AFRICA AS A FIELD OF A NEW GEOPOLITICAL GAME

Analyzes the transformation of Africa into an active player amid the emerging geopolitical rivalry among China, the United States, and European countries. It identifies the key interests of each of these actors on the African continent and the means by which they pursue them. Particular attention is paid to China's current strategy of investing heavily in African infrastructure, ensuring access to resources, and advancing diplomatic interests without demanding political reforms – an approach that appeals to authoritarian regimes. At the same time, China's cooperation model has drawn criticism for fostering debt dependency and delivering limited benefits to local economies. In response to China's growing influence, the United States is re-evaluating its presence in Africa, emphasizing support for democracy, security, economic development, and access to strategic resources. The article also examines Europe's policy toward Africa. Aware of its waning dominance, Europe seeks to restore its influence through partnership programs, development aid, and new infrastructure initiatives, particularly the «Global Gateway», which competes with China's Belt and Road Initiative. It is revealed that this «new great game» presents both opportunities for African countries' development and risks of renewed dependency and debt burdens. The study draws a parallel between the current «scramble for Africa» and the colonial period, though with a focus on modern economic, political, and security challenges. The author emphasizes the importance of cooperation among various organizations and governments to avoid proxy conflicts on African soil, which could divide the continent into spheres of influence and limit the sovereign agency of African nations. The conclusions argue that the effectiveness of external actors' strategies will largely depend on the position of African states themselves – their ability to safeguard their strategic interests and mitigate the negative effects of geopolitical competition. Future research should explore the role of other actors in Africa, including India and Middle Eastern states, and assess the impact of global rivalry on the continent’s long-term development.