Socium

African nations have been grappling with a series of developmental challenges that have kept them at the periphery of international affairs for a very long time. However, over the past few decades, the continent is beginning to re-emerge as a dominant actor in the international arena, exerting growing levels of influence as a now dominant actor in global affairs. Adopting a qualitative method, this paper utilized data from secondary sources to analyze Africa’s growing agency and the impact it’s had on trade and partnerships with the wider world. This comparative study showcases the new approach used by African nations as a bloc which now transcends past traditional leanings to the United States and her western allies towards new partnerships with the global south. The scope of the comparison revolves around the emerging economies of China, Russia and Turkey. As Africa continues to leverage on the renewed interests in African markets and resources, this paper suggests the need to continue to mainstream the partnerships within the African Union and other sub-regional groupings such as the Economic Community of West African States. Africa’s growing agency should be utilized by governments and other stakeholders to foster development and growth in the region.