Africa’s Subnational Governments Are Going Global: But Are They Ready?

Paradiplomacy has emerged as an increasingly important dimension of governance in the twenty-first century. While foreign affairs have traditionally been regarded as the exclusive responsibility of national governments, globalisation, decentralisation, urbanisation, and the growing interconnectedness of development challenges have expanded the international role of subnational governments. Across Africa, municipalities, local governments, provinces, regions, federated states, and other territorial authorities are increasingly engaging with foreign governments, international organisations, development agencies, transnational networks, and non-state actors to pursue development objectives and strengthen their participation in global governance processes. However, despite the growing internationalisation of subnational governance, many African subnational governments continue to face significant institutional, financial, technical, and human-resource constraints that limit their ability to engage effectively in paradiplomatic activities (Criekemans, 2006; Cornago, 2010).

The growing relevance of paradiplomacy in Africa is closely linked to broader transformations occurring across the continent. Africa is experiencing one of the fastest rates of urbanisation in the world, with the OECD estimating that the continent's urban population could increase from approximately 700 million people today to about 1.4 billion by 2050 (OECD et al., 2025). While urbanisation is often discussed in relation to cities, its implications extend to a broader range of subnational governments responsible for infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, public service delivery, and territorial governance. As these responsibilities expand, subnational governments are increasingly compelled to seek international partnerships, external financing, technical expertise, and policy exchanges beyond their national borders (Omiunu and Nganje, 2024, 255; Aniyie, 2024). Consequently, paradiplomacy is no longer a theoretical concept but an emerging reality shaping governance across the continent. 

Yet one of the most striking characteristics of paradiplomacy in Africa is that it often operates without formal recognition (Omiunu and Nganje, 2024). Across many countries, governors participate in international investment forums, municipalities establish partnerships with foreign counterparts, local governments cooperate with development agencies, and regional authorities engage international organisations in areas such as climate action, trade promotion, infrastructure development, and capacity building (Omiunu and Aniyie, 2018; 2024). Cross-border cooperation between neighbouring territories also occurs regularly, particularly in areas relating to migration management, environmental protection, local economic development, public health, security cooperation, and regional integration. Despite these activities, many local actors do not explicitly identify their engagements as paradiplomacy, resulting in limited institutionalization and weak policy frameworks for international action (Soldatos, 1990; Criekemans, 2010).

The capacity challenge therefore represents one of the most significant obstacles to the advancement of paradiplomacy in Africa (Nganje, 2014: 97). In many cases, subnational governments lack dedicated international relations offices, trained personnel, strategic engagement frameworks, and sustainable financial resources to support international cooperation initiatives. International activities are frequently driven by individual political leaders rather than embedded institutional structures (Nganje, 2021). As a result, partnerships often become dependent on personal relationships and may weaken when leadership changes occur (Omiunu, Nganje and Aniyie: 85-86). This situation limits continuity, reduces long-term impact, and constrains subnational governments' ability to translate international engagements into tangible development outcomes (Cornago, 2010).

Human-resource capacity remains another major challenge. Effective paradiplomacy requires competencies in diplomacy, negotiation, project management, partnership development, international fundraising, intercultural communication, climate governance, and international development cooperation. Yet many African subnational governments operate with limited professional expertise in these areas. This challenge becomes particularly significant as local and regional governments increasingly seek access to international climate finance, development assistance, and technical cooperation programs. Without adequately trained personnel, many opportunities for international engagement remain underutilized despite their potential developmental benefits (UCLG Africa, 2024).

The challenge is also institutional. Many African countries have not yet developed comprehensive legal and policy frameworks that clearly define the scope and limits of subnational international engagement. While decentralization reforms have expanded local governance responsibilities in numerous countries, the international dimension of subnational governance remains insufficiently addressed (Erk, 2014; Omiunu and Nganje, 2024: 253; Oru, 2023). This ambiguity can create uncertainty regarding the authority of subnational governments to negotiate partnerships, participate in international networks, or engage foreign actors. As Soldatos (1990) argued, the effectiveness of subnational international action is often influenced by the constitutional and institutional environment within which subnational governments operate.

Financial constraints further compound the capacity gap. Many local governments across Africa continue to struggle with limited fiscal autonomy, inadequate revenue mobilization mechanisms, and dependence on central government transfers (Aniyie, 2021). These constraints affect their ability to participate in international forums, maintain international partnerships, undertake exchange programs, or establish dedicated offices for international cooperation. Consequently, paradiplomatic initiatives often remain project-based and donor-dependent rather than being integrated into broader development strategies (Omiunu, Nganje and Aniyie: 124). Strengthening financial capacity is therefore essential for enabling sustained and strategic international engagement.

The importance of capacity building has been recognised by continental and global organisations working on local governance. The establishment of the African Local Governments Academy (ALGA) under the auspices of UCLG Africa reflects growing recognition that local and regional governments require specialised training and professional development to respond effectively to contemporary governance challenges. Similarly, UCLG Africa continues to advocate for stronger local governance institutions, enhanced leadership development, and greater participation of African subnational governments in international policy processes (UCLG Africa, 2022). These initiatives demonstrate that capacity building is not merely an administrative concern but a strategic requirement for strengthening Africa's presence in global governance.

As Africa continues to confront complex challenges related to climate change, infrastructure deficits, migration, public health, economic transformation, and sustainable development, the role of subnational governments in international affairs will likely become even more important. The question facing policymakers is no longer whether African subnational governments should engage internationally, but whether they possess the institutional capacities, technical expertise, financial resources, and strategic vision necessary to do so effectively. Addressing the capacity gap in Paradiplomacy in Africa is therefore essential for strengthening local governance, enhancing development outcomes, and ensuring that African subnational governments can participate meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world. Ultimately, preparing subnational governments for international action is not simply about diplomacy; it is about equipping local and regional authorities with the tools required to contribute to Africa's development and global engagement in the decades ahead.

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