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

A general view shows the headquarters of the African Union (AU) building in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, January 29, 2017. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri

AfricaSource

Apr 2, 2024

Why Africans hold the future of global democracy in their hands

By Rama Yade

By the end of 2024, the face of political Africa will—theoretically—no longer be the same. With nineteen elections scheduled this year, the continent will see presidents leave who were elected more than ten years ago (in Senegal and Ghana), uncertain civilian transitions (in Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso), high-stakes elections (as in South Africa), and strongmen hanging on (in Tunisia and Rwanda).

Africa
Democratic Transitions

Econographics

Mar 28, 2024

Understanding the debate over IMF quota reform

By Hung Tran

The politics and mathematics of reform are tougher than they appear. A simple reform matching quotas to global economic weight will not be welcomed by many countries.

Africa
China

New Atlanticist

Mar 25, 2024

In Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s win shows that change comes through the ballot box

By Rama Yade

The West African country has shown that its reputation as a democratic bastion in its region remains strong.

Africa
Elections
World Bank-IMF Meeting in Marrakesh

Econographics

Mar 25, 2024

Making Africa a top priority for Bretton Woods Institutions

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

With deeper engagement of Bretton Woods institutions, African economies can seize the moment and become the engine of global growth.

Africa
Fiscal and Structural Reform

Women Leaders in Energy Fellowship

Mar 22, 2024

The energy transition provides opportunities for more inclusive and sustainable global growth 

By Maitha Al Shimmari, Jeanette Gitobu, Georgette Udo, Lin Yuan

The 2023 cohort of the Women Leaders in Energy and Climate Fellowship traveled to Washington, DC, for their study tour, meeting with government officials and civil society groups to discuss the global energy transition challenges that leaders contend with today.

Africa
Americas

AfricaSource

Mar 18, 2024

The critical-minerals boom is here. Can Africa take advantage?

By Alexander Tripp

The critical minerals discussion on extraction, national security, and supply chains will move past Africa unless the moment is seized.

Africa
Critical Minerals

African creatives

Mar 13, 2024

Trailblazing Ivorian executive Laureen Kouassi-Olsson invests in Africa’s heritage fashion brands

By Africa Center

Birimian Ventures Founder and Chief Executive Officer Laureen Kouassi-Olsson champions the transformation of African creativity into an economic force.

Africa
Economy & Business

In the News

Mar 12, 2024

Braw featured in Foreign Policy on ecclesiastical expansionism of Russian Orthodox Church

By Elisabeth Braw

On March 12, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw wrote an article in Foreign Policy on expansionist tactics employed by Russian Orthodox Church in Africa.   

Africa
Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Mar 8, 2024

Investing in women accelerates prosperity and peace

By Nicole Goldin

Expanding opportunities for women is essential for economic resilience and recovery during and after conflicts.

Education
Human Rights

Global China

Mar 4, 2024

Global China Newsletter: Two Sessions, zero reasons for economic optimism?

By Dexter Tiff Roberts

The second 2024 edition of the Global China Newsletter.

Africa
China

Experts