Africa Needs its own ‘G-Club’ to Meet the Challenges at Home and Globally

The author proposes that Africa establish an informal 'club of states' similar to the G8 or G20 to address continental challenges and represent Africa globally. The brief argues that formal institutions like the African Union (AU) are hindered by a commitment to equality among states and resistance to reform, which leads to weak compromises. To achieve effectiveness, the author suggests an 'A5 Club' consisting of South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Ethiopia, and Kenya, with Egypt as a possible sixth member. This group would be based on 'effectiveness and capabilities' rather than democratic legitimacy, aiming to stabilise failing states, end conflicts, and steer AU political processes.

• Informal 'clubs of state' (such as the G8 and G20) are more effective than formal multilateral institutions because they offer flexibility, informality, and the ability to build consensus without seeking formal negotiated outcomes.
• The African Union (AU) and other regional organisations are often ineffective because they prioritise equality among states over effectiveness and fail to reflect actual power relations on the continent.
• Africa requires a small, capable group of countries to take joint action against organised crime, warlords, violent conflicts, and failing states, while also representing the continent in global forums like the G20.
• The proposed 'A5 Club' should be based on 'effectiveness and power resources' rather than democratic legitimacy, ensuring regional representation to maintain a degree of output-legitimacy.
• The author recommends a membership of no more than six countries to maintain flexibility, specifically identifying South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Ethiopia, and Kenya as the core members, with Egypt as a potential sixth member to represent North Africa.
• South Africa and Nigeria are identified as the natural leaders to initiate the formation of this club, potentially starting with a side-event at a Nigerian–South African Bi-National Commission meeting.

APA

Mair, S. (2010). Africa Needs its own ‘G-Club’ to Meet the Challenges at Home and Globally. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Policy-Briefing-12.pdf

Chicago

Mair, Stefan. Africa Needs its own ‘G-Club’ to Meet the Challenges at Home and Globally. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2010. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Policy-Briefing-12.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Mair |first1=Stefan |title=Africa Needs its own ‘G-Club’ to Meet the Challenges at Home and Globally |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=January 2010 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Policy-Briefing-12.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{mair2010africa, author = {Mair, Stefan}, title = {{Africa Needs its own ‘G-Club’ to Meet the Challenges at Home and Globally}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2010}, month = jan, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Policy-Briefing-12.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }