ABSTRACT
For too long, Africa’s role in the governance of the Indian Ocean geopolitical community has not been adequately recognised. This mighty continent abuts the Indian Ocean on its southern and eastern edges, and many other countries, without necessarily qualifying as littoral, increasingly look to the Indian Ocean in terms of trade, security, governance and cultural interplay. In many ways, the peoples of Africa are currently undergoing a ‘Third Race for Africa’. Many key traders (some representing national interests, some transnational) originate either within the region – such as those from India – or through the region, such as those actors from China. It is hoped that, by forging strong regional ties, this most recent scramble for resources will prove more profitable for the nations of Africa than it has in the past, which largely saw Atlantic nations expanding their riches, usually to the detriment of local African peoples.
