Africa: Key issues to track in 2022

The briefing outlines critical areas of focus for Africa in 2022, including democratic transitions in eighteen countries, the management of military coups in states like Mali and Sudan, and the fight against terrorism in regions such as the Lake Chad Basin. It highlights Africa's priorities for COP27, specifically the need for climate finance, technology transfer, and a just transition that supports industrialisation. Additionally, it examines the evolution of China-Africa relations following the FOCAC Ministerial Meeting and the potential impact of China's debt on Kenya's elections.

• Eighteen African countries are scheduled for elections in 2022, serving as a test of democratic governance, with particular focus on Angola, Kenya, Libya, and Senegal. Meanwhile, the AU and ECOWAS are urging military leaders in Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan to transition to civilian rule through elections this year.
• Security threats in 2022 include intra-state conflict, terrorism, and unconstitutional government changes. High-risk areas for terrorism and violent extremism include West Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, East Africa, and the Lake Chad Basin, where Boko Haram is particularly active. A regional military operation has also been initiated in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province.
• Heading into COP27 in Egypt, Africa intends to secure commitments for its specific priorities, which include climate finance for adaptation, technology transfer, and a 'green recovery' that aligns with the region's industrialisation and development goals. This follows a $8.5 billion just transition deal for South Africa announced at COP26.
• China-Africa relations are guided by the Dakar Action Plan and the FOCAC China-Africa Vision 2035, with a focus on increasing imports from Africa, particularly agricultural goods. While political and technological cooperation with the Global South is expected to grow, China may reduce its infrastructure funding.

APA

Gruzd, S., Bosman, I., Benkenstein, A., & van Staden, C. (2022). Africa: Key issues to track in 2022. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/research/africa-key-issues-to-track-in-2022/

Chicago

Gruzd, Steven, Isabel Bosman, Alex Benkenstein, and Cobus van Staden. Africa: Key issues to track in 2022. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2022. https://saiia.org.za/research/africa-key-issues-to-track-in-2022/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Gruzd |first1=Steven |last2=Bosman |first2=Isabel |last3=Benkenstein |first3=Alex |last4=van Staden |first4=Cobus |title=Africa: Key issues to track in 2022 |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=4 February 2022 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/africa-key-issues-to-track-in-2022/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{gruzd2022africa, author = {Gruzd, Steven and Bosman, Isabel and Benkenstein, Alex and van Staden, Cobus}, title = {{Africa: Key issues to track in 2022}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2022}, month = feb, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/africa-key-issues-to-track-in-2022/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }