Multinational Corporations and Their Impacts on Sustainable Development in Af-rica

A Study in Political Geography

Abstract

The state is no longer the sole active player and primary holder of power and influence on the international stage in the new global system. There are now new actors competing with it in this regard. At the forefront of these actors are multinational corporations, in addition to global governmental and non-governmental organizations. These corporations possess elements of power, influence, and impact that cause the state to recede, especially for developing countries that are considered vital arenas for the activities of these companies. These activities have harmed the environment, humanity, and development, thereby undermining sustainable development, which encompasses the relationship among these three variables in those countries. African nations, from the era of the slave trade to debt and AIDS, are particularly affected. Hence, the research problem can be identified by examining the role of multinational corporations in influencing sustainable development in Africa, the resulting impacts, the mechanisms by which they are achieved, and the African response to the consequences of these companies' activities. It is noteworthy that the role of multinational corporations has not been extensively studied by geographers in various fields, despite its importance as a global influential actor.