Africa in International System: From Eurafrique to Afro-Europa

The international insertion of African states both in economic and political realms has redefined Africa's relations in the international system. Africa's role in international trade negotiations, military and humanitarian intervention and other forms of bilateral discussions has increased over time. Africa has been able to metamorphose from what The Economist tagged ‘the hopeless continent' to ‘a rising continent'. It is against this background that this paper critically appraises Africa's inspiring change through comprehensive political and socio-economic reforms driven by the shared values of ownership, leadership and partnerships, based on the AU vision of an integrated, forward-looking, prosperous, dynamic and peaceful Africa in the global arena. This paper examines Africa's transition from a continent aimlessly dependent on Europe for survival; EurAfrique to that which is able to enter into mutual partnership with Europe with both the former and latter operating at par; Afro-Europa. Afro-Europeans is used on the model of African Americans by associations and movements militating in favor of equal opportunities for black, mixed-race and mulatto people from overseas territories and Europe. The paper also assesses the contending issues currently bedeviling EU-Africa partnership and further explores what hope there is for the revered partnership. The paper however concludes that Europe and Africa who have a common interest in maintaining a balanced and dynamic global partnership, despite their different situations, have to face the same challenge: promoting a model of economic growth that is both sustainable, inclusive and generates jobs.