Africa’s Strategic Autonomy in the new global order: A regional perspective

Abstract

Strategic autonomy is an important goal to help Africa escape from external dependence, enhance its position in the international system and promote sustainable development. The birth of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional initiatives reflect the continent’s aspiration for strategic autonomy. The current multipolar global order is presenting Africa with both opportunities and challenges, requiring intra-regional solidarity, investment in people and technology, institutional reform and a gradual reduction of external dependence. The paper analyzes how African countries pursue strategic autonomy; assesses the opportunities, challenges as well as potentials and prospects for Africa’s strategy in the new world order.