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
Why COP28 is right to prioritize global methane and flaring reduction 

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
Why COP28 is right to prioritize global methane and flaring reduction 

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
Why COP28 is right to prioritize global methane and flaring reduction 

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

Issue Brief

Oct 24, 2023

Why COP28 is right to prioritize global methane and flaring reduction 

By Mark Davis, Landon Derentz, and William Tobin

Flaring and methane emissions from oil and gas are a substantial source of greenhouse gas emissions globally, but the funding, technology, and business practices are available to bring these emissions to near-zero. The COP28 platform can accelerate these solutions.

Africa Americas

Econographics

Oct 24, 2023

Creditors are still not doing enough to relieve developing country debt: A tale of two confabs

By Vasuki Shastry and Jeremy Mark

The fragmentation on display at the IMF - WB Annual Meetings and the BRI Anniversary event doesn't bode well for deeply indebted developing countries.

Africa China

In the News

Oct 19, 2023

Blakemore quoted in The Guardian on clean energy technology needs in Africa
Africa Energy & Environment

In the News

Oct 13, 2023

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman quoted by Reuters on an increase to IMF funding

Read the full article here.

China India

In the News

Oct 13, 2023

Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek cited by Gazete İlk Sayfa on his conversation with the Atlantic Council at IMF-World Bank Week

Read the full article here.

Macroeconomics Morocco

In the News

Oct 13, 2023

Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek cited by NTVPara on his conversation with the Atlantic Council at IMF-World Bank Week

Read the full article here.

Macroeconomics Morocco
Muscat desert sunset

EnergySource

Oct 13, 2023

COP28 and the growing Europe-MENA hydrogen connection

By Giampaolo Cantini

A key piece of the COP28 plan to double global hydrogen production by 2030 will be connecting hydrogen-hungry Europe to the potential green hydrogen powerhouse of the MENA region.

Africa Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Oct 12, 2023

How the US can build better strategic partnerships in Africa to secure critical minerals

By Nii Simmonds, Shirley Martey Hargis

The United States and other Western countries should incentivize their multinationals to offer African countries the same level of partnership that fostered Southeast Asian countries’ ventures into consumer electronics in the 1970s.

Africa Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 10, 2023

Lipsky quoted by Bloomberg Linea on the impact of geopolitics on global economic fragility

Read the full article here.

Conflict Macroeconomics

New Atlanticist

Oct 9, 2023

Go behind the scenes as financial leaders gather in Marrakesh for the IMF-World Bank meetings

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council experts are on the ground in Morocco to gauge whether global financial leaders can get the world on a trajectory toward ending poverty and attaining sustainable growth.

Africa Economy & Business
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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