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
Beijing is making inroads in North Africa

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
Beijing is making inroads in North Africa

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
Beijing is making inroads in North Africa

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

MENASource

Oct 15, 2024

Beijing is making inroads in North Africa

By Jonathan Fulton

There has been serious momentum in China’s Maghreb relations in areas that indicate long-term regional ambitions. 

Economy & Business Middle East

AfricaSource

Oct 11, 2024

Mauritania should mediate in Mali. Here’s how.

By Jordanna Yochai

Mauritania, Mali’s neighbor to the west, is in a unique position to foster peace.

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

AfricaSource

Oct 9, 2024

The days of multilateralism are not behind us

By Abdoul Salam Bello and Vel Gnanendran

International cooperation is still possible through replenishing the International Development Association, Abdoul Salam Bello and Vel Gnanendran of the World Bank Group write.

Africa Economy & Business

Atlantic Debrief

Oct 8, 2024

#AtlanticDebrief – How should transatlantic policymakers realize a bolder agenda for Africa? | A debrief from Amb. Rama Yade

Amb. Rama Yade outlines ideas for revitalizing US-EU cooperation in Africa and Africa's role and perspective.

Africa Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 7, 2024

Pavia featured in report by Wilson Center on the Future of Euro-MENA relations

By Atlantic Council

Africa North & West Africa

AfricaSource

Oct 7, 2024

Effective cybersecurity in Africa must start with the basics

By Yasmine Abdillahi

Grand strategies and policies often lack practicality, especially for African firms with limited capacity. For them, core and basic practices are often easier to achieve.

Africa Cybersecurity

Report

Oct 7, 2024

Realizing a bolder transatlantic agenda for cooperation with Africa

By Rama Yade

Recent initiatives could be a beginning in the revitalization of cooperation between the United States and the European Union in Africa.

Africa European Union

New Atlanticist

Oct 4, 2024

As Saied increases his grip on power, Tunisia’s democracy is being squeezed

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

Tunisia's president has cleared the field for his reelection on October 6. His increasing hold on power is raising critical questions about the country's future.

Democratic Transitions Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 4, 2024

Italy and UNDP: How the new AI Hub for Sustainable Development will strengthen the foundations for growth in Africa

By Vincenzo Del Monaco, Eva Spina, and Keyzom Ngodup Massally

The United Nations Development Programme and Italian government initiative aims to foster both innovation and sustainability in Africa.

Africa Artificial Intelligence

AfricaSource

Oct 2, 2024

Nine months later: The regional implications of the Ethiopia-Somaliland MOU

By Maxwell Webb

The involvement of other players in the Horn of Africa’s security landscape is a prime example of how middle-power politics and diplomacy in one region could, over time, create a tinderbox of conditions.

Africa East Africa
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Experts

Fellow

Yasmine Abdillahi

Nonresident Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Cybersecurity

Fellow

Nasredeen Abdulbari

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

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

Public Event Thu, April 16, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

Investing in Africa Forum
Africa Artificial Intelligence Critical Minerals Economy & Business
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