Navigating Africa’s Evolving Economic Partnerships with Emerging and Traditional Powers (Makerere University)

The global economic landscape is shifting as emerging powers like China, India, and Brazil increase their influence, particularly in Africa. China, Africa’s largest trading partner, with over $200 billion in annual trade, has made significant investments in infrastructure projects like Kenya’s Mombasa-Nairobi Railway. India’s engagement with Africa is also growing, with bilateral trade reaching $70 billion in 2022, and investments in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and agriculture. Initiatives like the Pan-African e-Network Project demonstrate India’s commitment to enhancing education and healthcare in Africa. Despite these emerging ties, traditional partnerships with Europe, the USA, and the UK remain vital, with trade volumes of over €280 billion with the EU, $50 billion with the USA, and $32 billion with the UK. These long-standing partners continue to provide critical markets for African exports like oil and minerals. The panel will discuss how Africa can balance new alliances with emerging powers and traditional partners to foster sustainable development, examining key examples like China’s infrastructure investments, India’s technological projects, and Europe’s trade agreements to enhance Africa’s global economic positioning.

Kampala Geopolitics Conference 2025

• Session Type: Panel Conversation
• Time: 2:00 pm
• Venue: CTF2 Auditorium