Johannesburg — Executive Summary: Despite achieving formal independence decades ago, African nations still encounter unequal treatment in their international interactions, especially with influential global players like the United States, China, and the European Union. These relationships are often defined by structural inequalities, positioning African countries primarily as beneficiaries of aid rather than equal partners. This imbalance is evident in Africa's limited ability to influence trade agreements, the pressure exerted on foreign policy priorities, and external interventions in its sovereign choices.
This article is part of a series ahead of the Amplifying African Voices for Strategic Action conference to be held at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, November 21-27, 2025". The registration link to the conference is accessible here.
With South Africa set to serve as the G20 presidency, African nations have a significant chance to redefine their engagement with global powers. The G20 platform presents opportunities for negotiating under well-defined conditions, promoting objectives like fair trade, equitable investment flows, security collaboration, and safeguarding national sovereignty. By prioritizing their interests and maintaining diplomatic leverage, African states can reshape the dynamics of their external relationships.
African countries should leverage the G20 Summit to push for substantial debt relief and restructuring strategies. Such initiatives are crucial for restoring fiscal independence and creating balanced relationships with major global players. Improved debt frameworks are not just generous gestures; they represent a necessary adjustment in global finance that can foster stability, growth, and shared prosperity for all involved.
This policy brief proposes practical strategies, including the establishment of sovereignty clauses, unified diplomatic efforts across the continent, expanded protocols of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and engagement led by experts to help African nations forge more respectful, reciprocal, and forward-looking partnerships with the leading global powers.
Introduction
African viewpoints have often been overlooked in global diplomacy, with major powers like the United States, China, and the European Union frequently steering the direction of engagement. These relationships tend to focus on the strategic and economic interests of these powerful nations, resulting in African countries having minimal say in decisions that impact their development, sovereignty, and independence in foreign policy. This disparity has been highlighted in various instances, such as criticism from the United States regarding South Africa's position on Israel[i] and its proposed land reform policies.[ii]
Nonetheless, the dynamics are changing. With the African Union's recent acceptance as a permanent member of the G20 in 2023[iii] and South Africa's role as the host for the 2025 Summit. These developments present African nations with a unique and strategic chance to reshape their relationships with global powers.[iv] The G20, which accounts for over 85% of the world's GDP and two-thirds of the global population, is not only a platform for economic collaboration but also a platform where international norms are established and debated.[v]
The G20 Summit in South Africa is a particularly crucial moment, as such opportunities are rare. South Africa's leadership provides a collective mandate for diplomatic engagement, enabling African nations to exert strategic influence and negotiate more equitable partnerships. By leveraging the G20 to promote fair trade, sustainable investments, debt relief, and respect for sovereignty, African states can advance beyond mere symbolic involvement and begin to influence global governance in ways that reflect their interests.
Problem Statement
Global powers consistently undermine African nations by viewing them as dependent receivers in international relations, instead of recognizing them as equal partners in a collective global framework. This situation highlights a significant disregard for the principle of interdependence and the strategic value of Africa. Major powers often insist on crafting agreements that benefit themselves, neglecting African interests and relegating African countries to the role of passive players.
Additionally, these powers frequently interfere in Africa's sovereign choices, both at home and abroad, by pressuring governments on their foreign policy decisions and domestic reforms. Examples include the United States' objections to South Africa's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict and its suggested land expropriation bill, along with the external facilitation of peace agreements, such as the Rwanda-DRC accord, which was signed in Washington, D.C.[vi]
The root of this inequality is a global system influenced by the strategic competition between major powers, each striving for dominance and using African nations as tools to advance their objectives. This "main character syndrome" leads to imbalanced interactions, where African priorities are often overshadowed by external demands. In this context, "main character syndrome" describes how certain influential countries view themselves as the primary players on the global stage. These nations often anticipate receiving special treatment, controlling the narrative, and taking on leadership roles, which can sometimes undermine multilateral cooperation or overlook the interests of smaller countries. Without significant reform, African countries may continue to be undermined rather than empowered in the global arena.
Policy Options
- Institutionalize sovereignty clauses in G20-linked agreements
African nations ought to incorporate sovereignty protection provisions in partnership agreements discussed within or in conjunction with G20 frameworks. These provisions should limit external influence on both domestic and foreign policy choices unless specifically solicited by the nation involved. This measure is crucial as it will guarantee that interactions with global powers honour African independence and avert coercive diplomatic actions. South Africa's experience with the United States' pressure regarding its positions on Israel and land reform highlights the necessity for formal protections.
- Practice coalition diplomacy in G20 negotiations
African nations should embrace coalition diplomacy by presenting a united stance in G20 discussions. This approach will strengthen their collective priorities and prevent disjointed engagement. A unified front is crucial, as it boosts negotiating power and helps avoid undermining African diplomatic agency. The African Union's permanent seat in the G20 beginning in 2023, along with South Africa's presidency in 2025, provides opportunities for coordinated diplomatic efforts.
