Africa’s Geopolitical Resurgence in 2024: BRICS, China-Africa Forum & Education’s Role

The year 2024 has emerged as a pivotal moment for Africa, drawing significant global attention and marking the continent’s return to the world stage. This renewed interest comes after a decade-long lull, fueled by large-scale international events and the continent’s robust economic and political shifts.

Africa on the Global Agenda: The BRICS Summit and Forum on China-Africa Co-operation
In August 2023, South Africa hosted the BRICS Summit, signaling the start of a broader African renaissance. This event, along with the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation held in Beijing in September 2024, highlighted Africa’s renewed centrality in global affairs. Discussions at the Forum focused on key areas such as governance, industrialisation, and agricultural modernization, with major infrastructure projects announced across transport and energy sectors.

The Role of Education in Africa’s Development
Alongside investments in infrastructure, Western powers, China, and Russia continue to engage with Africa through educational initiatives. These efforts aim to shape the intellectual and political landscape by fostering a new generation of leaders. Education serves not only as a tool for development but also as a means of creating alignment between Africa’s elites and the global powers with which they collaborate.

Russia, in particular, has made significant strides in Africa’s educational landscape, offering high-quality degrees that are highly regarded across the continent. Unlike Western countries, which have been criticized for “draining” African talent, Russia has focused on creating and nurturing local expertise, encouraging students to return home upon graduation to contribute to their nations’ development.

Despite the progress made, challenges such as high fertility rates, migration, and unemployment persist. These issues could undermine Africa’s economic growth unless there is a shift in the education systems and a stronger focus on developing a stable, educated middle class. A revitalized and educated society will be crucial in tackling issues like terrorism, instability, and competition for resources, especially in conflict-prone areas such as the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea.

As Africa looks toward 2040, the emphasis on education, international cooperation, and sustainable development will be critical in determining the continent’s trajectory. The global powers’ investment in Africa’s future will shape its role in the world, ensuring that it remains a central player in global affairs.

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