African Women at the Heart of Geopolitical Renewal: Toward a Fair Partnership Between Africa and the West
As the global order is being reshaped, the West faces a historic opportunity to embrace an inclusive approach, one guided by the voices and visions of African women
Introduction
As global geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, one truth becomes increasingly clear: the future of Africa–West relations can no longer be envisioned without fully integrating the voices of African women. They are not mere symbols or spectators, they are strategists, builders, and carriers of transformative vision. In a context where China, Russia, and other powers are redefining their ties with the continent, the West faces a choice: either perpetuate paternalistic dynamics or embrace a new era rooted in equity, recognition, and African female leadership.
Take the example of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigerian economist and the first African woman to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO). Her career, marked by economic reform in Nigeria and a bold stance against corruption, exemplifies the ability of African women to shape global trade rules and redefine international partnerships.
Yet this renewal cannot ignore the limitations of the past. The persistence of underdevelopment across the continent reflects the inefficiency of a centuries-old cooperation model with Europe, one that has often constrained rather than liberated. This reality fuels a growing desire across Africa to diversify partnerships with other regions of the world. It was in this spirit that the historic Africa–Europe Summit took place in Cairo in April 2000, bringing together 67 heads of state to lay the foundations for a new dialogue based on mutual respect and shared responsibility. However, despite the commitments made, the concrete implementation of the Joint Strategy fell short of expectations, mired in rhetoric rather than delivering tangible projects that improve the daily lives of African and European populations.
Europe’s contributions to Africa must be acknowledged. But it is equally vital to affirm the need for a more dynamic, inclusive, and impact-driven partnership. Rethinking this relationship through the lens of African women offers a historic opportunity to correct longstanding imbalances and co-create a bold, sustainable future.
A Partnership in Question: Between European Rhetoric and Chinese Pragmatism
From a pragmatic standpoint, it is clear that European aid, though vast and multifaceted, remains largely invisible in the everyday realities of African communities. Despite decades of close cooperation, the European Union has failed to lift the continent out of poverty and precarity. This perception, widely shared across Africa, raises a pressing question for European partners: how is it that such immense financial, technical, and institutional contributions have not led to lasting structural transformation? Debates around the effectiveness of this cooperation persist, fueled by rhetoric often disconnected from the continent’s fundamental needs and local aspirations.
One of the most tragic symptoms of the failure of Africa–Europe relations is the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean. Thousands of young Africans, driven by despair, unemployment, and a lack of opportunity, attempt to reach Europe aboard makeshift boats. In 2024 alone, over 8,900 lives were lost on migration routes, the majority of them young Africans. The central route between North Africa and Italy remains the deadliest, yet the exodus continues, propelled by a deep yearning for dignity and a better future.
This phenomenon is far from marginal; it has become a stark symbol of the collapse of traditional North–South cooperation models. It must compel European partners to reflect: how can one claim to support equitable cooperation when Africa’s youth would rather risk their lives at sea than remain on the continent?
In contrast, China is increasingly seen as a reliable and strategic partner, attuned to Africa’s development dynamics. Without imposing political conditionalities, it finances high-impact infrastructure projects, ports, bridges, paved roads, airports, factories, tangible achievements that are reshaping the continent’s economic landscape. By investing in resources long deemed unprofitable by Western powers and supporting Africa in international forums where it remains marginalized, Beijing offers a form of cooperation perceived as more respectful, more effective, and more aligned with Africa’s priorities.
Market Access: A Systemic Barrier to Africa’s Economic Empowerment
At the heart of the persistent imbalances between Africa and the West lies an economic chokehold: restricted access to global markets, shaped by an international trade architecture that overwhelmingly favors Western powers. The World Trade Organization, tasked with regulating trade fairly, continues to fall short in addressing structural asymmetries that trap Africa in a cycle of exporting low-value raw materials while facing prohibitive tariffs on processed goods.
This dynamic was recently illustrated in U.S.–Africa relations. Following a diplomatic meeting between Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump, hopes for strengthened cooperation were dashed when South Africa was hit with a 30% tariff on several of its exports to the U.S. market. This blow to the automotive and agricultural sectors threatens thousands of jobs, disproportionately affecting women entrepreneurs, exporters, and artisans, whose access to international markets is shrinking under protectionist policies.
