Opinions

Pamela Carslake argues the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty as well as mutual benefits are reasons for China’s acceptance by Africa and contends that although the contributions of external partners to Africa’s development alone will not solve the continent’s challenges, there is a need for concerted efforts from the…

Despite some progress, many reforms have stalled. Can Kenya’s President William Ruto get the process back on track? In 2016, African leaders recognised the imperative for a swift and substantial reform of the African Union (AU). The initiative led by Rwandan President Paul Kagame aimed to realign AU institutions for better service…

Loreen Katiyo and Leticia Ngorima argue that climatic factors are placing unprecedented pressure on water resources in the Southern Africa region, noting the necessity to prioritize transboundary water cooperation for not just economic prosperity but also stability and harmony throughout the region. The ministers of water for Mozambique and Zimbabwe…

Hippolyte Fofack argues the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could significantly transform Africa’s trade and economic landscape owing to its potential to significantly increase investment flows, with their composition and direction shifting away from natural resources towards labor-intensive manufacturing. In a sign of the stickiness of the colonial development model…

African heads of state are slated to meet this weekend [February 17 – 18] for the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union and they could be prompted to make an unforced error that could weigh heavily in the continent’s plans to promote digital industrialization and the…

Ueli Staeger and Babatunde Fagbayibo argue that the African Union is weak because its Member States want it to remain so. The African Union (AU) comes in for a lot of criticism. Most recently this is from within its own ranks. The AU Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, set out his frustrations after…

The decision of the India G20 summit last September admitting the African Union (AU) as a permanent member has been hailed as a historic development both continentally and globally. While it is not true that the benefit of AU membership to the global body is insignificant, there is merit to the view…

The AU must guard against mirroring the weaknesses of its predecessor – the Organisation of African Unity. The African Union (AU) is not living up to expectations – and member states are partly to blame, according to AU Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Mahamat. He says they are using their sovereignty to avoid…

Have you ever wanted to work for the UN or UNESCO? Well I have. As someone who is really interested in foreign affairs and the humanities, I care a lot about intercultural exchange and understanding. Yet, the UN and UNESCO is not as amazing as we think. Right now, there…

Lidet Tadesse Shiferaw wonders whether, as Africa’s global significance grows, the continent’s increasing global role will help it realize its full potential.     On September 9, 2023, the African Union (AU) was admitted as a permanent member of the G20, just weeks after the BRICS association welcomed Egypt and…