Africa

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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From the DRC to Sudan, Trump’s disruptive moves could revive stalled negotiations

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
From the DRC to Sudan, Trump’s disruptive moves could revive stalled negotiations

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
From the DRC to Sudan, Trump’s disruptive moves could revive stalled negotiations

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

Dec 12, 2025

From the DRC to Sudan, Trump’s disruptive moves could revive stalled negotiations

By Maureen Farrell

Across Africa, US President Donald Trump’s unorthodox diplomacy is unsettling old patterns—reviving talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and injecting new momentum into Sudan mediation. The gains may be fragile, but the openings are real.

Africa East Africa

Issue Brief

Dec 10, 2025

Middle powers’ game-changing rivalries in Africa

By Rama Yade

As traditional powers retreat, middle powers like Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Indonesia are stepping into Africa with ambitious investments and strategic outreach. Their growing presence is transforming alliances, competition, and development across the continent.

Africa Middle East

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Dec 4, 2025

Delivering justice and jobs is the real test of Ghana’s storied democracy

By Joseph Asunka

Vigilant media and active civil society sustain Ghana’s democracy, but weak judicial independence erodes public trust. Rising youth joblessness calls for reforms to strengthen industry, modernize agriculture, and align skills training to labor-market needs.

Africa Civil Society

New Atlanticist

Dec 2, 2025

The G20 is moving forward on global AI governance—and the US risks being left out

By Konstantinos Komaitis

The leaders’ declaration adopted at the recent Group of Twenty Summit in South Africa offers a new vision of the future of artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence International Norms

MENASource

Nov 25, 2025

Mali is at a turning point that risks a ‘disastrous domino effect’

By Haleigh Bartos and John Chin

A JNIM seizure of power, though less likely, is possible—and threatens to turn Mali into Africa’s Afghanistan.

Africa North & West Africa
A destroyed military vehicle and bombed buildings in Khartoum.

AfricaSource

Nov 25, 2025

El Fasher is only the latest wake-up call to the genocide unfolding in Sudan

By Rama Yade

Sudan’s civil war has become one of the world’s deadliest crises—and the massacre in El Fasher exposes a genocide unfolding in plain sight. As regional powers fuel the war, millions face famine, displacement, and systematic violence.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2025

Dispatch from South Africa: The G20’s center of gravity continues to shift

By Alisha Chhangani

Emerging markets are building coalitions, designing financial tools, and articulating visions for multilateral reform with growing clarity and confidence.

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2025

After a lackluster G20 in South Africa, Trump can take the group ‘back to basics’ in 2026

By Hung Tran

A 2026 agenda of economic and financial stability could refocus the group and make it more relevant.

Economy & Business International Organizations

In the News

Nov 25, 2025

Pınar Dost joins “Strait Talk” at TRT World to discuss the G20 Summit in South Africa
Africa G20

AfricaSource

Nov 24, 2025

In Mozambique, US economic priorities hinge on security investments

By Rose Keravuori, Maureen Farrell

US-backed gas and mining projects could transform Mozambique’s economy, yet persistent terrorist violence threatens progress. Targeted security partnerships offer a path to protect communities and safeguard investments.

Africa Energy & Environment
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Experts

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Raul Alcaide Alonso

Vice President, Goldman Sachs

Millennium Leadership Program

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Léonie Allard

Nonresident senior fellow

Europe Center

Africa Chinese

Fellow

Rabah Arezki

Distinguished Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Africa Economy & Business

Millennium fellow

Iliyana Arnaudova

Clean Energy Finance Manager, C40

Millennium Leadership Program

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action
Ana Arriagada

Staff

Ana Arriagada

Assistant Director, Latin America

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Brazil Civil Society
Ebenezer Arthur

Climate Leadership Program participant

Ebenezer Arthur

2023 Climate Leadership Program Participant

Millennium Leadership Program

North & West Africa
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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