According to the Geopolitical Influence & Peace report, ideological differences amongst major global powers have widened, with authoritarian governments such as China and Russia advocating alternative forms of government in opposition to liberal democracies.
“These developments, coupled with the rise of strategic decoupling and a resurgence of proxy conflicts in regions like Africa,” the report states.
The United States has more than 10% influence in 74 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), whereas China has 65%.
While both countries have similar levels of influence in Asia-Pacific, there are significant differences in influence elsewhere, with China controlling 27 sub-Saharan African states compared to 9 for the US.
China has been at the forefront of Africa’s transformation, investing billions in infrastructure projects through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Chinese-funded roads, railways, ports, and energy projects have reshaped African economies, providing much-needed development.
However, concerns over debt dependency, environmental impact, and China’s political influence have led to criticism. Despite this, Beijing remains Africa’s largest trading partner, leveraging economic diplomacy to deepen ties across the continent.
In response, the United States has shifted its Africa strategy in recent years, focusing on countering China and Russia’s growing influence.
With that said, here are the countries with the most intense foreign influence competition since 2011.
List of African countries with the most intense battle for global power influence since 2011
| Country | Sub-region | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|
|
Algeria |
North Africa |
High Competition |
|
Tunisia |
North Africa |
High Competition |
|
Mauritania |
North Africa |
High Competition |
|
Libya |
North Africa |
High Competition |
|
Egypt |
North Africa |
High Competition |
|
Mali |
West Africa |
High Competition |
|
Guinea |
West Africa |
High Competition |
|
Côte d’Ivoire |
West Africa |
High Competition |
|
Liberia |
West Africa |
High Competition |
|
Nigeria |
West Africa |
High Competition |
|
Burkina Faso |
West Africa |
High Competition |
|
Ghana |
West Africa |
High Competition |
|
Republic of Congo |
Central Africa |
High Competition |
|
Rwanda |
East Africa |
High Competition |
|
Kenya |
East Africa |
High Competition |
|
Madagascar |
East Africa |
High Competition |
|
Mozambique |
Southern Africa |
High Competition |
|
South Africa |
Southern Africa |
High Competition |
|
Morocco |
North Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Western Sahara |
North Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Senegal |
West Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Sierre Leone |
West Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Benin |
West Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Niger |
West Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Togo |
West Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Cameroon |
Central Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Equatorial Guinea |
Central Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Democratic Republic of Congo |
Central Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Burundi |
East Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Somalia |
East Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Ethiopia |
East Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Eritrea |
East Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Djibouti |
East Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Malawi |
East Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Botswana |
Southern Africa |
Moderate Competition |
|
Angola |
Southern Africa |
Moderate Competition |