In this context, it becomes evident that Western powers have not always acted in the interest of Africa’s economic advancement. Instead, they often seek to preserve political leverage through economic control. Meanwhile, alternative alliances are emerging. Through BRICS+, members of the Global South are laying the groundwork for reciprocal market access, based on non-discrimination and economic sovereignty. This model offers African women the space to produce, trade, and innovate, free from punitive tariffs and ideological conditionalities.
Toward a Feminine African Diplomacy: Building the Alternative
In light of the evident failure of traditional partnerships, a new path is emerging, one led by African women. Their leadership is no longer confined to social spheres; it now extends into diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical arenas. At the 2nd China–Africa Think Tank Forum held in Ethiopia in 2012, the president of the pan-African movement Leading Women of Africa issued a clear warning:
“China–Africa cooperation without the participation of African women will be a complete failure.”
This statement, delivered in the presence of experts and development partners, reaffirmed that mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a common vision must guide all international cooperation.
Leading Women of Africa has continued to advance this strategic advocacy on the global stage. During Africa Day, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, the movement’s president, Madelein Mkunu, delivered a powerful address titled: “Economic Transformation, Inclusion & Jobs: A Bold Vision for Africa–Europe Partnership.” In her speech, she challenged conventional narratives around job creation, migration, and climate change, unveiling a transformative vision for a “green-green partnership” between Europe and Africa, one rooted in honest collaboration, responsible governance, and truly inclusive leadership.
Her intervention, praised by diplomats and experts in attendance, reinforced the idea that African women are not peripheral voices, but central actors in global dialogue. They embody a diplomacy of conviction, a vision of progress, and a demand for transparency that is reshaping the contours of international cooperation.
In Search of a Renewed and Rebalanced Partnership
It has become urgent to reimagine Africa–West cooperation in light of past failures and present hopes. This new pact can only emerge if the very foundations of diplomacy are revisited, no longer as an asymmetrical exchange, but as a dialogue between equals, led by those who embody the continent’s future. And that future speaks in a feminine voice.
It is undeniable that Africa and Europe must maintain a sustainable and enduring partnership. Geographic proximity and a host of other factors make this imperative. Yet, in a world where every continent is repositioning itself within the global order, the Africa of yesterday, complacent and exploited, is giving way to an Africa that is conscious, assertive, and strategic. An Africa that demands stewardship over its resources, respect for its sovereignty, and recognition of its values and traditions.
These parameters must now serve as levers of transformation, compelling Europe to revisit the fundamentals of its cooperation with Africa, in a genuine win–win dynamic, free from colonial legacies and distorted interpretations.
NOT TO BE MISSED: An African Voice Redefining Global Partnership
During Africa Day, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Madelein Mkunu, President of Leading Women of Africa, delivered a powerful keynote titled:
“Economic Transformation, Inclusion & Jobs: A Bold Vision for the Africa–Europe Partnership.”
In her address, she unveiled a transformative vision for a “green-green partnership”, one rooted in transparency, responsible governance, and inclusive leadership.
Her intervention challenges dominant narratives around migration, employment, and climate, placing African women at the heart of future diplomacy.
Author Bio
Madelein Mkunu is the President of Leading Women of Africa (LWA), a Pan-African social enterprise promoting women's leadership in economic development, and the founder of Beyond Boundaries, a global content and advocacy platform amplifying African women’s voices in policy, peacebuilding, and development. A bilingual English–French strategist and accomplished public speaker, she brings over 20 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, inclusive governance, and stakeholder engagement across Africa and globally. She holds an MBA and a Master’s in Management from IEDC-Bled School of Management (Slovenia), a Postgraduate Degree in Development Studies from the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), a Certificate in Leadership from the Dale Carnegie Institute, and is an alumna of Michigan State University’s Women Empowerment Programme. With a background in accounting and a passion for transformative change, Madelein is a trusted advisor to institutions seeking Africa-rooted development solutions.
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