Challenging Eurocentrism: An Afrocentric Appraisal of the Cape Sea Route

Abstract

The Cape Sea Route is often presented in policy, academic and media discourses as an alternative to the preferred, but always troubled, Red/ Mediterranean Sea Route. Deeply rooted in the history of Europe-Asia/Africa relations, this Eurocentric perspective prioritises foreign interests above those of Africa along the route. It underestimated the strategic importance of the Cape as a primary route for the immediate locations (South Africa, Southern Africa and the continent) and their relations with some other parts of the world, thereby undermining Africa’s initiatives to maximise opportunities and address challenges along this and other complementary trade corridors. From an Afrocentric perspective, and with priority given to the immediate locations, this article examines the strategic importance, opportunities and challenges along the Cape Sea Route. It assesses the viability of this trade route for different parts of Africa and other continents and categorises them into primary and secondary users. The article argues that the prospect of intra-African trade is key to a reliable, consistent and sustainable Cape Sea Route strategy. Beyond trade, it is a promising African corridor for maritime investment and services, including ship-building, repairing, operations, insurance and related employment. To fully exploit such opportunities, however, the political, economic and security challenges along this and other African trade corridors must be addressed with improved institutional capacity for good governance, political stability, onshore and offshore law enforcement, socioeconomic transformation, human development, regional cooperation and global partnership.