South Africa needs a foreign policy that makes sense to the next generation

In this opinion article, PhD candidate Mandipa Ndlovu reasons why South Africa’s foreign policy must evolve to reflect the needs and realities of its youth, who make up about a third of the population and face high unemployment and skills gaps. Young people demand transparency, accountability and responsive governance. She argues that South Africa should engage its global partners in ways that advance domestic development, economic opportunity and democratic values. This includes reassessing strained relations with the United States and managing trade uncertainty under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, while leveraging investments from the European Union and balancing ties with China. Diversifying diplomatic and economic partnerships -including thoughtful engagement with Taiwan and careful consideration of historical bonds with Russia- is crucial to mitigate geopolitical risks. South Africa must adopt a non-aligned, multipolar strategy that supports job creation, regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and reflects the aspirations of the next generation.

This article was published in Business Day. Read the full text here.