The fight for influence in Africa has never been more intense, with foreign forces competing for military, political, and economic control, as well as new political ideologies emerging in certain African countries. According to a report by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), China and the West have been engaged in an intense bout for relevance in Africa, with Russia seemingly gaining ground in the Sahel region.

The IEP's Geopolitical Influence & Peace report highlights the widening ideological differences amongst major global powers, with authoritarian governments such as China and Russia advocating alternative forms of government in opposition to liberal democracies. This has led to a resurgence of proxy conflicts in regions like Africa, where strategic decoupling and competing interests are on full display.

The United States has significant influence in 74 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), while China has a similar level of influence in 65 countries. However, when it comes to sub-Saharan Africa, China has a significant lead, controlling 27 states compared to the US's nine. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been instrumental in reshaping African economies, with billions invested in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports, and energy facilities.

Recently, China pledged a whopping $51 billion in funding for Africa, promising to create at least 1 million jobs and expand infrastructure projects. While this has raised concerns over debt dependency, environmental impact, and China's political influence, Beijing remains Africa's largest trading partner, leveraging economic diplomacy to deepen ties across the continent.

In response, the United States has shifted its Africa strategy in recent years, focusing on countering China and Russia's growing influence. This has led to a heightened competition for influence in Africa, with various countries becoming key battlegrounds. According to the IEP report, the countries with the most intense foreign influence competition since 2011 include Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, and South Africa.

The competition for influence in Africa is not limited to China and the West. Russia has also been making inroads, particularly in the Sahel region, where anti-West sentiments have created an opportunity for Moscow to gain ground. This has led to a complex web of alliances and rivalries, with various regional and international entities vying for power and influence.

The implications of this competition for influence in Africa are far-reaching, with significant consequences for the continent's economic, political, and social development. As the battle for influence continues to intensify, it remains to be seen how African countries will navigate this complex landscape and emerge as key players in their own right.

In the end, the competition for influence in Africa serves as a reminder of the continent's strategic importance in the global arena. As the world's major powers continue to vie for influence, it is crucial that African countries prioritize their own interests and development, lest they become mere pawns in a larger game of geopolitical chess.