Article: Emerging trends and concerns in the economic diplomacy of African states Journal: International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy (IJDIPE) 2012 Vol.1 No.1 pp.95 - 109 Abstract: Increased globalisation has played a key role in shaping recent trends and concerns in the economic diplomacy of African states. African states are increasingly interested in becoming more relevant actors in the global economy. The economic diplomacy of African states is primarily a diplomacy of development aimed at improving the quality of life of African citizens. Economic diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral levels is helping to articulate the key concerns of African states. This diplomacy in recent years has been defined by the engagement of African states with non-traditional partners such as China, India and Brazil and also a strong impetus towards greater economic integration within Africa. The renewed economic growth of African states spurred a much bigger middle class and the discovery of new natural resources has helped to create a great economic interest in Africa by both Western and non-Western states that have sought to engage African governments so as to further their own interests in economic diplomacy. In order to enhance the articulation of their economic interests, African states need to overcome key trade and investment barriers that still exist. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Emerging trends and concerns in the economic diplomacy of African states

Authors: Robert Mudida

Addresses: Strathmore University, Strathmore Business School, P.O. Box 59857-00200 Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: Increased globalisation has played a key role in shaping recent trends and concerns in the economic diplomacy of African states. African states are increasingly interested in becoming more relevant actors in the global economy. The economic diplomacy of African states is primarily a diplomacy of development aimed at improving the quality of life of African citizens. Economic diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral levels is helping to articulate the key concerns of African states. This diplomacy in recent years has been defined by the engagement of African states with non-traditional partners such as China, India and Brazil and also a strong impetus towards greater economic integration within Africa. The renewed economic growth of African states spurred a much bigger middle class and the discovery of new natural resources has helped to create a great economic interest in Africa by both Western and non-Western states that have sought to engage African governments so as to further their own interests in economic diplomacy. In order to enhance the articulation of their economic interests, African states need to overcome key trade and investment barriers that still exist.

Keywords: economic diplomacy; African states; globalisation; quality of life; citizens; bilateral levels; multilateral levels; non-traditional partners; China; India; Brazil; economic integration; economic growth; middle classes; natural resources; Western states; non-Western states; trade barriers; investment barriers; government; Angola; Nigeria; Central African Republic; Chad; Congo; Libya; Niger; Sudan; South Africa; Zambia; Algeria; Kenya; global economy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDIPE.2012.049943

International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy, 2012 Vol.1 No.1, pp.95 - 109

Received: 19 Apr 2012
Accepted: 10 Jul 2012
Published online: 11 Aug 2014 *

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Title: Emerging trends and concerns in the economic diplomacy of African states

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