Seven in 10 Africans believe that African nations deserve a stronger voice in the decision-making processes of international bodies like the United Nations, according to the latest findings from Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network.
The study, based on data collected from 30 African countries, reveals that 71% of citizens support increased African influence in global institutions.
Strong support was recorded in Tunisia (57%) and Senegal (54%), where majorities “strongly” endorsed the idea.
The survey also highlights a growing confidence in continental and regional structures. A majority of respondents said their country’s interests are well represented in the decisions of the African Union (AU) and regional bodies like the East African Community, ECOWAS, and SADC.
Additionally, 55% of Africans view the AU’s economic and political influence positively. In countries like Liberia (79%), Mauritania (69%), and Côte d’Ivoire (68%), this sentiment is especially strong.
China emerged as the most positively viewed foreign influence on the continent, with 60% of respondents rating its role favorably.
This outpaces perceptions of the United States (53%), European Union (49%), and even former colonial powers (41%).
However, a significant number of Africans expressed no clear opinion on the influence of external powers, particularly India and Russia.
Afrobarometer’s surveys—launched in 1999 and now in their 10th round—offer critical insights into African perspectives on governance, development, and international relations, based on face-to-face interviews conducted in local languages across the continent.
