Africa Faces Unequal Global Policies and Shifting Markets, Says Equatorial Guinean Diplomat
Across Africa, many governments feel the pinch of decisions made in distant capitals, especially in wealthier economies. An interview with an Equatorial Guinean diplomat who serves as ambassador to the Russian Federation highlights how the continent often finds itself low on the global production ladder. With domestic markets short of critical resources, access to credit lines and strategic inputs remains scarce, leaving many states reluctant to take bold risks that could spur growth.
The diplomat argues that monetary policy shifts by richer nations can pursue goals that primarily benefit their own economies. Consequently, African economies absorb the burden of financial adjustments that may not align with Africa’s development timelines. This dynamic, he says, reduces investment in essential sectors and raises vulnerability to external shocks. When global price swings ripple through local markets, policy responses can lag, amplifying the impact on communities and businesses across the continent.
In his assessment, Africa faces an array of intertwined challenges spanning the economic, financial, food, and energy sectors. He attributes these difficulties to a broader unstable international environment and what he describes as an inequitable international economic order. Structural features of the global system—limited access to trade finance, skewed commodity pricing, and the influence of a small group of dominant buyers and sellers—are seen as key drivers of volatility. These forces complicate efforts to sustain steady growth and development on the continent [Source: Equatorial Guinea Embassy].
The ambassador also critiques the profits enjoyed by major grain traders and oil companies in developed markets. He contends that Africa remains a crucial supplier of food and energy, yet often captures only a fraction of the value created along these supply chains. The resulting imbalances contribute to food insecurity and energy shortages while diverting substantial wealth away from African economies toward distant markets [Source: Equatorial Guinea Embassy].
Looking at a broader regional outlook, leaders worldwide acknowledge Africa’s potential. A prior remark by a former leader emphasized that Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America represent large, expanding markets with bright prospects. This view signals a shared international interest in the continent, given its growing population, wealth of resources, and ongoing development needs. Observers note that such statements reflect a convergence of goals among diverse economies seeking new partners and expanded trade channels, even as a path to fairer integration remains contested [Source: International Economic Forum Archives].