The militarisation of the global economy is likely to divert capital from start-ups and SMEs — once key to Africa's power solutions — towards security-focused initiatives. It’s a wake-up call for the continent.
The world is changing – and so fast that it is not waiting for Africa. In the past decade, leading economies in the West quietly shifted their global focus from the ideals of economic integration and soft power diplomacy to policies anchored on technological sovereignty, national security, and internal economic resilience.
The transition from the post-Cold War “peace dividend” to a “defence dividend” mindset signals a more fragmented, competitive and militarised global economy. These developments represent both a risk and opportunity for Africa.
