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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Why Ankara’s rising power in the Sahel could benefit the West

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 Ankara’s rising power in the Sahel could benefit the West

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 Ankara’s rising power in the Sahel could benefit the West

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.

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Content

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2025

Why Ankara’s rising power in the Sahel could benefit the West

By Alp Ozen, Haley Nelson

Turkey offers a rare channel in the Sahel that the West could use to recalibrate its approach to the region.

Africa Energy & Environment

Report

Nov 19, 2025

Biometrics and digital identity in Africa

By Sani Suleiman Sani

Biometrics have become deeply embedded in Africa’s political, social, and economic landscape. 

Africa Cybersecurity

Report

Nov 18, 2025

China’s economic slowdown and spillovers to Africa

By Matthew Mingey, Jeremy Smith, and Laura Gormley

China has catalyzed new infrastructure and industries in Africa, but the continent is also exposed to negative ripple effects from changes in China’s domestic economy. This report investigates how different projections of China’s economic growth and structure over the next five years will affect trade and financial engagement with the African continent.

Africa China

In the News

Nov 17, 2025

Charai for Newsmax: Trump Only Leader Who Can End Genocide of Christians in Africa

By Atlantic Council

Africa Human Rights

MENASource

Nov 14, 2025

The UN’s Western Sahara vote marks a diplomatic ‘Green March’

By Sarah Zaaimi

Morocco's autonomy plan lays the foundation for resolution for the Sahrawi people, after fifty years of rivalry between Morocco and Algeria.

Human Rights International Organizations

MENASource

Nov 10, 2025

The Nile at a crossroads: Navigating the GERD dispute as Egypt’s floodwaters rise

By Alessia Melcangi

The latest escalation between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia coincides with a diplomatic shift from the United States.

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2025

Gen Z protests have spread to seven countries. What do they all have in common?

By Will Mortenson

While the root causes vary, the data reveal several broad similarities among the countries that have seen massive Gen Z protest movements in recent months.

Africa Corruption

New Atlanticist

Nov 5, 2025

With Trump’s threats of military intervention in Nigeria, Tinubu faces a delicate balancing act

By Ohimai Amaize

With Nigeria on the brink of a diplomatic crisis with the United States, President Bola Tinubu must confront extremist violence without inflaming sectarian divides and rebuild diplomatic ties with Washington.

Extremism Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

AfricaSource

Nov 4, 2025

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is needed for peace in the Great Lakes Region—and US mineral security

By Aubrey Hruby

The Trump administration must back its diplomacy by demonstrating the United States' willingness to turn fragile deals into local development.

Africa Conflict

AfricaSource

Oct 31, 2025

Mali has not just plunged into crisis. It has been unraveling for years.

By Rama Yade and Hussein Ba

Mali’s crisis runs deeper than recent coups. Military fragmentation, jihadist expansion, and severed international ties have left the landlocked nation isolated, economically strained, and socially fractured.

Africa Crisis Management
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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