Historically, the world was predominantly unipolar, but over time, power has shifted towards a multipolar structure with multiple centers of power leading to a more distributed global power system. Since the 1960s, leading economies like the USA, UK, Germany, Russia, France, Australia and Canada significantly influenced global GDP and served as primary sources of foreign direct investment (FDI). However, in a multipolar world, alternative foreign investment sources have emerged. Notably, Asian countries like China, the Asian Tigers and developing nations in Africa, have experienced substantial growth, reshaped the global economic landscape and reduced reliance on traditional economic powers.
After World War II, the global community adopted a rules-based system rooted in international law to promote peace and protect territorial integrity, with the mandate vested in institutions like the United Nations. However, from the outset the system was biased favouring stronger nations over the “weaker” ones and creating an environment of survival-of-the-fittest. Multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations Security Council, along with international trade and health systems, established a donor-recipient relationship that reinforced dependency rather than partnership. Integration became the weapon upon which the world powers used to establish their influence and dominance. Although disparities existed since the inception of its predecessor, the League of Nations, due to varying levels of civilization, little has been done to address or rectify these inequalities over time.
During the 2026 January World Economic Forum in Davos, the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the current system and suggested establishing a coalition of middle powers to reduce reliance on a single superpower. He stated that the countries have been “living within a lie” by pretending that the system was fair while the powerful countries used it to their own advantage. Carney referenced Václav Havel’s 1978 essay, “The Power of the Powerless,” and stated that;
“The system’s power comes not from its truth but from everyone’s willingness to perform as if it were true and its fragility comes from the same source…Stop invoking rules-based international order as though it still functions as advertised. Call it what it is – a system of intensifying great power rivalry, where the most powerful pursue their interests, using economic integration as coercion.”
Flowing from the above, indeed the current global events reflect a flawed international system that has failed to offer security to nations such as Gaza, Iran, Sudan, Rwanda, and the DRC, nor provide adequate protection against takeover threats faced by countries like Cuba and Greenland. Beyond the aids and the grants, the African nations have failed to garner their fair economic status within the system despite their richness in resources. This failure underscores the urgent need for reform and stronger sovereign equality.
After independence, many African nations have relied heavily on partnerships and collective agreements for development. This dynamic however is a master-slave relationship clothed in partnership. Development aid, humanitarian assistance and conditional loans frequently perpetuate this cycle. Foreign aid often involves extracting resources from African countries, generating profits and then channelling aid back through foreign organizations or corrupt government officials. This cycle does not aim to empower local economies but deepen dependency and perpetuate status quo.
The progress achieved by African countries on sovereignty and their role in global infrastructure have been hard-won after years of “noise-making” and negotiation. Despite the progress, issues such as Africa’s quest for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat and economic inequality persist. Measuring African countries’ resources through new financial infrastructure also remains a challenge. Notwithstanding these inequalities, countries continue to compete for favour from the greater powers instead of forming a unified front to address issues internally. This pattern undermines Africa’s economic independence by prioritizing external interests and instead of helping Africa develop its own infrastructure using its abundant resources, it is baited with limited infrastructure projects. The countries are offered minimal military aid rather than a decision-making seat at the Security Council, and they sign agreements that provide royalties but result in the loss and surrender of ownership of their minerals to foreign entities.
The clear gaps present an opportunity to address the deficiencies by creating a new global order instead of waiting for the existing one to be restored. This new system must ensure that each country and continent benefits from its strengths rather than exploitation of its weaknesses. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which produces 70% of cobalt and coltan, should be supported to develop industries that create finished electronics rather than just extracting and exporting minerals. South Sudan and Nigeria should use their oil to power their economies. Ghana and South Africa should be empowered to establish industries that transform gold into finished products. With its rich minerals, large population, vast land, active markets and energetic youth, Africa has significant potential to contribute greatly to this new order.
Additionally, the new global order should focus on development rather than competition or dominance. In areas like technological advancement and AI, African nations must be given the freedom to develop frameworks suited to their needs instead of relying on imported systems that will put them at the mercy of others. Imported frameworks offer minimal benefits and leave African countries dependent on giant powers, risking exploitation. Instead of merely serving as sources of raw materials or hubs of corporate downstream with a parallel economy, Africa aims to be co-creators of the innovations.
When we realize our potential, our partners will respect our sovereignty and recognize our capabilities rather than dictate the terms of our partnership. They will also acknowledge that we have a higher bargaining power due to the fact we power nations from our resources and our markets. Africa desires partners that build and values relationships for the long term and not masters who dictate the terms of their participation. Risk pooling, partnerships and agreements are beneficial, however, asymmetrical trade and condescension clothed in do-goodism is not unacceptable.
Ultimately to advance Africa’s development, the continent must first reform and empower the African Union by strengthening its role as a global negotiating entity, fostering a unified voice among member states. Secondly, it must shift from the beggar mindset of scarcity and dependency to one of self-reliance and shared identity. Thirdly, embracing both intra- and intercontinental trade by building strong partnerships and viewing neighbouring countries not as rivals but as allies is essential. This approach is vital for establishing a value-based international system that benefits all countries. It emphasizes acknowledging the value of each sovereign country and making decisions based on principles rather than profit rules.
Lenah Mati is a Legal and Governance Analyst who brings clarity to political, constitutional, and governance issues. She is recognized for offering insightful analysis on political, legal, and governance issues, both in advisory roles and as a frequent commentator on television discussions on politics, governance, and citizen participation.
With a background in law and public policy, Lenah is passionate about strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and fostering dialogue between citizens and leaders. Her commentary is known for being practical, engaging and focused on youth-based issues.
