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
In brief: The future of US-Africa trade and investment

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
In brief: The future of US-Africa trade and investment

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
In brief: The future of US-Africa trade and investment

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

Kenyan workers prepare men's underwear at the Hela intimates export processing zone (EPZ) limited factory in Athi River, near Nairobi, Kenya, July 27, 2017. Picture taken July 27, 2017. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

Executive Summary

Jul 11, 2023

In brief: The future of US-Africa trade and investment

By Frannie Léautier

Since 2000, US trade policy for Africa has been the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which gives duty-free access to the US market for eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa. With AGOA due to expire in 2025, policymakers must decide the future of US-Africa trade going forward to build on its previous achievements.

Africa Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jul 7, 2023

How four cities are building resilience to extreme heat

By Kashvi Ajitsaria

Cities around the world are facing intense heat waves. But these four are taking proactive steps to prepare for and deal with extreme heat.

Africa Americas

Podcast

Jul 7, 2023

Mercenary bloodline: The war in Sudan

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with Africa experts Cameron Hudson and Munzoul Assal about the mercenary pedigree of the Rapid Support Forces.

Africa Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2023

Russian War Report: Kremlin denies that it targeted civilians in a missile attack on a pizza restaurant

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

A deadly Russian missile strike on a cafe in Kramatorsk leaves a dozen dead and more injured. Post-mutiny, Wagner's future in Africa is up in the air.

Africa Belarus

AfricaSource

Jun 30, 2023

Boko Haram is a ghost. The US needs to recognize that.

By Alexandra Gorman

Nigeria's new president will need to get all the help he can get—including from the United States—to address the jihadist insurgency that has engulfed the country’s north.

Crisis Management Nigeria

Report

Jun 29, 2023

Maximizing US foreign aid for strategic competition

By Patrick Quirk, Caitlin Dearing Scott

A fully developed strategy for using foreign aid across all sectors—economic, education, security assistance, and democracy support—can provide critical reinforcement to the military and economic pillars of strategic competition.

Africa China

Issue Brief

Jun 29, 2023

What policymakers need to know about artificial intelligence

By Philip L. Frana

Behind the hype and fear lies a crucial truth—AI is designed to augment human intelligence, not replace it. This primer explains how developers strive to create systems that mimic human capabilities by finding patterns, making predictions, and generating meaningful and actionable insights using data generated by our information-rich world.

Africa China

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jun 29, 2023

The disinformation landscape in West Africa and beyond

By Tessa Knight, Jean le Roux

A look at West Africa’s information environment, with particular emphasis on local and international disinformation campaigns targeting the region and beyond.

Africa Digital Policy

In the News

Jun 28, 2023

CBDC tracker cited by Statista

Read the full piece here.

Americas Digital Currencies

Issue Brief

Jun 28, 2023

Building a biofuels industry in Africa

By Maia Sparkman, William Tobin, Maxwell Zandi

In numerous African nations, the expansion of the biofuels industry could serve as a solution, albeit a partial one, to support the interlocking imperatives of achieving universal access to modern energy services and attaining a high-growth, low-carbon economy.

Africa Energy & Environment
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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