Revitalizing Multilateralism in Africa: Positive Advancements in Governance, Trade, and International Engagement

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ultilateralism works. Yet its effectiveness in Africa has been jeopardized by recent geopolitical polarization and regional conflicts. The 2023 Human Development Report highlights how instability has cross-border implications in Africa. Between 2020 and 2023, Africa experienced a resurgence of military coups, especially in West and Central Africa with prevailing consequences. For example, the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States signifies a shift in regional alliances, with new external influences reshaping Africa's regionalism.  

Despite these challenges, Africa is demonstrating commendable resilience in its governance and development landscape. This is evidenced by the pattern of electoral outcomes, progress in intra-Africa trade, and Africa’s enhanced Africa’s voice in the global arena. Building on these gains through sustained collective African leadership engagement will pave the way for strengthening the multilateralism required to advance Agendas 2030 and 2063 on the continent. 

2024 was described as a “Super Election Year,” with presidential elections in 14 African countries. Electoral processes thrived in countries such as Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Botswana, where opposition parties won or gained ground. Amid strong competition, Namibia elected its first female president. Countries such as Guinea and Gabon, affected by coups, began implementing roadmaps to restore constitutional order. Across most elections in Africa, voting patterns suggested a strong link between election results and the yearning for more people-centered governance. 

Intra-Africa trade remains a critical focus of multilateralism. 48 African Union (AU) member states have ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. 39 of these countries have joined the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, a group that  applies preferential terms to their members. Regional Economic Communities, alongside private sector leadership, are crucial for removing trade barriers and enhancing productivity. Prioritizing the free movement of people and cross-border infrastructure development remains essential to unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA. 

Representation of African interests on global platforms also expanded in 2024. The AU’s admission to the G20 in 2023 marked a significant recognition of Africa’s role in global economic governance.  Beginning with South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in December 2024, Africa has a unique chance to advance its development goals, particularly regarding inclusive economic growth, food systems, data governance, and the reform of the global financial architecture.  

Overall, Africa made notable strides in 2024, achieving several collective goals and reinvigorating cooperation, albeit precariously. The future remains uncertain, especially with new developments in global governance capable of shaping Africa’s development trajectory. However, Africa’s progress toward an effective, coherent, and unified leadership at the continental level will help to promote stronger multilateralism as we enter 2025.  

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Africa Program

The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations.   Read more

Africa Program