Report on Geopolitical Dynamics in Africa and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Testimony from a Senate Committee on Armed Services nomination hearing indicates that Africa is a critical region where great-power competition and terrorism converge, posing significant challenges to regional stability and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategies of external actors, particularly China and Russia, and the persistent threat of terrorism directly impact the viability of achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which is foundational to all other development objectives. The proposed United States response emphasizes strategic partnerships and security operations to foster a stable environment conducive to sustainable development.

Analysis of External Influence on African Stability and Development

According to testimony from Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, nominee for commander of U.S. Africa Command, several external forces are shaping the security and development landscape of the continent.

• China: China’s engagement has evolved from primarily economic to include significant military and information operations. This strategy presents complex challenges to sustainable development.
  • Infrastructure and Economic Influence (SDG 9): While China’s investment in global ports, including potential sites on Africa’s Atlantic coast, appears to align with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), concerns were raised about their dual-use military potential. Such developments could undermine national sovereignty and create strategic vulnerabilities, conflicting with the principles of stable and peaceful societies under SDG 16.
  • Institutional and Information Integrity (SDG 16): The expansion of Chinese information operations and communist propaganda, alongside increased military-to-military engagement, was described as “troubling.” These activities risk undermining transparent governance and strong, independent institutions, which are core targets of SDG 16.
• Russia: Russia’s actions in the region are characterized as “frequently destabilizing” and counter to U.S. interests. Such activities directly threaten peace and security, acting as a primary obstacle to achieving SDG 16.
• Terrorist Networks: The continued exploitation of ungoverned spaces by terrorist networks poses a direct threat to human safety and security, fundamentally preventing progress on all SDGs by disrupting social order and institutional capacity.

Proposed U.S. Strategic Approach: Fostering Partnerships and Security

The hearing outlined a multi-pronged U.S. strategy aimed at countering malign influences and reinforcing stability, thereby creating conditions for sustainable progress.

1. Enhancing Strategic Partnerships (SDG 17): The importance of small, targeted U.S. investments was highlighted as a method for producing significant returns. Programs like the State Partnership Program are crucial for building long-term, trust-based relationships, directly embodying the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
2. Promoting Transparency through Information Engagement: The U.S. can engage in the information domain to expose malign activities. This approach supports the development of accountable and transparent institutions, a key target within SDG 16.
3. Ensuring Security through Special Operations (SDG 16): Testimony from Navy Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley, nominee for commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, affirmed that the command provides the agility and precision needed to disrupt threats to the rules-based international order. By confronting destabilizing actors and being prepared for high-end conflict, these operations aim to protect and restore the peace and security necessary for development to occur.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This is the most relevant SDG. The article is centered on issues of security, conflict, and international stability. It explicitly mentions “terrorism,” “destabilizing” actions by Russia, potential “high-end conflict,” and threats to the “rules-based international order.” The presence of “terrorist networks” that “exploit ungoverned spaces” points directly to a lack of peace and weak institutions in certain African regions.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article discusses international relations and partnerships, but frames them in the context of “great-power rivalry” between the U.S., China, and Russia. It highlights China’s increasing “military-to-military engagement” and the U.S. response through initiatives like the “State Partnership Program” to create “long-term relationships.” This directly relates to the theme of global partnerships, albeit from a competitive rather than a cooperative standpoint.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  This goal is connected through the discussion of economic infrastructure and influence. The article notes that “China is investing in ports globally” and expresses concern over how this economic activity could impact “U.S. commerce.” This links strategic competition to economic infrastructure, which is a component of economic growth.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article’s focus on “terrorism,” potential “high-end conflict,” and the need to “disrupt these threats” directly relates to the challenge of reducing violence.
   • Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, to build capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime. The mention of “ungoverned spaces” implies weak national institutions. The proposed U.S. response, such as the “State Partnership Program,” is presented as a form of international cooperation to build relationships and counter malign activities, which aligns with strengthening capacity to prevent violence and terrorism.

2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships. The article highlights the challenges to a cooperative global partnership by describing a landscape of “great-power rivalry.” It discusses different partnership models, such as China’s military engagements and the U.S. State Partnership Program, as tools of strategic competition rather than for mutual sustainable development.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.a: Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries. China’s investment in African ports can be seen as a form of infrastructure development related to trade. The U.S. concern about being denied “commerce” access underscores the link between this infrastructure and international trade, which is the focus of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not provide quantitative data or official SDG indicators. However, it mentions several qualitative or proxy indicators that could be used to assess the situation described:

• For SDG 16: The presence and activity of “terrorist networks” serve as a direct indicator of a lack of peace and security. The existence of “ungoverned spaces” is an indicator of weak institutional control. The establishment of security-focused international partnerships, like the “State Partnership Program,” can be seen as an indicator of efforts to combat instability.
• For SDG 17: The number and nature of “military-to-military engagement” activities by powers like China are an implied indicator of the type of partnerships being formed. The expansion of the U.S. “State Partnership Program” is another indicator of partnership-building efforts.
• For SDG 8: The level of investment in strategic infrastructure, such as China “investing in ports globally,” is a direct indicator of economic activity and infrastructure development, which can be measured and tracked.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: defense.gov