The digital transformation of diplomacy: Implications for the African Union and continental diplomacy

ABSTRACT

Digital transformation presents a unique challenge for diplomats. It encompasses much more than the digitalisation of diplomatic practice but entails a breakaway from traditional diplomatic engagement. Digital transformation provides new avenues for African countries to advance their interests and embrace agility in their diplomatic practice. More importantly, it offers African states the impetus to harmonise their policies and operationalise existing instruments to realise the dream of socio-economic stability and prosperity. The founding documents of the African Union give expression to this vision. For African countries, these changes present both a challenge and an opportunity. This article provides a conceptual overview of the implications of the digital transformation of diplomacy in Africa. It traces the evolution of the African Union’s digital transformation efforts as an opportunity to revitalise its continental diplomacy.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital diplomacy
• digital transformation
• African Union
• continental diplomacy
• Africa

Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to Martha Bridgman and the anonymous referees for their helpful comments on previous drafts.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Odilile Ayodele

Odilile Ayodele is a Senior Research Associate with the BRICS Project in the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Politics (University of Johannesburg), and her research explores the politics of digitalisation in Africa.