ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a synthesis and summarises the book’s major findings and conclusions by focusing on the successes and challenges of the major African actors in exercising their soft as opposed to their hard power in pursuit of their foreign policy objectives. The chapter further engages how Africa has served as a model on many levels, drawing attention to the notion of “Africa Rising” exemplified by the continent’s dominance among the fastest growing economies in the world, and its (particularly Rwanda’s) role as the champion of gender equality in politics. It is submitted that despite global anti-African sentiment, Africa has exhibited soft power that draws international attention to the continent. Thus, the extent to which Africa can counteract negative perspectives will be determined by the degree to which regional powers like Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya can exercise their soft power to shape international perceptions of the continent.
