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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Could the United States’ future liftoffs take place in 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
Could the United States’ future liftoffs take place in 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
Could the United States’ future liftoffs take place in 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

AfricaSource

Sep 30, 2024

Could the United States’ future liftoffs take place in Africa?

By Temidayo Oniosun

By working together on expanding the roster of rocket launch sites available to the United States, Washington and its African partners can set a global standard for responsible space exploration.

Africa Space

In the News

Sep 27, 2024

Yade interviewed by DW on Africa’s position in UN Security Council reform

By Atlantic Council

More about our expert

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Sep 25, 2024

Sudan has a famine. The gridlock on peace and security must end.

By Maha Tambal

The international community’s continued fumbles to establish a durable solution to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan mirror its long-standing miscalculations in addressing its internal and regional geopolitics.

Africa Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 23, 2024

What would it mean for Africa to have two permanent UN Security Council seats?

By Rama Yade

African nations gaining permanent Security Council seats would make the institution more representative, but significant hurdles remain.

Africa China

Report

Sep 23, 2024

How Zimbabwe can achieve its vision of prosperity

By Nina Dannaoui, Joseph Lemoine, William Mortenson, James Storen

Empowering women and attracting foreign investment will be critical in helping Zimbabwe make its vision of prosperity a reality.

Africa Economy & Business

Report

Sep 23, 2024

Lessons for African mineral producers from the Indonesian experience

By Julien Marcilly and Bradford Simmons

Indonesia and its success with resource nationalism can serve as an example for many mineral-rich African countries.

Africa Energy & Environment

Report

Sep 23, 2024

How protecting intellectual property rights in African music, film, and fashion can create opportunity and wealth

By Eric Guichard

The creative industry has the potential to transform the African continent through economic growth and narrative change. As the demand for African innovations continues to increase, so will the need for the protection of creators.  

Africa Economy & Business

MENASource

Sep 19, 2024

Egypt is cozying up to Somalia to thwart Ethiopia

By Shahira Amin

Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have escalated after Cairo forged closer ties with Addis Ababa's rival, Somalia.

Africa Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2024

The Sudan crisis has become a magnet for foreign malign influence and strategic corruption

By Andrea Currie-Edwards

To help bring about an end to the war in Sudan, the United States should stem the illicit activities of foreign actors fueling the conflict.

Conflict Corruption

AfricaSource

Sep 18, 2024

The Sahel is now an epicenter of drug smuggling. That is terrible news for everyone.

By Alexander Tripp

The international community may be overlooking an emerging threat in the Sahel—one that will have colossal impacts for geopolitics in the region and beyond.

Africa Corruption
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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