Fractured map of Africa piecing together with economic symbols

Unlocking Peace: How Economic Factors Drive Conflict in Africa

Soraya Malik in Global Affairs June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into the Economic Roots of Violent Conflict and Strategies for Sustainable Stability"

For the past half-century, Africa has faced significant challenges with high levels of violent conflict. Unlike historical patterns where wars led to state formation, African conflicts have often been destructive, leaving states weakened and vulnerable to further unrest. Despite a global decline in conflicts since the end of the Cold War, Africa has not followed this trend, with predictions suggesting that conflict levels will remain alarmingly high.

Understanding the drivers behind these conflicts is crucial. While many factors have been cited—historical grievances, geographic challenges, demographic pressures, and economic factors—it's essential to examine the root causes and dispel the notion of African exceptionalism. The key question remains: why has Africa experienced so much violent political conflict, and what can be done to foster lasting peace?

This article delves into the economics of violent conflict in Africa, exploring the complex interplay of historical, geographical, demographic, and economic factors. By examining these elements, we aim to provide insights into the underlying causes of conflict and potential strategies for building more stable and prosperous societies.

Economic Factors Fueling Conflict

Fractured map of Africa piecing together with economic symbols

A key factor to consider is Africa’s historical experience with conflict. Unlike Europe, where warfare played a crucial role in state formation by incentivizing military innovation and taxation, African wars often hindered development. Colonial rule further complicated matters by disrupting traditional governance structures and creating opportunities for rent-seeking among local elites. These historical dynamics have left many African states with weak institutions and a legacy of instability.

Geography and natural resources also play significant roles. Mountainous and densely forested terrain can make it difficult for governments to exert control, while dependence on primary commodities can create opportunities for corruption and rebellion. The volatility of commodity prices further exacerbates economic instability, increasing the risk of conflict.

Several key factors contribute to this heightened risk:

Resource Dependence: Reliance on primary commodities creates economic volatility.
Weak Governance: Limited state capacity hinders conflict prevention.
Historical Grievances: Past conflicts fuel ongoing tensions.
Geographic Challenges: Difficult terrain aids rebel groups.

Demographic factors, such as ethnic diversity and youth bulges, can also contribute to conflict. While ethnic diversity is not inherently problematic, it can be manipulated for political gain, leading to social divisions and violence. Similarly, large youth populations can create challenges related to unemployment and social unrest, increasing the risk of recruitment into rebel groups.

Towards a More Peaceful Future

Addressing the root causes of violent conflict in Africa requires a multifaceted approach that tackles economic, political, and social challenges. By promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening governance structures, and fostering social cohesion, it is possible to build more stable and prosperous societies. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, understanding the underlying drivers of conflict is the first step towards creating a more peaceful future for the continent.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199687114.013.15, Alternate LINK

Title: The Economics Of Violent Conflict And War In Africa

Journal: The Oxford Handbook of Africa and Economics

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Authors: Anke Hoeffler

Published: 2014-11-03

Everything You Need To Know

How does Africa's historical experience with conflict compare to that of Europe in terms of state formation and development?

Africa's experience differs significantly from Europe, where warfare historically led to state formation through military innovation and taxation. In Africa, conflicts have often been destructive, weakening states and making them vulnerable to further unrest. Colonial rule also disrupted traditional governance, fostering rent-seeking among local elites, leaving a legacy of instability and weak institutions.

What key economic factors contribute to the heightened risk of violent conflict in Africa?

Several factors contribute to this heightened risk, including reliance on primary commodities, which creates economic volatility; limited state capacity, hindering conflict prevention; historical grievances, fueling ongoing tensions; and geographic challenges, which aid rebel groups. These elements combine to create a complex environment where conflict is more likely to occur.

Do geography and natural resources play a role in driving conflict in Africa? If so, how?

Yes, geographic and natural resources play significant roles. Mountainous and densely forested terrain can make it difficult for governments to exert control, while dependence on primary commodities can create opportunities for corruption and rebellion. The volatility of commodity prices further exacerbates economic instability, increasing the risk of conflict.

In what ways do demographic factors, such as ethnic diversity and youth bulges, contribute to conflict?

Demographic factors like ethnic diversity and large youth populations can contribute to conflict. While ethnic diversity is not inherently problematic, it can be manipulated for political gain, leading to social divisions and violence. Large youth populations can create challenges related to unemployment and social unrest, increasing the risk of recruitment into rebel groups.

What are the key strategies for addressing the root causes of violent conflict in Africa and building more stable societies?

Addressing the root causes of violent conflict requires a multifaceted approach that tackles economic, political, and social challenges. Promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening governance structures, and fostering social cohesion are essential steps. Understanding the underlying drivers of conflict is the first step towards creating a more peaceful future.