Gulf Cash & Influence in African States

There is enormous potential for Africa-Gulf relations to propel economic prosperity on both sides of the Red Sea; but only if both sets of leaders can overcome their lack of strategic ambition.

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My 2023 end of year summary listed Gulf cash and influence in Africa as one of five important trends that gained momentum in the year. This post discusses Africa-Gulf relations, with specific attention to economic trends. The broader context of the discussions herein is the general view that the current multipolar moment presents African states with unique opportunities to negotiate their way out of the global economic and geopolitical periphery. In addition, the expansion of options risks increasing the frequency and intensity of conflicts within and across African states. This applies both to the African Union and the various regional economic communities (RECs).

Africa-Gulf relations reflect the tension between the opportunities and risks inherent to the current multipolar moment.

Gulf cash has the potential to catalyze investments i…