Africa

Africa

A continent of fifty-four nations, Africa holds vast opportunity and promise. Its 1.2 billion population is expected to double by 2050 and become the world’s largest region. Alongside this demographic boom, Africa is home to almost half the world’s fastest-growing economies as its leaders are taking steps to expand the movement of goods, people, and capital within the continent. Demand for democracy is high and protest movements have proven that citizen activism can unseat consolidated African strongmen.

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

Econographics Mar 10, 2026

The renminbi is winning over Africa—but can it rival the dollar?

By Lize de Kruijf

In recent years, African governments have taken steps to reduce reliance on the dollar, but progress on their regional payment system has been slow—and in the meantime, China’s renminbi is quietly making inroads across Africa’s trade and finance networks.
Africa China
How Trump could upend global finance—and how the world might respond

Dispatches Mar 3, 2026

How a crisis over a stockpile of uranium created an opening for US reengagement in Niger

By Adal Rhoubeid and Maureen Farrell

The recent failed coup in Benin has had the unintended consequence of creating a path forward for US reengagement in the Sahel.
East Africa Nuclear Energy
How Trump could upend global finance—and how the world might respond

AfricaSource Feb 24, 2026

In Guinea, the US has a rare opportunity to gain an edge over China

By Rose Keravuori, Maureen Farrell

Guinea’s democratic transition and mineral riches put it center stage in US-China competition. The United States now has a rare chance to align investment, security, and governance to secure strategic influence in West Africa.
Critical Minerals North & West Africa

Programs

The Atlantic Council’s Africa Center promotes dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and helps redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM

Content

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 Critical Minerals

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 Critical Minerals

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 Critical Minerals

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Mezran quoted in Decode 39 on Putin’s push into Africa

By Atlantic Council

Africa Middle East

AfricaSource

Mar 17, 2025

This Women’s History Month, focus on African women’s achievements, not just their challenges

By Rama Yade

African women deserve recognition not just for the indignities they face, but for the heights they achieve.

Africa Resilience & Society

AfricaSource

Mar 17, 2025

To improve its Sahel policy, the US must update four assumptions

By Jordanna Yochai

By reevaluating long-held assumptions and adapting policy to the rapidly changing geopolitical environment, the United States can play a vital role in the Sahel region.

Africa Sahel

AfricaSource

Mar 13, 2025

What airstrikes in Somalia show about the war on terror

By Alexander Tripp

With terrorist groups increasingly prevalent throughout Africa, the United States is likely to devote more attention to counterterrorism efforts on the continent.

Africa Sahel

Report

Mar 10, 2025

Emerging technology policies and democracy in Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia in focus

By Ayantola Alayande, Samuel Segun, and Leah Junck

How are African nations navigating the governance of AI, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies? Emerging Technology Policies and Democracy in Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia in Focus examines how five key countries are shaping regulatory frameworks to drive innovation, protect digital rights, and bridge policy gaps in an evolving tech landscape.

Africa Artificial Intelligence

Podcast

Mar 3, 2025

Mercenaries in DRC: “Do not come for adventure here”

By Alia Brahimi

After 300 Romanian mercenaries were cornered by M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January, Ben reflects on the reasons behind the rebels’ advance, as well as the perennial need for DRC’s government to look to external security providers for help with managing threats.

Africa Arms Control
Load More

Experts

Climate Leadership Program participant

Wairimu Karanja

2023 Climate Leadership Program Participant

Millennium Leadership Program

East Africa

Fellow

Rebecca Katz

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Coronavirus

Fellow

Rose Keravuori

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Defense Policy

Fellow

Yousuf Syed Khan

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Deneyse A. Kirkpatrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Civil Society

Fellow

Tom Koch

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Conflict
Load More

Events

Public Event Tue, May 26, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

Security challenges and paths to stability in the Sahel
Democratic Transitions Economy & Business Elections Extremism
Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals