**African middle powers emerging on the international scene**
The recently released annual report by the SWP cabinet highlighted the increasingly influential role that four African countries played on the global political and economic stage in 2023. Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and Africa of the South were cited among the twelve influential middle powers of the world.
Titled “Mittlere Mächte: einflussreiche Akteure in der internationalen Politik” (Middle Powers: Influential Actors in International Politics), the report places these African countries alongside nations such as India, Turkey and Brazil, members of the G20, highlighting their growing impact on a global scale.
Beyond their diversity, these twelve middle powers, also known as “middle-ground powers” or “swing states”, share common characteristics. The report highlights the importance given to economic development, stability and security, as well as the aspiration for strategic autonomy.
This ranking demonstrates that these countries, despite their differences, possess significant regional and international power that distinguishes them from other states. Their geographical position, their demographics, their economic performance, their natural resources, their military power and their political influence contribute to strengthening their influence on the world stage.
In summary, the rise of Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa among influential middle powers confirms the growing role that African countries play in international affairs, highlighting their potential in as key players in the future global landscape.
Flory Musiswa/Intern