A seat at the table or on the menu? Africa grapples with the new world order

February 13, 2026

African leaders are convening in Addis Ababa as the continent faces a shifting global landscape marked by declining multilateralism and increased great-power competition. The Trump administration's America First strategy represents a dramatic pivot from previous US engagement, focusing on transactional bilateral deals for critical minerals rather than comprehensive partnerships. While countries like China, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE are also pursuing their own interests in Africa, experts warn that African nations lack the unified bargaining power and strategic depth to secure favorable terms.

Who is affected

African heads of state and their governments across the continent
Citizens of African nations, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa
US companies seeking mining rights and critical minerals
China, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE pursuing investment and security deals
Sudanese civilians experiencing humanitarian crisis from civil war
The Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces
Global bodies including the UN, World Bank, and World Trade Organization
US President Donald Trump's administration and former President Biden's administration

What action is being taken

African heads of state are gathering in Addis Ababa for their annual meeting this weekend
The US is striking bilateral minerals deals with individual African countries
President Mahama is advocating for his Accra Reset project focused on skills investment, coordinated industrialization, and continental negotiation
China continues foreign direct investment in Africa (though the US reversed its position last year)
Russia, Turkey, UAE and other countries are striking investment and security deals across the continent

Why it matters

This represents a fundamental shift in how Africa engages with the world during a period when multilateral institutions are weakening and transactional bilateral relationships are replacing comprehensive partnerships. The continent faces the risk of being "left behind" without effective collective bargaining strategies, potentially resulting in unfavorable deals that extract resources without delivering broader economic benefits like market access and diversified investment. Africa's inability to resolve conflicts like Sudan's civil war and secure value from its critical mineral resources demonstrates a lack of continental agency at precisely the moment when great powers are competing for access to these assets. The outcome will determine whether Africa can claim sovereignty over its development path or remain trapped in dependency relationships that fail to benefit its populations.

What's next

The ongoing annual meeting in Addis Ababa will address how the continent should deal with the rest of the world
Implementation of Mahama's Accra Reset project focusing on skills investment, coordinated industrialization, and joined-up continental negotiation
Continued development of the Liberty Corridor project linking Guinea's iron ore mines to Liberian ports
Further progress needed on the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union's Agenda 2063

Read full article from source: BBC