Africa is increasingly taking control of its own diplomatic future, moving beyond old perceptions to become a decisive player on the global stage. While much attention has focused on its largest powers, countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and Algeria are quietly but firmly shaping the continent’s role in international affairs. These middle powers are using their growing economic strength, political stability, and strategic vision to influence key institutions such as the African Union and the United Nations. Their contributions to peacekeeping and regional diplomacy highlight a new chapter where African nations lead discussions that affect not only their continent but the world at large.
Kenya contributed approximately over 1000 troops to UN peacekeeping missions in 2023, ranking it among the top five African troop-contributing countries. Rwanda’s peacekeepers, numbering close to 2,500 in UN missions worldwide, continue to gain commendations for their effectiveness in volatile regions such as the Central African Republic (CAR) and South Sudan. Ghana, historically a pioneer in peacekeeping since the 1960s, remains a key player with over 1,000 personnel deployed in various UN missions.
READ ALSO: Middle Eastern Energy Investments Promoting Growth and Diversification
The term “middle power” in international relations denotes countries that, while not superpowers, exercise significant influence through strategic diplomacy, economic growth, and peacekeeping capabilities. In Africa, these middle powers have become indispensable in promoting regional stability, championing development initiatives, and amplifying African voices on the world stage.
Kenya’s diplomatic trajectory exemplifies this evolution. Nairobi hosts the UN Environment Programme’s headquarters, symbolizing its role as a continental hub for diplomacy and international cooperation. Economically, Kenya’s GDP grew by 5.6% in 2023, making it the largest economy in East Africa and the seventh largest on the continent. This economic strength undergirds Kenya’s assertive foreign policy, notably in spearheading the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations, which aim to boost intra-African trade by an estimated 52% by 2030.
Rwanda, once scarred by genocide, now stands as a beacon of resilience and strategic diplomacy. Its government, led by President Paul Kagame, has heavily invested in technology and innovation, branding Rwanda as the “Singapore of Africa.” Rwanda’s diplomatic efforts are increasingly visible in conflict mediation, particularly in the Great Lakes region. The country’s leadership in peacekeeping has been instrumental, with Rwandan troops noted for their swift and effective responses to crises in the CAR and Mali, where they have been deployed to stabilize conflict zones.
Ghana’s diplomatic footprint is deeply rooted in its historical commitment to pan-Africanism and peacekeeping. As one of the founding members of the Organization of African Unity (now AU), Ghana continues to influence continental diplomacy through active participation in peace talks and humanitarian interventions.
Algeria, the largest country in Africa by landmass, wields significant geopolitical clout. It maintains robust diplomatic relations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Algeria’s role in mediating the Western Sahara conflict and its strategic position in the Sahel crisis underscores its importance. Algeria’s defense expenditure, approximately $98.billion in 2023, sustains its military readiness and diplomatic leverage, especially within the AU Peace and Security Council.
The African Union, Africa’s premier continental organization, increasingly relies on these middle powers to drive its ambitious agenda for peace, security, and integration. The AU’s Agenda 2063, which outlines the continent’s blueprint for socio-economic transformation, hinges on the diplomatic engagement and leadership of these nations.
Kenya and Rwanda have been vocal proponents of enhanced AU peacekeeping capabilities, advocating for a unified African Standby Force (ASF) capable of rapid deployment to conflict zones. This aligns with the AU’s 2023–2027 strategic plan emphasizing conflict prevention and resolution. Moreover, Ghana’s role in pushing governance reforms within the AU reflects its commitment to institutional strengthening and democratic accountability.
Algeria’s chairmanship of the AU Peace and Security Council in 2023 was marked by renewed focus on counterterrorism strategies in the Sahel, a region grappling with jihadist insurgencies that threaten regional stability. Algeria’s efforts to coordinate joint military operations and intelligence sharing among Sahelian states underscore the critical role middle powers play in continental security architecture.
Diplomatic Successes Shaping the Continent
Kenya’s Mediation in South Sudan
Kenya’s diplomatic intervention was pivotal in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan, ending years of civil war. Nairobi hosted critical talks involving the warring factions, leveraging its position as a regional power with vested interests in stability. The success of the peace deal, although fragile, highlights Kenya’s growing diplomatic maturity and commitment to peace.
Rwanda’s Peacekeeping Excellence in the Central African Republic
Rwanda’s deployment of troops to the CAR under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) has been widely praised for restoring order in areas plagued by militia violence. The country’s troops have not only secured key urban centers but also facilitated humanitarian access and rebuilding efforts, showcasing Rwanda’s role as a peacekeeping pioneer.
Ghana’s Legacy and Ongoing Peace Missions
Ghana’s peacekeeping tradition continues with its significant presence in UN missions, particularly in Mali under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Ghanaian forces have been central in safeguarding civilians and assisting in stabilizing conflict-affected areas, reinforcing Ghana’s image as a responsible and committed middle power.
Algeria’s Diplomatic Engagement in the Sahel
Algeria’s diplomatic leadership was instrumental in the formation of the G5 Sahel Joint Force, a multinational military collaboration aimed at combating terrorism and organized crime. Algeria’s influence helped align the group’s objectives with broader AU and international.
Challenges and Opportunities for Africa’s Middle Powers
Despite their growing influence, Africa’s middle powers face a complex landscape marked by internal and external challenges. Economic vulnerabilities, governance deficits, and regional conflicts persist, threatening to undermine diplomatic gains. The COVID-19 pandemic’s lingering economic fallout has tested fiscal resilience, with Kenya’s GDP growth slowing to 5.1% in 2023 from 6.3% in 2022.
Moreover, balancing national interests with continental priorities remains a delicate diplomatic dance. The risk of geopolitical rivalry, especially with the involvement of external powers like China, Russia, and the US in African affairs, complicates decision-making for middle powers seeking to assert independent foreign policies.
Nevertheless, the trajectory is clear: these nations are poised to continue shaping Africa’s diplomatic future. Their strategic investments in peacekeeping, mediation, and multilateral diplomacy, coupled with growing economic and political clout, position them as indispensable pillars in Africa’s quest for sustainable development and security.
The rise of Africa’s middle powers signals a transformative moment in the continent’s international relations. Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and Algeria exemplify the potential of nations that blend pragmatic diplomacy with visionary leadership. Their roles in the AU, UN, and peacekeeping operations offer a beacon of hope, signalling Africa’s capacity to shape its destiny beyond the shadow of external dependency.
As the continent navigates the complexities of the 21st century, these middle powers will remain at the diplomatic helm, navigating turbulent waters with steady resolve, crafting a future defined by African agency, resilience, and unity.
