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
Stefanini featured in Formiche arguing that the West should keep a close eye on the enlargement of the BRICS bloc

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
Stefanini featured in Formiche arguing that the West should keep a close eye on the enlargement of the BRICS bloc

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
Stefanini featured in Formiche arguing that the West should keep a close eye on the enlargement of the BRICS bloc

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

In the News

Aug 26, 2023

Stefanini featured in Formiche arguing that the West should keep a close eye on the enlargement of the BRICS bloc

By Stefano Stefanini

On August 26, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Stefano Stefanini wrote in Formiche arguing that the West should keep a close eye on the enlargement of the BRICS bloc (text in Italian).  

Brazil China

New Atlanticist

Aug 24, 2023

BRICS is doubling its membership. Is the bloc a new rival for the G7?  

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what the addition of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to the group might mean.

Africa Brazil

AfricaSource

Aug 23, 2023

Piece by piece, the BRICS really are building a multipolar world

By Hippolyte Fofack

Coming out of the Johannesburg summit, the BRICS group has the potential to accelerate the process of dedollarization and the transition to a multipolar world.

Brazil China

In the News

Aug 23, 2023

Tran quoted by NBC News on BRICS’ efforts to diminish USD dominance

Read the full article here.

Brazil China

In the News

Aug 23, 2023

Tran quoted by Barron’s on the rift in BRICS over push for new members

Read the full piece here.

Brazil China

In the News

Aug 23, 2023

Tobin joins The World to discuss how China is poised to benefit from Zimbabwe’s lithium supply
Africa China

In the News

Aug 22, 2023

Stefanini featured in Andkronos discussing BRICS Summit and the future of the bloc

By Stefano Stefanini

On August 22, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Stefano Stefanini was interviewed in Adnkronos, discussing the BRICS Summit and the future of the bloc (text in Italian).  

Brazil China

In the News

Aug 18, 2023

Rethinking Stability: Key findings and actionable recommendations

By Will Bennett, Riccardo Vinci, Anca Agachi, and Leah Scheunemann

Based on five private dialogues on three continents, in-depth desk and country research, and discussions with circa 1000 policy makers, academics, practitioners, and conflict-affected citizens, this final paper sets out the project’s key lessons and suggests actionable recommendations for how the field of stabilization can improve.

Africa Conflict

In the News

Aug 18, 2023

Tobin quoted in the Washington Examiner on Chinese investments into African mining and processing plants
Africa China

Report

Aug 16, 2023

Digital identities and border cultures: The limits of technosolutionism in the management of human mobility

By Nanjala Nyabola

A paper to better inform the conversation around technology’s impact on democracy by evaluating technosolutionism and its application to the management of human mobility.

Afghanistan Africa
Load More

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
Load More

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