Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes Europe-Africa relations in 2026
Jan 30, 2026
Alex Vines, ECFR Africa director, explains shifting geopolitics and development corridors. Carlos Lopes, former UN/AU official and academic, highlights industrialisation and regional strategy. Nathalie Delapalme, Mo Ibrahim Foundation CEO, focuses on governance, energy access and local value addition. They discuss Europe-Africa climate and minerals policy, China’s presence, CBAM risks, and how partnerships should evolve.
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Many Suitors For Africa
- Multiple external partners now compete for influence in Africa, expanding choices for African states.
- This multipolar interest weakens Europe's monopoly and compels new African diplomatic strategies.
Multilateralism Under Strain
- Multilateral rules are under strain as great-power competition rises, forcing Africa to reconfigure engagement.
- Declining ODA and harder access to capital raise urgent strategic questions for African leaders.
Treat Africa As Strategic Partner, Not Charity
- Europe must stop taking Africa for granted and recognise competing partners like China and Gulf states.
- Shift from aid-driven relations to interest-based partnerships focused on mutual benefits.
