ECOWAS hosts seminar on Africa's strategic positioning in Abuja

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened its second "Brown Bag" seminar in Abuja, Nigeria, to address Africa's strategic position within a rapidly changing global landscape. Held on October 7, 2023, the event gathered a diverse group of ECOWAS staff, academics, diplomats, and civil society members to discuss how the continent can navigate shifting international power structures. The seminar provided a platform for rigorous intellectual exchange on the geopolitical challenges and opportunities facing African nations today.

The seminar was organized under the theme "The New Has Not Yet Been Born: Global Africa in the Era of Chimerica," focusing specifically on the complex and often competitive relationship between China and the United States. Chaired by Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, the session featured a keynote presentation by Professor Adekeye Adebajo. The discussions centered on the concept of "Chimerica"—the economic and political entanglement of the world's two largest economies—and how this dynamic influences the development and diplomatic choices available to African states.

Participants at the seminar emphasized the urgent need for African nations to strengthen their geopolitical leverage to avoid becoming mere spectators in the unfolding international order. The dialogue highlighted that as global power shifts, Africa must adopt more proactive and unified strategic positioning. By doing so, the continent can better protect its interests and ensure that its partnerships with global powers like China and the United States result in tangible benefits for its citizens and long-term regional stability.

This intellectual initiative by ECOWAS underscores the regional body's commitment to fostering deep analysis of global trends that impact West Africa and the wider continent. As the international community transitions through a period of significant realignment, such seminars serve as critical venues for policy-minded stakeholders to refine Africa's collective voice. The consensus from the Abuja meeting suggests that a more assertive and strategically aligned Africa is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern global era.