African Union Needs a Permanent Seat at the G-20

Tom Cargill | Chatham House | July 2010

Africa should no longer be regarded through the narrow lens of humanitarian aid. For the sake of economic interests, the developed world's public would do well to discard these images that have long outlived their usefulness. Africa is growing in strategic importance, and it is high time that the West adapts its idea of Africa to the new reality on the ground. If the United States and Europe fail to quickly gather their bearings in this new world, they risk forfeiting their position in Africa to emerging powers from Asia, the Middle East, and South America. As one means of preventing this, the African Union should be granted a permanent seat at the G-20. Africa must finally be taken seriously as a strategic economic partner.

Africa represents a mosaic of vastly different cultures and countries at diverging stages of economic development. The potential for highly advantageous investments in these countries is enormous for private firms originating in the transatlantic community, based on cultural affinity and established business ties. However, not least because of a demonstrated lack of Western interest in Africa's economies, this advantage is about to be lost. In the wake of the financial crisis, projects and joint ventures in Africa are being cut by the dozen, while academic research lacks funding. By contrast, countries such as China, Turkey, South Korea, and Brazil have all aggressively stepped up their activities on the continent. After all, 40 percent of the world's reserves in raw materials are to be found on the continent, as well as huge amounts of fresh water and fossil fuel sources. Nevertheless, the West continues to view the engagement of other countries in Africa - China in particular - in terms of a zero-sum game. What the continent does not need in the 21^st century is a new scramble for Africa. In spite of the financial crisis, aid for Africa and investment opportunities on the continent today should be seen for what they are: profitable enterprises and not handouts.

The G-20 today is the most effective forum for coordinating the activities of the states interested in Africa. Enormous efforts not only from beyond but also from within the continent will be necessary in order to realize its full potential for the sake of Africa's inhabitants and the global community. Investments will only return a profit in places where the rule of law and political stability protect them against the arbitrary use of power. With an eye to the ponderous and corrupt bureaucracies ruling many African countries, much remains to be done within Africa itself. Future aid to Africa should be made contingent upon greater involvement of the private sector. It alone is capable of producing sustainable growth. Internally, African states must consistently implement democratic reforms, as well as more assertively pursue their common interests in their external relations.

This summary was prepared by the Atlantic Community editorial team from "Our Common Strategic Interests: Africa's Role in the Post G-8 World" published here by Chatham House.