The Strategic Importance of Africa: Beyond Mineral Resources

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

When it comes to global influence, is presence truly more impactful than absence? As the United States announces the closure of several diplomatic missions worldwide – many of them in Africa – it’s worth examining what other nations have been doing on the continent over the past two decades.

Between 2003 and 2021, Türkiye, for instance, significantly expanded its footprint in Africa, both diplomatically and economically. The same period saw a surge in Turkish investments across the continent, underscoring the strategic value of maintaining a strong presence.

This phenomenon, which I have previously termed “influence by presence,” is not unique to Turkey. Israel has employed similar tactics, while Iran continues to deepen its ties across Africa.

Other global powers are also vying for influence, recognizing that Africa holds immense potential beyond its mineral wealth.

But here’s the paradox: If the new U.S. administration perceives limited benefits in engaging with Africa, why is it pursuing a lucrative mineral deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo? And how can it overlook the strategic importance of initiatives like the Lobito Corridor, a project poised to reshape regional trade routes?

These actions suggest that disengaging from Africa would be a grave miscalculation – one that could undermine America’s long-term influence on the global stage.

Africa: A Continent of Opportunity

The reasons for staying engaged with Africa extend far beyond resource extraction. Consider this: Africa is home to the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world, with the lowest median age globally.

This demographic dividend, coupled with rising literacy rates and improving health systems, paints a picture of a continent on the brink of transformation.

Education is becoming more accessible, and literacy rates have shown remarkable progress over the years. Similarly, advancements in healthcare infrastructure are contributing to longer life expectancies.

Together, these developments are fostering the growth of a burgeoning middle class – educated, aspirational, and increasingly connected to the global economy.

What does this mean for the future? With current fertility rates, Africa is set to become a hub of massive consumer markets and production centers.

Its young, skilled workforce will be a critical asset in an era where aging populations in the Global North are grappling with labor shortages. For countries seeking to maintain or enhance their global influence, fostering partnerships with African nations is not just beneficial – it’s essential.

Why Disengagement Is a Strategic Error

The decision by any global power to disengage from Africa – or relegate the continent to the back burner – would be a shortsighted move with long-term consequences. While security challenges persist in some regions, the progress being made in various sectors – from technology and agriculture to education and infrastructure – cannot be ignored.

These advancements represent opportunities for collaboration that could yield mutual benefits for decades to come.

Moreover, Africa’s growing connectivity to the global economy means that its markets and resources will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping international trade dynamics. Powers that choose to withdraw now risk ceding ground to competitors who understand the continent’s potential and are willing to invest in its future.

A Win-Win Imperative

For advanced economies in the Global North, engagement with Africa must be rooted in win-win relationships. Such partnerships should prioritize shared interests, sustainable development, and capacity-building.

By doing so, these nations can secure access to emerging markets, tap into Africa’s vast human capital, and contribute to the continent’s ongoing transformation.

In conclusion, Africa is not merely a repository of natural resources; it is a dynamic and evolving landscape brimming with opportunities. Any retreat from the continent would not only weaken the withdrawing nation’s global standing but also squander a chance to shape a future defined by cooperation and shared prosperity.

In the race for influence in the 21st century, Africa is a prize no serious contender can afford to overlook.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.