Key highlights
- The “scramble” in 2026 is less about flags and more about projects: power grids, ports, digital networks, minerals, and health systems. International Partnerships+1
- The EU’s Global Gateway frames an Africa–Europe investment package of €150 billion—a clear signal of scale and intent. International Partnerships
- Gulf state finance is increasingly visible via state development funds financing infrastructure and strategic sectors. SFD+1
What “the new scramble” really means
Forget the old map-room narrative. In 2026, influence is built through control points:
- Energy transition supply chains (copper, lithium, cobalt, rare earth processing)
- Power & transmission (who finances generation + grids wins the industrial future)
- Digital rails (cloud regions, subsea cables, data rules)
- Logistics (ports, corridors, customs modernisation)
- Debt terms (restructuring frameworks and who provides breathing room)
EU: scale + “Team Europe”
The EU positions Global Gateway as coordinated delivery via the EU, member states, and European financial institutions, and explicitly states €150 billion in investments for the Africa–Europe package. International Partnerships
That number matters because it’s not a speech—it’s a competitive bid.
U.S.: strategy + private capital mobilisation
The U.S. frames its approach through an official strategy and “partnership” language—often aiming to mobilise private capital, strengthen democratic institutions, and compete on standards. The White House+1
China: infrastructure + industrial depth
China’s Africa engagement is anchored through formal cooperation platforms and action plans that emphasise infrastructure, trade, and industrial cooperation. FOCAC+1
Gulf capital: fast money, targeted bets
Gulf development funds and state-backed vehicles increasingly finance:
- ports and logistics
- energy and utilities
- food supply chains
Official development fund portals show the institutional structure behind this capital push. SFD+1
Small questions people actually search
Is Africa “choosing sides” in 2026?
More often, Africa is auctioning projects—and choosing whichever package funds, builds, and maintains best.
Does debt risk kill the boom?
It can. The 2026 winner is whoever pairs capital with repayment realism and operational delivery.
