Event

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The shift has led to new forms of changes in the post-Cold War liberal international order which has further disintegrated into a fragmented, multipolar landscape defined by a great-power competition and rivalry across the African continent, fostering both opportunities and challenges. As a result, the African Union (AU) has emerged as Africa’s principal continental institution. The organisation's influence over global governance has expanded, demonstrated by its admission as a permanent member of the G20 in September 2023. This has strengthened Africa's voice in international decision-making while expanding the AU's role in promoting regional and international peace and security.

Since its establishment in 2002, following the Organization of African Unity's (OAU) 1999 decision to create a new continental body, the African Union (AU) has significantly expanded its mandate. Unlike the OAU's principle of non-interference, the AU adopted a policy of non-indifference, prioritising democratic governance, economic integration, sustainable development, human security, and peace. Agenda 2063 and ongoing institutional reforms have further strengthened continental cooperation and the AU's capacity to advance Africa's collective interests.

Alongside this, geopolitical competition is promoting new opportunities for investment and partnership across the continent, often unrecognized but with long term and strategic intent which will change the continent in decades to come. Africa’s abundant critical minerals as well as the Horn of Africa’s beneficial location along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has significantly contributed to this spike in investment and opportunities for improvements in international rapports and maritime trade with countries like China, India and European states. The World Bank's regional portfolio exceeds US$8.2 billion, while the Horn of Africa Multi-Donor Trust Fund has mobilised more than US$3.5 billion to improve regional connectivity, trade, and logistics.

However, growing geopolitical competition has also raised concerns over strategic autonomy, neo-colonialism, and Africa's long-term development priorities. While the Horn of Africa presents significant opportunities for investment, it also highlights the need for African-led conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding through organisations such as the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), particularly in Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Despite its growing influence, ongoing conflicts, financing constraints, institutional capacity gaps, and divergent member state interests continue to limit the AU's ability to translate political ambition into effective continental action. As a result, it must balance expanding partnerships and investment with safeguarding Africa's strategic autonomy and ensuring external engagement supports the continent's long-term development goals.

Conclusively, the Africa’s Geostrategic Paradox in a Changing Global Order event will examine the AU's evolving role in a changing global order and how it can strengthen Africa's influence in international decision-making. Bringing together policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and practitioners, the event will explore opportunities to enhance the AU's contribution to global governance while fostering deeper cooperation between the African Union, Norway, and other international partners in promoting peace, sustainable development, and effective multilateralism.