- Expand AfCFTA to govern trade with global powers
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) should be expanded to encompass trade with non-African nations, ensuring that international trade aligns with Africa's development goals. This approach is crucial as it will lessen reliance on agreements like AGOA and foster self-defined trade standards. The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is an event organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and since its establishment in 2018, it has secured over $100 billion in trade agreements.[vii] If the AfCFTA is implemented carefully by 2045, it could potentially boost the continent's GDP by $141 billion and increase intra-African trade by $276 billion, representing a 45% rise.[viii]
- Strategically delink political and economic relations
African nations ought to thoughtfully distinguish their political relationships from their economic collaborations, enabling practical interactions that sacrifice neither autonomy nor principles. This approach is crucial as it shields them from political pressure influencing trade and investment choices. The case of South Africa, which navigates between its alignment with BRICS politically and maintaining economic connections with the EU, illustrates the importance of this deliberate separation.[ix]
- Integrate African think tanks into G20 negotiation processes
African policy organizations and think tanks should be officially included in G20 discussions, contributing evidence-based insights and ensuring that African interests are represented. This approach strengthens African intellectual presence and aligns negotiations with the continent's realities. During its presidency from December 2024 to November 2025, the South African government has designated three prominent institutions to lead the Think 20 (T20) South Africa, an official G20 engagement group. The Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD), linked to UNISA, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), and the University of Johannesburg (through the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation) have collaboratively driven this important initiative.[x] IGD, SAIIA, and IPATC are ideally suited to lead the G20 Think 20, drawing on their deep expertise in African politics and economics. IGD focuses on the interplay of politics and economics, SAIIA excels in economic diplomacy and international affairs, and IPATC focuses on decolonial and inclusive policies. Their involvement in T20 taskforces and policy dialogues is crucial for representing African priorities in G20 discussions. These think-tanks are part of the negotiation process, but not the formal negotiations. Therefore, to enhance their influence, a more systematic integration of their research through policy briefings and collaboration with G20 Sherpas is essential for ensuring that African perspectives shape global decision-making and foster a more inclusive G20 agenda.
- Leverage the G20 to secure sustainable debt relief mechanisms
African nations should leverage the G20 platform to pursue substantial debt relief and restructuring deals with international powers and multilateral lenders. By positioning debt diplomacy as a fundamental aspect of fair engagement, African countries can transition from being passive recipients of financial arrangements to proactive architects of their economic futures. Unsustainable debt obligations hinder development goals, diminish negotiating leverage, and increase reliance on external donors. With rising concerns about the debt challenges facing African nations, the threat of defaults is garnering significant global focus. Many, though not all, believe that avoiding defaults is crucial due to their potentially lasting adverse effects on the economies of the affected countries and the risk of eroding investor confidence.[xi] Under South Africa's G20 Presidency, there is a push to reform the existing framework by streamlining and restructuring timelines, improving transparency, and amplifying the viewpoints of borrowers.[xii]
Recommendations
African nations ought to leverage the G20 as a strategic forum to establish their terms of interaction with leading global powers, affirm their autonomy as a continent, and shift from being mere recipients to equal partners in global policymaking. This engagement should highlight mutual interdependence and shared obligations, ensuring that Africa is not just a supplicant but an essential voice in shaping global futures.
Implementation strategy
- Legal entities within the African Union (AU) and teams from the G20 Sherpa can create model clauses for inclusion in both bilateral and multilateral agreements.
- Form a G20 negotiation task force led by the AU, featuring rotating representation from different regions, and backed by think tanks such as SAIIA and IGD.
- Trade Ministers in Africa have the authority to establish a protocol for foreign trade within the framework of the AfCFTA, with assistance from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). For instance, Nigeria is striving to expedite the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create new opportunities for businesses both domestically and across the continent.[xiii]
- African ministries of foreign affairs should take the lead in crafting national foreign policy frameworks that distinctly separate political alliances from economic partnerships. Relevant parliamentary committees should provide institutional oversight to ensure coherence and accountability in these strategies.
- Establish AU-accredited think tanks as technical advisors for the G20 Sherpa and Finance Tracks, supported by funding from the African Development Bank.
- AU Finance Ministers and Sherpa delegates should form an African Debt Negotiation Consortium to unify their positions before G20 discussions.
- Collaborate with the African Development Bank and UNECA to offer fiscal modelling and sustainability benchmarks.
