In a recent conference tagged London Conference 2023 at the Chatham House, London, a panel of discussants, comprising speakers from Asia, Europe, the UK and the USA, shared their perspectives on Geopolitical Competition, Multilateralism and the New World Order. It was quite an interesting session, which focused mainly on the major world economies and super power.
It was quite disheartening for me as an African watching the discussion without any sub Saharan participants or involvement at the table. This realization evokes a sense of the place of Africa in the scheme of global affairs and raises concerns about the relevance of African foreign policy advisers and governments in shaping global affairs. It is time that Africa must strive to make itself a significant player in international conferences and discussions, not by gatecrashing, but by becoming relevant and earning the respect and attention it rightly deserves.
Essentially, the clear message that is conveyed by the absence of Africa at such a crucial global conference, is either that Africa is not taken seriously, not considered relevant or both. And the issues that were discussed at this conference where the other continents were present to the exclusion of Africa have dire consequences and implications for the continent and the world at large.
Should Africa have forced its way by some form of diplomatic gate-crashing or commence a tactical assessment of how to become relevant to earn a seat at the table of such an important conference where global matters are being discussed.
While the idea of gatecrashing into conferences may seem tempting, it is not a sustainable approach for Africa to be taken seriously on the global stage. Instead, African governments and policy advisers should focus on making themselves relevant by actively engaging in international affairs. This can be achieved through diplomatic efforts, good democratic governance, economic growth, and demonstrating expertise in areas of global importance, such as sustainable development, peacekeeping, and climate change.
Diplomatic Engagement
African nations should prioritize diplomatic engagement with major global players to ensure their voices are heard and their interests are represented. This can be achieved through active participation in international organizations, such as the United Nations, African Union, and regional blocs. By actively contributing to discussions and negotiations, Africa can assert its relevance and influence in shaping the new world order.
As it is, Nigeria and South Africa, which are the two leading economies in Africa, seem to be singing discordant tunes and toeing different economic and diplomatic directions. While South Africa has joined Russia in the BRICS bloc, Nigeria remains non-aligned and appears to be more favorably disposed to the UK and the USA.
Although Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was Nigeria’s one-time Foreign Minister; Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy at various times during the Obasanjo and Jonathan’s governments, Africa should not expect her to grant it any undue advantage in such matters, but nothing precludes Nigeria from trying to take the advantage of that position to gain some visibility and traction. But Nigeria’s domestic house must first be in order.
Economic Growth and Expertise
Economic growth is a crucial factor in gaining relevance and respect on the global stage. African nations should focus on developing their economies, attracting foreign investments, and fostering innovation and technological advancements. By becoming economic powerhouses, African countries can command attention and influence in international forums. Additionally, Africa should invest in education and research to develop expertise in areas that are of global significance, such as renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture.
In conclusion, Africa’s absence from discussions on the new world order is a cause for concern, but it also presents an opportunity for African nations to assert their relevance and be taken seriously on the global stage. Rather than gatecrashing into conferences, or engaging in self pity, Africa should focus on making itself relevant through diplomatic engagement, economic growth, and expertise in areas of global importance. By doing so, Africa can ensure that its voice is heard and its interests are represented in shaping the future of the world. It is time for Africa to step up and actively participate in the global discourse.
NB: Sonny Iroche, 2022-2023 Senior Academic Fellow, African Studies Centre of the University of Oxford. He is also an Investment Banker of 30 years experience. He was an Executive Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), 2013-2017)
Twitter (X): @IrocheSonny
