The latest Institute for Security Studies (ISS) research on which African countries will exert the most power over the next 25 years was discussed with top Nigerian government officials to inform foreign policy and conflict resolution efforts. The ISS is a valuable source for governments across the continent seeking original and credible analysis of long-term conflict trends.

On 16 and 17 June ISS Executive Director Jakkie Cilliers presented the findings of the latest African Futures paper, Power and influence in Africa, in Abuja and Kaduna, Nigeria. The research compared both the power potential and actual power projection of Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt and Algeria.

The paper forecasts that Nigeria may represent 3% of the global economy by 2040 and concludes that it is the only African country that could become a globally significant player in the future. However for this to happen, the country will have to make great strides in improving governance and improve domestic stability, which are two of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s most formidable tasks.

ISS’ analysis enables Nigeria’s leaders to test their policy choices well into the future

‘The ground-breaking analysis of our African Futures project enables decision makers to test the implications of policy choices well into the future’, says Cilliers. ‘The results of this study point to Nigeria’s potential and the challenges it faces in consolidating democracy and governance.’

‘Overall Africa remains multipolar in that no single country will be able to claim continental leadership in the foreseeable future. Nigeria is important for Africa, but so is South Africa, Egypt, Algeria and others.’

The discussions were hosted by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), a research centre and think tank under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. IPCR aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to promote peace and the prevention, management and resolution of conflict.

The African Futures project uses the International Futures model to explore possible trajectories for human development, economic growth and socio-political change in Africa. The project is a collaboration with the Frederick S Pardee Centre at the University of Denver.

The African powers study has attracted a wide global audience since its release in March this year. More than 5 700 people have viewed the video that outlines the results, making it one of the most popular multimedia products produced by the ISS.

credit link:  http://www.issafrica.org/iss-spotlight/research-on-africas-most-powerful-countries-discussed-with-nigerian-government

The article was first published by The Institute for Security Studies (http://www.issafrica.org) and is republished with permission  granted to www.oasesnews.com