- Utilize G20 communiqués to formalize commitments regarding debt relief, linking these efforts to Africa's recovery, green transition, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Conclusion
Global powers continue to exercise excessive influence over African nations, often overlooking African interests and encroaching on their ability to make independent decisions. This ongoing disparity remains a significant issue in international relations. The G20 summit, especially under South Africa's leadership, presents a unique opportunity for African countries to alter these dynamics and foster more equitable partnerships.
By pushing for fair trade agreements, sustainable investment frameworks, meaningful debt relief, and full respect for their sovereignty, African nations can move beyond mere symbolic participation to assert real influence in global governance. To accomplish this, they need to establish mechanisms that protect sovereignty, broaden the governance scope of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and engage in coordinated diplomacy through the African Union.
Key players such as the African Union, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, G20 Sherpas, South Africa's leaders, and Trade Ministers should capitalize on this strategic opportunity, not just to participate, but to take the lead. This moment allows them to shape negotiation outcomes in a way that aligns with African interests, paving the way for future relationships founded on mutual respect and shared responsibility. By expressing their vision and voice, African nations can transform their role in global affairs from being passive stakeholders to becoming influential partners in creating a more inclusive global order.
The author is a Ph.D. in Political Science Candidate at the University of Johannesburg.
[i] Tshwete, M. (2025, July 4). US Congress proposes sanctions against South Africa over Israel case. DFA. Available at: https://dfa.co.za/south-african/2025-07-04-us-congress-proposes-sanctions-against-south-africa-over-israel-case/.
[ii] Rall, S. (2025, February 3). Trump threatens to cut US funding to South Africa over controversial Land Expropriation Bill: What you need to know. Daily News. Available at: https://dailynews.co.za/news/politics/2025-02-03-trump-threatens-to-cut-us-funding-to-south-africa-over-controversial-land-expropriation-bill-what-you-need-to-know/.
[iii] Acharya, S. and Singh, S.C. (2023, September 9). G20 admits African Union as permanent member. Reuters. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/g20-admit-african-union-permanent-member-new-delhi-summit-draft-declaration-2023-09-09/.
[iv] Chimoio, M. (2024, November 4). South Africa's G20 Presidency in 2025: A pivotal moment for the country and Africa. United Nations. Available at: https://africarenewal.un.org/en/magazine/south-africas-g20-presidency-2025-pivotal-moment-country-and-africa.
[v] World Economic Forum. (2024, November 15). What is the G20, and why does it matter? Available at: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/11/g20-summit-what-you-need-to-know/.
[vi] Psaledakis, D., Rolley, S. and Kasongo. A.A. (2025, June 28). Rwanda, Congo sign peace deal in US to end fighting, attract investment. Reuters. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/rwanda-democratic-republic-congo-set-sign-peace-agreement-washington-2025-06-27/.
[vii] African Export-Import Bank. (2025, June 17). South Africa accelerates drive to expand intra-African trade through AfCFTA. Available at: https://www.afreximbank.com/south-africa-accelerates-drive-to-expand-intra-african-trade-through-afcfta.
[viii] United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. (2025, April 25). ERA 2025: With effective implementation, the AfCFTA can open alternative markets to sectors affected by the global tariff wars. Available at: https://www.uneca.org/stories/era-2025-with-effective-implementation%2C-the-afcfta-can-open-alternative-markets-to-sectors#:~:text=ECA%20experts%20note%20that%20a%20meticulous%20implementation%20of,billion%20and%20intra-African%20trade%20by%20%24276%20billion%20%28%2B45%25%29.
[ix] Ndzendze, B., & Hlabisa, N. (2024, July 16). South Africa's new coalition government: Implications for social, economic, and foreign policy. Africa Policy Research Institute. Available at: https://afripoli.org/south-africas-new-coalition-government-implications-for-social-economic-and-foreign-policy.
[x] Department of International Relations and Cooperation. (2024, November 21). DIRCO appoints prominent think tanks to lead the T20 during South Africa's G20 presidency. G20 South Africa. Available at: https://g20.org/news/dirco-appoints-prominent-think-tanks-to-lead-the-t20-during-south-africas-g20-presidency.
[xi] Eickhoff, K. (2025, June 13). Shifting the narrative on African debt: Debt default versus development default. Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP). Available at: https://www.swp-berlin.org/en/publication/mta-spotlight-55-shifting-the-narrative-on-african-debt.
[xii] Sidiropoulos, E. (2025, June 27). South Africa's G20 presidency: Placing African concerns on the global table. South African Institute of International Affairs. Available at: https://saiia.org.za/research/south-africas-g20-presidency-placing-african-concerns-on-the-global-table.
[xiii] Ikeh, G. (2025, July 3). Nigerian business leverages AfCFTA to grow intra-African trade. APA News. Available at: https://apanews.net/nigerian-business-leverages-afcfta-to-grow-intra-african-trade.
Editing by Bunmi Oloruntoba
