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
Briefing on post-election Niger

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
Briefing on post-election Niger

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
Briefing on post-election Niger

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

Event Recap

Mar 29, 2016

Briefing on post-election Niger

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, March 29, the Africa Center hosted a briefing with Her Excellency Hassana Alidou, Ambassador to the United States of the Republic of Niger, who provided an update on the country’s recent presidential election. Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham welcomed attendees and introduced Alidou. In her remarks, Alidou identified several successes relating to […]

Africa Elections

AfricaSource

Mar 29, 2016

Senegal Consolidates Its Constitutional Democracy

By J. Peter Pham

While a number of African rulers—most notably Joseph Kabila of the rather ironically named Democratic Republic of the Congo whose ham-fisted attempts to prolong his presidency threaten to reignite the continent’s most bloody conflict—have been trying to extend their tenures by all possible means, fair or foul, voters in Senegal were asked in a March […]

Africa

In the News

Mar 25, 2016

Pham Quoted by Christian Science Monitor on How Low Oil Prices are Affecting Nigeria’s Energy Industry

By J. Peter Pham

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Nigeria

Event Recap

Mar 23, 2016

Roundtable Discussion with the Foreign Minister of Somalia

By Africa Center

 On Wednesday, March 23, the Africa Center hosted a roundtable discussion with His Excellency Dr. Abdusalam H. Omer, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Somalia

In the News

Mar 23, 2016

Hruby Joins CNBC Africa to Discuss Investment in East Africa

By Aubrey Hruby

East Africa

In the News

Mar 23, 2016

Hruby Joins CNBC Africa to Discuss Investment in African Businesses

By Aubrey Hruby

East Africa

In the News

Mar 20, 2016

Charai in the Wall Street Journal: The UN’s Reckless Leader Does It Again in Morocco

By Atlantic Council

International Organizations Morocco

Event Recap

Mar 17, 2016

Briefing by the Foreign Minister of Burundi

By Africa Center

On Thursday, March 17, the Africa Center hosted a briefing with H.E. Alain Aimé Nyamitwe, Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, who provided an update on developments in the country, including the mission of the Heads of State appointed by the African Union, the visit of UN Secretary General […]

South & Central Africa

In the News

Mar 17, 2016

Pham Joins Center for Security Policy Podcast to Discuss al Shabaab in Somalia

By J. Peter Pham

Listen to the full interview here.

North & West Africa Somalia

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2016

Keeping the Focus on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

By Mitch Hulse

The Obama administration must pay closer attention to developments in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where President Joseph Kabila is poised to extend his term in violation of constitutional limits, according to Herman J. Cohen, a former US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. “I fear that the United […]

South & Central Africa
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Experts

Fellow

Yasmine Abdillahi

Nonresident Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Cybersecurity

Fellow

Nasredeen Abdulbari

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Project for Middle East Integration

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Arabic

Fellow

Mahmoud Abouelnaga

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoTech Center

Africa Americas

Fellow

Gbemisola Abudu

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Didier Acouetey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Anca Agachi

Nonresident Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Africa Conflict
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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