Abstract
By employing descriptive research and collecting data from primary and secondary sources, which are the main sources of data for the study, From scouring through identified IP linchpins’ formal documentation on the Indo-Pacific Region that are labelled as either strategies, outlook, guidelines or visions that outlines individual approaches and goals related to the IP this study provides an in-depth examination of the nature and extent of Africa’s presentation in such IP documents that have mainly been produced from a cycle from 2012 to date. This study examined the relevance of Africa’s activity in the IP construct with a focus on their appearance or lack thereof in IP strategies. This study has revealed that the linchpins in the region were not highly in favour of integrating Africa and the WIO within their IP approach. However, compared to their counterparts, some linchpins have curated a role where Africa can and has actively participated and benefitted from the IP. This sentiment is consistent with Africa’s proximity to the region and elaborates on the IP as an economic, security and development hub for the continent. Especially as the findings indicate that approaches to Africa that establish its role in the region. Furthermore, it adds to an increase in IP literature by offering insight into (i) the elements and reasoning behind the determination of the decision-making when it comes to linchpins engagement with Africa. (ii) the function of geopolitics, geostrategy and IR in the IP. (iii) the rationale behind the IP’s evolution into the major economic hub of the world.