Africa Center Commentary & Analysis

Through high-level relationships and a track record of well-respected analysis, the Africa Center speaks directly to the stakeholders who matter, shaping policy on the foremost issues of this dynamic continent.

Event Recap

Jun 2, 2020

Afreximbank president champions African free trade alongside COVID-19 response

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, June 2, the Africa Center hosted Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), for a discussion on innovative financing amid COVID-19.

Africa Coronavirus

Event Recap

May 26, 2020

Expert panel briefs Congressional staffers on Sudan

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, May 26, the Africa Center hosted a closed Sudan briefing for Congressional staffers who are currently at work on several important pieces of Sudan-related legislation. The private briefing featured remarks from Sudanese Minister of Finance H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Elbadawi and Sudanese Minister of Justice H.E. Nasredeen Abdulbari, followed by an expert panel of DC-based Sudan experts.

Africa Democratic Transitions

AfricaSource

May 20, 2020

Responding to COVID-19: An exclusive interview with AfDB President Adesina

By Aubrey Hruby

Watch Africa Center Senior Fellow Aubrey Hruby's exclusive interview with African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on the economic response to COVID-19.

Africa Coronavirus

Event Recap

May 11, 2020

IGAD executive secretary lays out priorities amid coronavirus crisis

By Africa Center

On Monday, May 11, the Africa Center hosted a virtual roundtable with His Excellency Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The discussion focused on IGAD's response to East Africa's evolving challenges.

Africa Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2020

WFP’s David Beasley warns of dire famines in Africa, Mideast if COVID-19 supply chains damage continues

By Larry Luxner

Up to 300,000 people could starve to death every day if the COVID-19 pandemic ruptures global food supply chains—even more than the roughly 275,000 people who have died of the disease worldwide so far.

Coronavirus

AfricaSource

May 1, 2020

The “shadow pandemic” of gender-based violence

By Joanne Chukwueke

While lockdowns and social distancing measures have been essential in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic, they have also produced unintended consequences: increased rates of domestic violence. As COVID-19 spreads in African countries, demand for support services for victims of gender-based violence continues to rise.

Africa Coronavirus

Event Recap

Apr 29, 2020

US commercial policy in Africa: A new normal?

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, April 29, the Africa Center hosted a virtual roundtable on the impacts of COVID-19 on US commercial policy toward Africa. The private discussion featured Ms. Victoria Whitney, the Chief Operating Officer of Prosper Africa, and Mr. Andrew Herscowitz, the Chief Development Officer at the US International Development Finance Corporation.

Africa Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Apr 29, 2020

Africa still sees a massive pandemic in its future, but partnerships may lessen blow

By Katherine Golden

With an uncertain future for the pandemic that lies ahead, the Africa CDC is encouraging pivotal partnerships to act quickly to secure Africa amid haphazardly understood policies, little access to water and sanitation, and resource constraints.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Apr 20, 2020

African private sector mobilizes COVID-19 response

By Aubrey Hruby

In times when neighbors are competing with each other for medical supplies, the private sector is creating partners out of competitors. Across the continent, coalitions are coming together to support public health responses and fight the virus: a private sector response that is even more important in resource-constrained African countries.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Apr 17, 2020

Barriers to mass testing for COVID-19 in Africa

By Bronwyn Bruton and Neil Edwards

Beyond top-line concerns over supply of test kits, other barriers to mass testing for COVID-19 in Africa include logistical constraints surrounding access to rural and densely populated urban areas, limitations on healthcare personnel and facilities, distrust of healthcare workers, and stigma associated with the virus itself.

Africa Coronavirus