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.

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Embracing Impact: How Africa Can Overcome the Emerging Market Downturn

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
Embracing Impact: How Africa Can Overcome the Emerging Market Downturn

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
Embracing Impact: How Africa Can Overcome the Emerging Market Downturn

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.

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Content

Issue Brief

Apr 14, 2016

Embracing Impact: How Africa Can Overcome the Emerging Market Downturn

By J. Peter Pham and Aubrey Hruby

In January 2016, oil prices fell to their lowest levels in more than a decade. Meanwhile, China, the world’s second-largest economy, is experiencing its most sluggish growth in a quarter-century—dragging down commodity prices and dampening the global economic outlook. The effects of this broad slowdown will hurt African economies more than most, because China and […]

Africa Angola

In the News

Apr 14, 2016

Metzl Joins CNN to Discuss Diplomatic Relations Between China, Taiwan, and Kenya

By Jamie Metzl

Read the full article here.

China East Africa

In the News

Apr 13, 2016

Pham Joins BBC World News to Discuss Boko Haram and the Kidnapping of the Chibok Girls

By J. Peter Pham

Nigeria

In the News

Apr 13, 2016

Pham Joins Marketplace to Discuss How Low Oil Prices are Affecting Nigeria’s Economy

By J. Peter Pham

Read the full article here.

Energy & Environment Nigeria

In the News

Apr 10, 2016

Hruby in Newsweek: How Nigeria Can Ride Out Its Economic Storm

By Aubrey Hruby

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Nigeria

In the News

Apr 10, 2016

Hruby in Newsbeat Portal: How Nigeria Can Ride Out Its Economic Storm

By Aubrey Hruby

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Nigeria

In the News

Apr 6, 2016

Pham Joins Voice of America (Africa Service) to Discuss the Role of Development Partners in Promoting Democracy and Good Governance in Africa

By J. Peter Pham

North & West Africa

In the News

Mar 30, 2016

Pham Quoted by International Business Times on Elections in Central African Republic

By J. Peter Pham

Read the full article here.

South & Central Africa

In the News

Mar 30, 2016

Pham Quoted by World Magazine on Famine and Conflict in South Sudan

By J. Peter Pham

Read the full article here.

East Africa

New Atlanticist

Mar 30, 2016

South Sudan: ‘A Problem Child’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Years of conflict, a dysfunctional government, and the international community’s failure to impose tough and meaningful sanctions have contributed to the crippling food insecurity that has caused tens of thousands of people to flee South Sudan, according to the Atlantic Council’s J. Peter Pham. “No rational farmer anywhere in the world is going to plant […]

East Africa Sudan
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Experts

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Raul Alcaide Alonso

Vice President, Goldman Sachs

Millennium Leadership Program

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Léonie Allard

Nonresident senior fellow

Europe Center

Africa Chinese

Fellow

Rabah Arezki

Distinguished Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Africa Economy & Business

Millennium fellow

Iliyana Arnaudova

Clean Energy Finance Manager, C40

Millennium Leadership Program

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action
Ana Arriagada

Staff

Ana Arriagada

Assistant Director, Latin America

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Brazil Civil Society
Ebenezer Arthur

Climate Leadership Program participant

Ebenezer Arthur

2023 Climate Leadership Program Participant

Millennium Leadership Program

North & West Africa
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Events

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