How does the continent press its advantages in the age of multipolarity, summit diplomacy and the new scramble for minerals for the Fourth Industrial Revolution? The recent Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing highlighted the importance for African countries of their relations with China.  All were represented (except Eswatini), dozens at head of state level. The meeting demonstrated China’s commitment to Africa, with President Xi pledging another $50 billion of badly-needed investment in Africa over the next three years and meeting many African leaders one-to-one.  But it was also criticised on the grounds that such Africa+1 summits make … Continue reading Africa in a multipolar world