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New Atlanticist

May 6, 2025

The next pope may be African—or not. Either way, Africa is at the forefront of today’s Roman Catholic Church.

By Alexander Tripp

An African pope is not a given in this conclave or the next, but African agency and leadership in the twenty-first-century church is.

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

AfricaSource

May 2, 2025

To redefine US-Africa engagement, Washington must recognize the power of the African diaspora

By Kirstie Kwarteng

Embracing the digital identity economy will allow the US to shape a mutually beneficial partnership with African countries.

Africa Migration

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.

Energy & Environment Politics & Diplomacy

EnergySource

Apr 23, 2025

Illicit mineral supply chains fuel the DRC’s M23 insurgency 

By Clarkson Kamurai, Brad Handler, and Morgan Bazilian

The illicit trade of mined materials is fueling the M23 insurgency in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), threatening regional stability and hindering development. As the United States considers a minerals-for-security agreement with the DRC, international engagement, ethical sourcing practices, and strengthened oversight are critical to fostering long-term peace in this resource-rich region.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2025

The US must sustain counterterrorism operations in Somalia—the costs of retreat are too high

By Danielle Cosgrove and Doug Livermore

To maintain a foothold in East Africa’s security architecture, the US must prioritize continuity, including keeping the US embassy in Mogadishu open.

Africa Crisis Management

AfricaSource

Apr 10, 2025

African leaders must not miss their chance to jumpstart the continent’s business environment this May

By Anthony Manga

As Africa navigates a shifting global landscape, the private sector must help develop strategies that reduce external dependency, enhance regional collaboration, and prioritize sustainable investment.

Africa Economy & Business

AfricaSource

Mar 31, 2025

How Trump could upend global finance—and how the world might respond

By Ferid Belhaj

Concerns are growing—particularly among policymakers and experts in “New South” countries—about the direction in which the international financial system is heading.

Africa Economy & Business

AfricaSource

Mar 27, 2025

Prioritizing access to critical minerals will require prioritizing Africa

By Benjamin Mossberg

Access to critical minerals is an urgent national security issue. The United States must view investments in African energy, mineral, and mining—key to securing this access—with similar importance.

Africa Energy & Environment

AfricaSource

Mar 21, 2025

In the scramble for Africa’s critical minerals, the West must not abandon the ESG agenda

By Zainab Usman and Rama Yade

As this race for minerals and metals critical for the energy transition heats up, both companies and governments must not abandon environmental, social, and governance principles in Africa.

Africa Energy & Environment

AfricaSource

Mar 20, 2025

If the international community wants to curb fossil fuel emissions, it must make Africa a serious clean energy offer

By Neil Ford

Before the international community asks African countries to leave undeveloped fossil fuel resources in the ground, it must make them an offer of clean energy financing—one substantial enough to fund Africa’s current and future appetite for electricity.

Africa Energy & Environment