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.

Content

AfricaSource

May 30, 2025

How the United States can support Cameroon as it faces its next democratic test

By Jude Mutah

The United States can act now to support democratic elections in Cameroon and help the country navigate what unfolds after the vote.

Africa Democratic Transitions
A view shows buildings behind a street of the Gombe area, ahead of the announcement of provisional results of the December presidential election, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo December 30, 2023.

Issue Brief

May 23, 2025

Beyond critical minerals: Capitalizing on the DRC’s vast opportunities

By Dave Peterson, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Rabah Areki, Thomas De Dreux-Brézé, Nicole Namwezi Batumike, and Calixte Ahokpossi

As major powers contend for access to Kinshasa’s mineral wealth and Washington seeks to broker a peace deal with Rwanda, the DRC and its partners have a chance to aim high, and channel the country’s resource wealth into good governance, infrastructure, and more.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Economy & Business

AfricaSource

May 15, 2025

African governments should rethink their approach to combating money laundering and terrorist financing

By Benjamin Mossberg

African countries can bolster financial inclusion and tap economic growth opportunities—while preventing the abuse of the global financial system by nefarious actors.

Africa Digital Currencies

In the News

May 13, 2025

Starling-Daniels and Luetkefend quoted in WMAL article titled “In Great Power Competition, Special Ops to Play Key Role”

On May 3, Forward Defense director Clementine Starling-Daniels and assistant director Theresa Luetkefend were quoted in a WMAL article titled “In Great Power Competition, Special Ops to Play Key Role.” The article highlights their argument that, after two decades primarily focused on counterterrorism and direct-action missions during the Global War on Terror, today’s peer and […]

Africa Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2025

The next pope may be African—or not. Either way, Africa is at the forefront of today’s Roman Catholic Church.

By Alexander Tripp

An African pope is not a given in this conclave or the next, but African agency and leadership in the twenty-first-century church is.

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 6, 2025

A blueprint for a trilateral Morocco-Israel-US investment fund

By Aïssa Christophe Agostini

Amid instability in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Sahel, a chance to deliver on the promise of the Abraham Accords.

Israel Middle East

AfricaSource

May 2, 2025

To redefine US-Africa engagement, Washington must recognize the power of the African diaspora

By Kirstie Kwarteng

Embracing the digital identity economy will allow the US to shape a mutually beneficial partnership with African countries.

Africa Migration

In the News

Apr 27, 2025

Ajumobi in Globalization and Health: “Safeguarding global health security amidst a scramble for Africa’s minerals for the clean energy transition”

On April 27, 2025, Africa Center nonresident senior fellow Oluwayemisi Ajumobi published an article in Globalization and Health, “Safeguarding global health security amidst a scramble for Africa’s minerals for the clean energy transition.” “The global transition to renewable energy is increasing the demand for critical minerals mining in Africa. Without appropriate safeguards, expansion of mining […]

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

EnergySource

Apr 23, 2025

Illicit mineral supply chains fuel the DRC’s M23 insurgency 

By Clarkson Kamurai, Brad Handler, and Morgan Bazilian

The illicit trade of mined materials is fueling the M23 insurgency in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), threatening regional stability and hindering development. As the United States considers a minerals-for-security agreement with the DRC, international engagement, ethical sourcing practices, and strengthened oversight are critical to fostering long-term peace in this resource-rich region.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2025

The US must sustain counterterrorism operations in Somalia—the costs of retreat are too high

By Danielle Cosgrove and Doug Livermore

To maintain a foothold in East Africa’s security architecture, the US must prioritize continuity, including keeping the US embassy in Mogadishu open.

Africa Crisis Management

Experts