Issue Brief

Mar 14, 2016

Why the Congo matters

By Gérard Prunier

With a population of almost 80 million people and unparalleled natural resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the DRC or the Congo) is a country of tremendous potential—but only that. One of the most violent places on earth, its people suffer from the brutality of armed groups and political instability. Now, President Joseph Kabila’s […]

Africa Corruption

Issue Brief

Jan 11, 2016

Nigeria’s oil revenue crunch

By Aaron Sayne and Aubrey Hruby

As oil prices fall to their lowest in decades, Nigeria’s oil revenue has plummeted nearly $2 billion since the start of 2014. What is the impact of falling oil prices and increased competition on the economy and stability in Nigeria?

Africa Corruption

Report

Dec 16, 2015

Diversifying African Trade: The road to progress

By Aubrey Hruby

As World Trade Organization members meet in Nairobi, Kenya, for their 2015 Ministerial, the potential economic impact of African trade—for Africa, but also the rest of the world—has never been more relevant. Home to thirty-three of the world’s least developed countries and only responsible for 3 percent of global trade, Africa stands to reap enormous […]

Africa East Africa

Books

Sep 28, 2015

J. Peter Pham Authors Africa Chapter in John Hay Initiative’s “Choosing to Lead” Book

By J. Peter Pham

This chapter originally appeared in the book, Choosing to Lead: American Foreign Policy for a Disordered World, released by the John Hay Initiative. Africa is destined to present the United States with both significant challenges and extraordinary opportunities in the coming years, far more than has been the case in the recent past. It could hardly […]

Books

Jul 14, 2015

The Next Africa: An Emerging Continent Becomes a Global Powerhouse

By Jake Bright and Aubrey Hruby

It’s no coincidence that Kenya will host this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit in July, or that President Barack Obama will be there in person, as well as traveling next door to Ethiopia. Home to entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and artists who embody the spirit of innovation, Africa is rapidly commanding more influence on the global stage. The […]

Books

Feb 17, 2015

‘Boom time’ for private security contractors

By Ashish Kumar Sen

‘The Modern Mercenary’ author McFate says contractors fill security vacuum left by departing troops One of the biggest fallacies in Washington is that once the United States is done with private security contractors in Afghanistan and elsewhere they will simply pack their bags and head home, says Sean McFate. In fact, these private armies go […]

Defense Industry National Security

Report

Dec 15, 2014

Addressing the food, water, and energy nexus: transatlantic perspectives and Africa’s great chance

By Peter Engelke

Addressing the Food, Water, and Energy Nexus: Transatlantic Perspectives and Africa’s Great Chance, a joint collaboration between the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center and the Strategic Foresight Initiative of the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, examines how Africa can best leverage its food, water, and energy resources for sustainable development.

Africa Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2014

Investment and ingenuity: Overcoming obstacles to doing business in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Aubrey Hruby

New publication outlines lesser-known obstacles to US investment in Africa that will limit US companies’ success if left unaddressed. Africa is no longer the home of small-time deals as companies strike billion-dollar game changers across the continent. With the buzz about “Africa Rising” having gone from the backroom to the boardroom, many multinationals are now […]

Issue Brief

Aug 4, 2014

Morocco’s Emergence as a Gateway to Business in Africa

By J. Peter Pham and Ricardo René Larémont

Morocco’s strong economy and political stability make it an attractive portal into Africa for US investors. Morocco, a bastion of stability on the doorstep of an often-turbulent continent, is a rising economic power. With burgeoning economic and commercial links—across the continent and beyond—and expanding contributions to regional political stability and security, Morocco is an especially […]

Morocco

Event Recap

Jul 31, 2014

The US-Africa Leaders Summit: A Preview by Linda Thomas-Greenfield

By The Atlantic Council

The Africa Center hosted Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield for a public address previewing the upcoming US-Africa Leaders Summit.

Africa