Ten Most Influential Countries In Africa

A country's affluence goes a long way in depicting how the world in general sees such countries. 

The level of affluence and influence a country has will tell how well such a country is respected by its citizens and non-citizens. 

Africa in general holds a level of respect among other continents of the world.

Below are the ten most influential countries in Africa. Our ranking goes from descending to ascending order. 

10. Tanzania

East Africa is home to the nation of Tanzania.

The country has gradually enlarged its area of influence over the last few years due to the high rate of economic growth.

Tanzania has also implemented extremely significant social changes that have given the country's government a distinct mandate and function.

For instance, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the government took several important decisions, and the outcomes were clear to observe.

The government intervened by suspending taxes, helping farmers, and giving supplies like hygiene kits and food.

People who are interested in learning how an African government can serve its citizens are increasingly drawn to Tanzania.

 

9. Uganda

Uganda's impact is mostly military. It is the leading military force in East Africa even if Kenya may be the region's major economic powerhouse.

One of the few nations that sent a military force to stop the Rwandan Genocide in 1993 was Uganda.

If not for that intervention the situation might have been even worse.

Today's vibrant Rwandan community in Uganda commemorates the Rwandan Genocide anniversary every month.

Uganda has also been crucial in recent attempts to defuse tensions in Kenya.

As a result, Uganda is crucial to preserving stability in the East African area.

 

8. Libya

Libya was perhaps the most influential nation in Africa ten years ago.

Things have changed very swiftly; there was a civil war that, if not politically, tore the nation apart socially.

But Libya is seeing an economic recovery.

In the spheres of industry, banking, and trade, the nation has already begun to take on its previous form.

Due to its proximity to Spain and Italy, Libya serves as a point of entry for undocumented immigrants.

However, Libya is a highly significant country due to a large number of Africans wanting to enter Europe, and whatever policies are established in this country will affect the form and perspective of the majority of the continent.

 

7. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has had a significant impact on pan-Africanism.

Of course, the media has portrayed a depressing image of starving people and the nation has experienced economic difficulties throughout the years.

Nevertheless, Zimbabwe is often the first nation to be brought up when discussing Africa's ability to survive without European assistance.

Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of defending the rights of Africa's indigenous peoples despite the continent's economic constraints.

It has pushed for complete independence from Europe and urged other African nations to strengthen and expand commerce among themselves to secure freedom.

6. Kenya

East Africa's largest economy is Kenya.

Although there is still much to be done in the nation to address the problem of poverty, it is already a major influential country in Africa.

Kenya's economy is varied, with areas including industry, agriculture, commerce, and tourism included.

The larger cities, including Nairobi and Mombasa, are extremely developed; some of these places include business districts, transit networks, real estate, and entertainment.

 

5. Morocco

North Africa and the Arab World are heavily influenced by Morocco.

This still plays a significant cultural role despite once serving as the capital of a sizable empire.

Morocco has a very strong economy and is among the richest nations in Africa in terms of GDP per person.

It is one of the most fascinating destinations on the continent because of its stable economy and its tranquil, kind population.

Morocco has positioned itself as a developed nation and a major tourist destination.

The country has very good infrastructure, and the hotel industry is very competitive while maintaining a unique North African appeal with its architecture, cuisine, and culture.

Morocco in a bid to grow its influence in Africa has also begun to make political alliances with West Africa to increase its political influence and create more economic opportunities.

4. Ethiopia

Ancient Ethiopian civilisation began to develop in about the same period as Egyptian civilization.

As a hub of culture, history, and African Greatness, Ethiopia is currently one of the most important nations in Africa.

This nation repeatedly defeated European colonialists until they learned to respect it.

Ethiopia's kind of Christianity was never inspired by or institutionalised by Europeans.

Christian experts from all around the world seek out the bible's writings, many of which were translated straight from classical works.

It is, therefore, safe to say Ethiopia is synonymous with Jerusalem for Christians as they come from all over the world to pray at revered sites, listen to sermons, and read ancient texts. 

Ethiopia is also very well developed socially; the financial system, politics, education, and tourism sectors are all developed to international standards.

 

3. Egypt

One of the most well-known nations in North Africa is Egypt.

This was a liberal nation in the 1970s and 1980s, one of the intellectual, scientific, and cultural hubs of the continent.

Egypt is one of the most developed nations in Africa, which contributes to its influence.

Because of this, the majority of other nations look at Egypt as a model for how their nation should be.

The Egyptian Revolution culminated in the Arab Spring, which brought a wave of change to most of North Africa and even the Middle East, on January 25, 2011, when throngs of Egyptians marched through Cairo.

Egypt is also quite important globally for tourism, trade, manufacturing, and sports

 

2. Nigeria

With an estimated 200 million people, Nigeria is the most populous black country in the world.

The nation has considerable sway over the other nations in the West African sub-region.

Nigeria has long been active in regional political and military affairs; it has led peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone and intervened diplomatically in Togo.

Nigeria is the continent's largest economic market, thus businesses from all over the world seek to sell their goods there.

The majority of the nations in the West African sub-region are well served by Nigerian financial institutions and telecommunication firms.

Nollywood and the Nigerian music industry have had a significant impact on the African continent and far beyond. 

 

1. South Africa 

South Africa is perhaps Africa's most influential country.

Because of its stable and rapidly rising economy, this country at the continent's southern tip wields considerable power.

People from all across the continent travel to South Africa to work and study in numbers unparalleled in the continent.

South Africa is also globally powerful; South Africans have been known to control the gold trade from their Johannesburg mansions, controlling prices in Brussels and Antwerp.

Johannesburg is also one of the major fashion hubs, which benefits the financial sector, as well as the hospitality and entertainment industries.