With the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which has had negative repercussions on the West’s economies, major world powers have realised the strategic importance of the resources-rich African continent in shaping the future of the globe.
This reality has become crystal clear after the war Ukrainian war caused an energy crisis in Europe. Europe is now turning to Africa, instead of Russia, for gas.
Meanwhile, the US and China are now fiercely competing for influence in the African continent. Africa will surely benefit by forcing either side to offer expertise and funds to push forward development.
Africa has not gained clout from thin air. With 54 votes in the UN General Assembly, Africans can influence international resolutions.
US-China rivalry over Africa is plainly apparent in recent months as Washington seeks an economic rebound from the repercussions from the current global crises and the African market provides the answer.
However, the US was surprised by the Chinese presence in the continent as Beijing exploited the void left by the US following the 9-11 attacks when Washington focused its on its military and the fight against terrorism.
China has invested in railways, ports, airports and hospitals in Africa.
The US turned its sights on Africa after the launch of the American National Security Strategy last October, which shows that African governments, institutions and people are a primary geo-political force with an effective role in confronting global challenges.
The recent African-American Summit in Washington is considered a turning point in US policy on Africa. One important outcome is a plan to commit $55 billion to Africa over the next three years for a wide range of sectors to tackle the core challenges of our time. This is in addition to US President Joe Biden’s declaration during the COP27 in Egypt last month to dedicating $500,000 million to support Africa’s action on climate change. This declaration matches Egypt’s efforts to direct world attention to Africa regarding food and water security and combatting climate change.
The major powers have many objectives through its rapprochement with African countries. Even though the Russian-Ukrainian war has had direct implications for movement inside Africa in recent months, world powers have their interests at stake with Africa.
Some American documents make no secret of US fears of Chinese and Russian gaining more toeholds in the African continent. The Biden Administration’s new strategy on Africa, issued on 8 August this year, coincided with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s African tour in a bid to build on US engagement in Africa and leverage the best of what America can offer Africa.
African countries are only too well aware that the rapprochement between the Dark Continent and many countries is intended to serve the interests of the latter, yet the Africans have adopted a balanced policy based on openness, respect, partnership, thus benefiting from the advantages offered by each major country, while being cautious not to become involved in any international conflict.
The speech of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi during the American-African summit defined the responsibilities of world powers, specifically the US.
Africa is stretching out its hand for partnership based on mutual interests provided the international community genuinely wants to support Africa.
The president’s remarks are considered a clear roadmap for Africa to compensate for years of diffidence caused by international fluctuations.
Almost 800 million people worldwide were suffering from food insecurity in 2022 — one third of them in Africa. This is due to climate change, internal disputes, civil wars, coronavirus and the war in Ukraine. The Egyptian vision for solving food crisis in Africa requires US economic weight to activate response to the food crisis.
Mohamed Fahmy is the editor-in-chief of The Egyptian Gazette and the Egyptian Mail newspapers.
