In a changing world where traditional major powers are no longer the only ones influencing the global stage, Africa seems poised to seize the opportunities presented by the geopolitical competition between the United States and China. Professor Harsh Pant, Vice President for Studies and Foreign Policy at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi, highlights the importance for the African continent to have visionary leaders willing to invest in digital technologies to remain competitive on the global stage.
As Africa faces historical and contemporary challenges such as lack of transparency and underinvestment in digital technologies, Pant underscores the need for the continent to address these gaps to position itself favorably in the global landscape. He highlights the potential of Africa’s youth as a strong foundation for economic and social development, while emphasizing the importance of effective governance and strong political leadership to translate opportunities into concrete results.
According to Pant, Africa and India have the opportunity to benefit from this geopolitical competition by strengthening their partnerships with the West and investing in education, skills development and technological advancement. He emphasizes the crucial role of visionary leaders who can successfully navigate the legacies of the past and current obstacles to development.
The growing influence of Western nations and China in Africa raises questions about the kind of partnerships that can benefit African countries. Pant warns of the need to provide credible alternatives to Chinese investments, particularly in the areas of technology and infrastructure. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging the competition between the United States and China to negotiate more advantageous terms for Africa’s development.
Ultimately, Pant encourages Africa to seize the opportunities presented by this new geopolitical dynamic and to position itself strategically for its future development. With visionary leadership, wise investments in digital technologies and a commitment to transparency and socio-economic development, Africa can truly carve out a place for itself on the world stage and contribute significantly to global prosperity.