Opening Africa’s skies to trade, growth, and jobs

Following a decade-long partnership, the Policy Center for the New South and the Atlantic Council have joined forces around a new program focused on the power of the Atlantic. This series of publications and webinars will focus both on opportunities and challenges around the basin. You can see the whole series here.

The root causes of Africa’s aviation crisis are interconnected and largely self-imposed. The costs that exclude most Africans from air travel are the product of at least four compounding failures: a fragmented regulatory architecture, predatory taxation, revenue repatriation, and a vulnerable fuel supply chain.

Expanded air transport in Africa could be a powerful multiplier of growth, underpin regional trade, and fuel skilled job creation.

This issue brief assesses the regulatory and political failures that keep Africa’s skies closed, evaluates failed attempts at reform, and explores pathways toward a more liberalized and competitive market. What’s required is a comprehensive response combining champion-state reform, public accountability on taxation, stronger dispute-resolution mechanisms, and competition-driven innovation. In particular, trade and tourism are especially reliant on aviation. The sectors’ significant potential, if realized, could create jobs and generate prosperity across the continent.

Issue Brief Apr 24, 2025

The Millennium Challenge Corporation could prove essential in the race for critical minerals. Reform it, don’t shut it down.

By Aubrey Hruby

As the Trump administration aligns foreign aid with core strategic interests, the MCC represents an underutilized asset.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment

Issue Brief Jul 21, 2025

Atlantic piracy, current threats, and maritime governance in the Gulf of Guinea

By Maisie Pigeon

A drop in attacks in the Gulf of Guinea does not necessarily mean piracy has been resolved. Pirates have adapted their tactics, and the potential for resurgence remains high; this issue remains a critical security and development concern. It is not just a regional priority—it is an international imperative.

Africa Economy & Business

Issue Brief Jun 10, 2025

Marine energy: Harnessing the power of the Atlantic

By William Yancey Brown

In partnership with the Policy Center for the New South, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center is launching a new series of publications and events dedicated to the power of the Atlantic ocean with an inaugural policy brief on energy and mineral potential.

Africa Critical Minerals

The Africa Center works to promote dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and to redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

Learn more

Image: Passengers gather as they check-in their luggages at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria September 30, 2022. REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja