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Can Africa maximize its global influence?

October 23, 2026 · 36 min

Show notes

As the world becomes more unstable and the demands for critical minerals from China and big tech increases, can greater international attention on Africa translate into greater power and prosperity for African nations?

Can African states leverage their huge deposits of natural resources and the youngest population in the world into more infrastructure, better engagement with international partners and greater representation for Africa on international bodies, including the UN Security Council?

Our experts explore the new global opportunities for African nations, the increasingly transactional approach of the US, trade deals with the EU, the Accra Reset, creating regional value chains, Russia's involvement in conflicts in Africa and why international organizations need to open up their decision-making bodies.

In a special edition for Black History Month, Bronwen Maddox is joined by Tighisti Amare, director of our Africa Programme, and Lisa Musumba, host of our sister podcast, 'Africa Aware'.

Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Stephen Farrell and Sara Seth.

Explore Chatham House's latest work:

Video | Baroness Amos, President of Chatham House, speaking at a Black History Month event in mid-October about 'Reparative justice'

Research paper | The response to debt distress in Africa and the role of China

Research paper | Gold and the war in Sudan

Event | Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama on navigating a changing global order

Event recording | Reckoning or rhetoric: Is now the time for reparative justice on the global stage?

Magazine issue | The World Today autumn issue

Academic Journal | International Affairs

Audio | Africa Aware🎧

Audio | The Climate Briefing🎧

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