During the last two decades the total number of African parties-members of the Socialist International (SI) has increased from seven to 20 full (18 countries) members, five parties with consultative status and seven observers. 12 of them are the ruling parties, and two are in coalition governments.

It seems that an important role in determining the relationship of the African parties to the Socialist International played and continues to play pragmatism: the desire to establish close relations with the political force, from which the policy of the Western countries towards Africa largely depends, including questions of economic aid, debt relief, etc.

The position of the Socialist International and its leading members on the most important problems facing the African continent were fairly detailed in the materials of its XXIV Congress in Capetown.