Afro-resilience: Africa’s strategic realignment in a multipolar world

Abstract

Despite lacking major weapon manufacturing facilities, Africa remains the world’s largest recipient of arms and ammunition given that most of the ongoing armed conflicts globally are on the continent. Paradoxically, while the continent is home to the highest number of peacekeepers, it also faces the greatest number of conflicts globally. Moreover, despite possessing the world’s largest youth population, vast land resources, abundant sunshine, significant water bodies, and agriculture as a central pillar of its economies, Africa remains the world’s poorest region and continues to suffer from severe food insecurity. These stark contradictions highlight the urgent need for Africa to address the systemic problems of armed conflict, climate change and underdevelopment, underscoring the considerable work required for the continent’s economic and social emancipation.