By: The herald online

The simultaneous hosting of the AU-EU Summit in Angola and the G20 Summit in South Africa signals a potential shift in global power dynamics, with Africa's strategic importance rising due to its vast reserves of critical minerals. These gatherings underscored a renewed drive by Western nations to re-engage with the continent, motivated by the global energy transition and concerns over China's growing influence. A central theme at the summits was Africa's determination to move past colonial-era exploitation by insisting on local beneficiation and value addition of its resources.

In his address, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized that decisions impacting the continent must include Africa at the highest level, calling for reforms to multilateral institutions like the UN Security Council. Other leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, highlighted the necessity of a strengthened partnership based on mutual benefit, leveraging Africa's resources and youth alongside Europe's capital and technology. The discussions framed Africa not merely as a source of raw materials but as an essential partner in shaping the future global economy.