sub-Saharan Africa.

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.

Alleged cyberattacks spotlight China’s role in Kenya’s debt problems, but must not be allowed to overshadow the country’s broader failings in its financing.

Maintaining a balance of international partnerships is critical as foreign powers support domestic infrastructure, mining investment, health, and education.

A global approach is the only way to tackle debt distress in Africa. This will require strategic cooperation between China, the West and African nations.

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What are China’s objectives in Africa, how valid is the concept of ‘debt trap’ diplomacy, and what are China’s military ambitions in the region?

Ahmed Soliman examines the challenges the new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces in his first 100 days as president.

The 14th Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety and Security meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 12, 2022. Photo by Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images.

Aanu Adeoye outlines how the invasion of Ukraine is affecting perceptions of Russia across the Africa region.

Outlining key issues raised by the UK government’s plan to reduce its commitment to spend 0.7 percent of gross national income on overseas assistance each year.

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Chinese engagement with Africa is on an uptick after a period of decline.

Open access

The organization has failed to give voice to the Global South and the countries it most represents. With new approaches to peacekeeping and trade, an African secretary-general can change this, writes ’Funmi Olonisakin.

Efforts to co-opt opposition and externalize blame are familiar tools in Kenyan politics, but may be ill-equipped to address the demands of a new youth protest phenomenon and the realities of Kenya’s fiscal struggles.

As climate change and the trade of water-intensive goods exacerbate global water scarcity, how can importers of commodity products improve the sustainable use of water at sites of production?

The discussion series brings together African stakeholders to discuss the continent’s response to geopolitical trends.

High-speed trains at a depot in Nanjing, China, ahead of 2022 Spring Festival travel rush

Open access

Beijing has bought influence by exporting its high-speed rail technology to Kenya, Indonesia and other countries. But trouble is on the line, writes Yu Jie.

Based on a new global review of laboratory accident reporting, this Chatham House research paper presents the case for a sustainable and risk-based approach to biosafety.

The writer Noo Saro Saro-Wiwa waves at the camera from a suspended walkway on a cliffside in China, with other tourists behind her

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Noo Saro-Wiwa, author of ‘Black Ghosts’, and BBC journalist Danny Vincent discuss China’s African community and the country’s ‘pragmatic’ attitudes to race.

Guests from governments, business and regional organizations gathered to discuss how to make the best of the green commodity boom.

African leaders who went to St Petersburg expecting tangible results from Putin’s promised new programme of support for Africa will undoubtedly have concluded that Russia is unable to offer what they need.

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Due to worsening Sino-US relations and tightening EU markets, Beijing is hoping for a better reception in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, writes Yu Jie.

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The historian tells Mike Higgins about the corporation’s contentious role in apartheid’s last years and how its outreach work empowers women and attracts criticism.

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If President Macron’s forthcoming global financial summit is to matter, it must address debt and climate finance – here’s how, write Creon Butler and Lilia Couto.

The supply chain of a seemingly innocuous cash crop – sesame – has intersected with transnational conflict dynamics, exacerbating tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan.

Zambia’s recent approach to international relations has boosted the country’s prominence, but further domestic focus is needed to make this a sustainable policy shift.

African countries face collective climate and job creation-related challenges, yet policymaking often remains regionally siloed.

What are China’s objectives in Africa, how valid is the concept of ‘debt trap’ diplomacy, and what are China’s military ambitions in the region?

Episode ten discusses Africa and the complex role China plays on the continent, and how the world should be responding to the major conflicts of 2023.

Despite few African trade and financial links with Russia and Ukraine, the war in Ukraine will cause civil strife in Africa due to food and energy inflation.

This paper assesses plans for investment in a sustainable economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, and examines how such efforts could transform international development cooperation.

Member content

At the US-Africa Leaders Summit, Washington will need to go beyond strategic geopolitical interest to compete with China’s offer, says James Orr.

This episode discusses the current state of the Commonwealth and the relevance of language-based intergovernmental organizations to African states seeking to diversify their international relations.

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.

For this special episode, the former president of the Republic of Malawi explores the current state of democracy in Africa.

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

Experts from across Chatham House examine the range of domestic and foreign policy issues facing Rishi Sunak as he prepares to lead the UK government.

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

A special episode with HE Joaquim Chissano, former president of the Republic of Mozambique and the 2006 winner of the Chatham House Prize.

Although seen as one of the Queen’s greatest legacies, the Commonwealth must provide tangible benefits to its citizens in an era of geopolitical competition.

Nature-based solutions can protect African nations’ shared natural endowment and meet the needs of their people.

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Dr Akinwumi Adesina outlines the continent’s priorities for structural and economic transformation, sustaining growth and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

In conversation with Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. A coffee reception will take place after this event.

This panel discussion reflects on the outcomes of TICAD 8 in 2022 and looks forward to TICAD 9 in 2025.

Examining how regional trading blocs and national governments in Africa engage with their international partners, and how they seek to maximise domestic benefits through their regional and international partnerships.

This event examines how Japan and the UK plan to work together in their outlook on Africa, with the aim to encourage peace and stability in the continent.

This event explores the challenges facing transnational development in areas affected by conflict and insecurity.

Panellists identify the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of different stakeholders in working towards sustainable development, and the impediments to achieving Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Panellists exchange perspectives on the African Continental Free Trade Area, including the priorities for implementation and how to ensure that Africa’s diverse economies and populations are able to benefit from it.

At this event, HE Hakainde Hichilema, president of the Republic of Zambia, discusses his vision for Zambia’s development and long-term political and economic reform and recovery.

President of the Republic of Malawi HE Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera outlines the priority areas of policy implementation for positive change in Malawi, including the pathways to deliver and support quality education for the country’s young population.

The 10th Africa Day International Conference takes place under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, His Excellency Mr Borut Pahor, and within the framework of the Bled Strategic Forum.

Panellists explore the potential of triangulation and diversification of partnerships amongst African countries, Japan and the UK to support mutual policy goals, as well as the place of summits in shaping policy priorities and driving cooperation.

Panellists explore how African and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries influence the structure and institutions of Africa-EU relations.

Slovenia’s annual high-level Africa event seeks to improve policy outcomes for citizens in Europe and Africa as a result of mutual understanding and strengthened cooperation between the two regions.