expansion and some assistance from the developed world.
A key aspect of the initiative encourages the rise of regional powers such as South Africa, Nigeria and Algeria to drive development. South Africa is already the economic powerhouse of southern Africa and hopes to expand its political clout through the initiative. Nigeria's 120 million people and a well-developed economy position it as the regional economic leader in West Africa.
But Algeria faces stiff competition in North Africa from both Morocco and Tunisia, which have stronger economies and, more
A key aspect of the initiative encourages the rise of regional powers such as South Africa, Nigeria and Algeria to drive development. South Africa is already the economic powerhouse of southern Africa and hopes to expand its political clout through the initiative. Nigeria's 120 million people and a well-developed economy position it as the regional economic leader in West Africa.
But Algeria faces stiff competition in North Africa from both Morocco and Tunisia, which have stronger economies and, more
important, domestic stability. Algiers already enjoys strong ties with Pretoria, since it is one of South Africa's arms markets.
Coordination with Nigeria would complete the triad, with each nation positioning itself as a regional anchor with an aspiration toward influencing the domestic and foreign polices of its neighbors on a number of economic and political issues in the future.
Transferring gas 1,200 miles across the Sahara may still be a pipedream, but it offers an appetizing and ultimately realistic economic incentive needed to bring about the future tripartite division of
Coordination with Nigeria would complete the triad, with each nation positioning itself as a regional anchor with an aspiration toward influencing the domestic and foreign polices of its neighbors on a number of economic and political issues in the future.
Transferring gas 1,200 miles across the Sahara may still be a pipedream, but it offers an appetizing and ultimately realistic economic incentive needed to bring about the future tripartite division of
Africa envisioned by the New African Initiative.
Jamie Etheridge
Ms Jamie Etheridge is an analyst with STRATFOR.com. Additional analysis from STRATFOR.com can be found at: http://www.stratfor.com . This article is reprinted with permission from the publisher.
Jamie Etheridge
Ms Jamie Etheridge is an analyst with STRATFOR.com. Additional analysis from STRATFOR.com can be found at: http://www.stratfor.com . This article is reprinted with permission from the publisher.