Forgetting the South: Polish Politics Towards the African Continent
With the global rise of tensions between the U.S.A, EU, China, and Russia, the African continent comes into the spotlight yet again.
Polish Politics towards Africa before 89’
The history of Polish-African contacts can be dated back to the 17th century. During that time there were plans to create a Polish colony in the Gambia river basin and as we now know those plans were not fulfilled. This idea of a“ Polish colony” made a comeback in the second half of the 19th century, when Stefan Szolc-Rogoziński created a camp on Mondoleh island (today’s Cameroon) in 1883. However, due to the occupation of the Polish state, and the beginning of the “Scramble for Africa”, this terrain got into German hands.
After the 1st World War the idea of creating the first Polish colony still existed, and the greatest example of it was the Maritime and Colonial League, but it was on the margin of politics and society. The great change came after the 2nd World War. The communist regime that ruled Poland was at its basis anti-imperialist and anti-colonial, and during the “cold war”, politically supported independence movements in Africa. Nevertheless, this help was conducted differently in comparison to other soviet satellites. During the 1957-1989 period, Poland sent academics, workers, aid and even opened university programs for students from the global south focusing their cooperation solely on development.
What have relations between the Third Republic of Poland and Africa been like since the 1990s?
Wieław Lizak, PhD, University of Warsaw: Since the end of the communist era and the start of Poland’s transition, the priorities of Polish foreign policy have undergone a complete shift, being redirected towards the West, which we managed to join by becoming a member of NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004. The countries of the Global South have become a secondary focus in our foreign policy strategy. African states also viewed us with concern, as the West had redirected a large portion of the aid previously channelled to Africa towards the former Eastern Bloc. From their perspective, this process was disadvantageous. At that time, we experienced a lull in Poland’s relations with Africa. It is important to note that North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa were also viewed differently. The former was always viewed as closer to us historically and geographically, partly because of the Osman Empire (now Türkiye). When we became part of the Western system after a decade and a half, the realisation that it was worth investing in developing contacts with the South, including Africa, came rather late, circa 2013/14. From that point we tried to reappear in that part of the world.
Why has Africa been sidelined in Polish foreign policy?
I think those African markets, for Polish entrepreneurs, seemed rather remote. In the case of Africa, the small number of diplomatic missions was a major obstacle. The existence of a diplomatic mission, and in particular, the presence within it of a unit supporting economic contacts, greatly facilitates operations in markets that are ‘exotic’ from the perspective of our entrepreneurs. There is a need for education about Africa, particularly regarding culture, both language and business practices. These are not European markets or the United States; Africa has its own specific market characteristics. A lack of understanding on both sides leads to failed trade attempts. There is also a lack of good market insight, particularly regarding what Poland can offer African countries. These countries are economically underdeveloped, which can be seen as an asset. Despite its great success, the Polish economy still lags behind countries rated higher than us in terms of innovation. The fact that our entrepreneurs do not have the latest technologies at their disposal does not mean we are a lost cause. This is because less developed markets may be less keen to implement the latest technologies, but rather those that can be easily adapted to local society.
Which forms of activity Poland used in Africa?
It must be said that they were and are varied. These include trade and services, cultural exchanges, missionary work and participation in peacekeeping operations. In the commercial sphere, our largest companies have attempted to enter the African market – KGHM Polska Miedź through an investment in a mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kulczyk Investment in Nigeria through exploration and mining projects and many more. Some of these have unfortunately failed, but Kulczyk continues to invest in Africa. Furthermore, our banking and ICT services are also making their presence felt. Probably it is necessary to help Polish medium-sized companies that are trying to engage with the African continent, to take first steps. Poland’s cultural activities in Africa are significantly weaker. For example, in 2025, the Adam Mickiewicz Institute funded only three events related to the promotion of Polish culture on the African continent. This is a somewhat neglected area that should also be utilised, and which is important in the long term. There are also missionaries working in Africa, numbering over 800, comprising both religious and lay personnel. This involves services, the construction of schools, wells and public spaces. This represents untapped potential in relations with the region, despite the presence of missions. In previous years, we were also very active in operational activities on behalf of the UN, although this form of engagement was abandoned after the first decade of the 21st century. However, I believe it is worth reviving, as it can be carried out at low cost, whilst having a real impact on the region.
Why did Poland focus on relations with Nigeria and South Africa in Sub-Saharan Africa? Were there other countries with which Poland wished to cooperate?
The answer is clear – they are regional powers. South Africa is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa with a relatively modern, industry-based economy, and is extremely rich in natural and other resources. And Nigeria, as the most populous country in the region – with 230 million people – is a nation with aspirations to become a power on regional, and even in a supra-regional scale. These countries, therefore, following the end of the ‘Cold War’, rose to the rank of Africa’s main representatives on the international stage. Inviting these countries to participate in various forms of cooperation, such as South Africa’s accession to BRIC in 2011, which became BRICS, was intended to enhance Africa’s standing and open new channels of contact. Poland also wished to participate in this process. South Africa remains Poland’s most important trading partner in Africa. From South Africa Poland primarily imports minerals and mechanical equipment. On the contrary Poland exports to South Africa machinery and chemical products. Attempts were made to establish new contacts with other countries, but these ended in failure. In the 1990s, there was an attempt to enter the raw materials market in the DRC, which ended in failure; the investment was ill-advised, which subsequently discouraged a significant number of investors from entering the African market. Rwanda became our partner some time ago, as did East Africa, for example Kenya, a country with fairly high potential. Angola was once such a country, where we always had a diplomatic mission and built a maritime academy in Namibe. Due to internal conflict, these contacts were hampered.
Have there been any initiatives aimed at strengthening Poland’s relations with Africa?
Such programmes were, of course, set up. The ‘Go Africa’ programme was launched in 2013 and aimed at the business community. The main reason for its creation was the limitations, lack of knowledge and self-awareness among our entrepreneurs when dealing with African countries. It was aimed at a narrow audience, so it failed to make an impact on the public consciousness. Over time, the need for this type of programme faded, but I think there is a chance to revive it. We know that work is underway at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a new strategy towards African countries. It is difficult for me to say whether this programme brought about the intended change. However, I do not want to bring up flawed statistics, so it is necessary to look at the official data and National Agency for Investment and Trade (PAIH).
What would Poland need to do to speed up the process of re-establishing ties with Africa?
The approach should be multi-faceted; it does not have to be a rapid process. Rather, what is needed is a long-term strategy aimed at building relationships between markets. This may, of course, take years or even decades to yield the desired results. But this is necessary to build Poland’s international standing as a medium-sized country that has a say in shaping the international order. It is not about building a superpower; it is about creating a network of contacts so that we are not later surprised to find that half of African countries are abstaining from voting. The environment we build will be a more predictable place for us, where it will be easier to establish trade contacts. Nor should we try to do everything at once, but rather undertake long-term work to achieve results.
What Comes Next?
It is noticeable that Africa in Polish foreign policy has not had a visible position. However, that relationship is changing, hopefully for the better. With our growing economy, new possibilities should be sought for economic exchange. At the first glance, the always marginalized African continent seems difficult, or even impossible, to invest in. However, with comprehensive preparations and proper state partners, this market can provide a receptive market of developing states with growing populations and middle class.
by Karol Steczkowski