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.

AfricaSource

Dec 2, 2019

Sudan’s prime minister comes to Washington

By Cameron Hudson

Thus far, the prime minister has done a poor job of managing the outsized expectations of his people to be out from under Washington’s punitive regime. Many will surely be disappointed when and if he returns home without one of these large deliverables, but Hamdok need not leave Washington empty-handed.

Africa Civil Society

Event Recap

Oct 22, 2019

Sudanese finance minister shares plan for economic revival

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, October 22, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted H.E. Ibrahim Elbadawi, minister of finance of the Republic of the Sudan, for a public discussion on the Sudanese economy. Following the ouster of longstanding president Omar al-Bashir in April and months of popular protests that led to the formation of a civilian-led transitional government […]

Africa East Africa

AfricaSource

Oct 11, 2019

Ahead of elections, Mozambique grapples with violent insurgency

By James Rogers

Whichever way the government proceeds, it seems unlikely that a long-term solution to the ASWJ insurgency will be feasible without a concerted effort to simultaneously address the poverty and economic conditions underlying the insurgency in the first place.

Africa Conflict

Event Recap

Sep 20, 2019

Senegal’s economy minister outlines strategy for private sector-led growth

By Africa Center

On Friday, September 20, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted H.E. Amadou Hott, minister of economy, planning, and cooperation of the Republic of Senegal.

Africa Economy & Business

Event Recap

Sep 19, 2019

Guinea’s president seeks expanded US investment

By Africa Center

On Thursday, September 19, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted H.E. Professor Alpha Condé, president of the Republic of Guinea. Atlantic Council Vice President and Africa Center Director Dr. J. Peter Pham provided opening remarks and welcomed President Condé to the Atlantic Council. President Condé discussed Guinea’s ability to implement reforms and overcome challenges in […]

Africa Democratic Transitions

Event Recap

Sep 18, 2019

Côte d’Ivoire’s first lady objects to proposed US ban on Ivorian cocoa

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, September 18, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted H.E. Dominique Ouattara, first lady of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, for a private discussion on Ivorian efforts to eradicate child trafficking, exploitation, and labor from the cocoa supply chain. Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa producer, with an annual production output of approximately […]

Africa Economy & Business

AfricaSource

Aug 23, 2019

Oui, le sport peut être un puissant levier de développement en Afrique

By Rama Yade

English Synopsis: Last month’s African Cup of Nations has generated global enthusiasm and an outpouring of African patriotism, and other important sporting events are taking place on the continent, from South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to Senegal’s hosting of the 2022 Summer Youth Olympics. Next year, the prestigious American National Basketball […]

Africa Economy & Business

AfricaSource

Aug 6, 2019

Demystifying Malawi’s ‘Tipp-Ex election’

By Luke Tyburski

The use of white-out on results sheets in Malawi’s May election has brought international media attention to the small southern African country, leading some to dub the polls Malawi’s ‘Tipp-Ex election’ after the popular white-out brand.

Africa Elections

AfricaSource

Jul 25, 2019

How should the US approach LGBT rights in Africa?

By Stephanie Mithika

The framing of LGBT rights as a form of neocolonialism has proven an effective tool for local politicians and religious leaders who wish to prevent progress on the issue – and who often form alliances with foreign religious groups and governments in the process.

Africa English

AfricaSource

Jul 22, 2019

Reviewing Mauritania’s historic election

By Luke Tyburski

Mauritania’s June 22 presidential election marked the country’s first democratic transfer of power since independence. The ruling party’s Mohamed Ould Ghazouani won with 52 percent of the vote, and his closest challenger, Biram Dah Abeid, received 18 percent. But the election was less of a landslide than the vote totals imply.

Africa Elections