Article from Diplomatika magazine – N°03 : By Mamoudou DIALLO

In the face of global geo-economic competition and the continent's structural challenges, economic diplomacy is becoming a major tool for Africa's transformation. This article analyses the role of investment, international cooperation, the FTACAf, diasporas and youth in building partnerships that can strengthen integration and value creation on the continent.

In a context of globalization, geopolitical change and development challenges, economic diplomacy is a strategic lever for African States.

Beyond traditional diplomacy, focusing on political relations, it mobilizes economic tools to promote national interests, attract investment, strengthen trade and develop mutually beneficial partnerships. This article examines the fundamentals of economic diplomacy in Africa, its opportunities, its limitations and the role of international cooperation in Africa.

The 21st century is that of global economic competition. From now on, the power of a State is no longer measured solely by its military or diplomatic capabilities, but also by its economic attractiveness, its capacity for innovation, the quality of its institutions and its influence in international trade.

For African countries facing challenges such as youth unemployment, poverty, climate change, health crises and commodity dependence, economic diplomacy represents a major opportunity for strategic repositioning.

However, Africa has exceptional advantages:

• A young and dynamic population;
• Natural resources abundant;
• A market of more than 1.5 billion inhabitants;
• Rapid urbanization;
• Considerable agricultural and energy potential.

Transforming these potentials into sustainable wealth requires, however, proactive economic diplomacy and balanced international cooperation.

Understanding economic diplomacy

Economic diplomacy can be defined as all diplomatic actions aimed at promoting the economic interests of a country on the international stage.

It has several objectives:

• Attract foreign direct investment;
• Promoting exports;
• Develop industrial partnerships;
• Promote technology transfer;
• Mobilizing international financing;

Strengthening national competitiveness.

Today, embassies are no longer just political representations. They are gradually becoming real economic promotion platforms capable of supporting national companies, seeking investors and facilitating trade.

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