The Russia–Ukraine War: Implications for Africa

Image: Getty, Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP
Image: Getty, Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is viewed as both a consequence and a driver of great-power competition, and African governments have divergent responses to the conflict.

Summary:

  • The Russia-Ukraine War significantly impacts Africa in human security, geo-economics, energy, and politics, disrupting global energy markets and potentially affecting African economies.
  • African viewpoints differ based on historical ties, economic interests, and geopolitical alliances, resulting in varied support for Russia or Ukraine, neutrality, or alignment with a particular side.
  • The conflict has prompted shifts in global governance, with emerging powers like China and India challenging Western dominance in trade, investment, and security.
  • As Africa is poised to become a crucial arena for great-power competition in the future, countries can benefit from developing closer ties with each other to promote regional integration, cooperation and stability.
  • African nations must carefully balance national and regional interests with competing global powers, developing foreign policies that consider short and long-term strategic goals while navigating the complex landscape of great-power competition and evolving governance structures.

Édition française

La guerre Russie-Ukraine: Conséquences pour l’Afrique

The views expressed in this publication/article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

9 May 2023