Middle Powers and Africa: Global South-South Relations and the Scramble for Geopolitical Power

by Meryem Agostini

In this paper, we discuss:

• The rising role of middle powers in Africa as Western influence wanes and great-power rivalry intensifies;
• Africa’s growing agency through South–South cooperation and regional integration;
• How India, Türkiye, and Gulf states leverage trade, investment, and security ties to expand influence;
• The risk that Africa’s strategic importance in energy and critical minerals reproduces old asymmetries without stronger industrial policy.

Download PDF: Middle Powers and Africa December 2025