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.

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.

Content

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

AfricaSource

Oct 29, 2025

Why Nairobi should look to New Delhi for its transit transformation

By Srujan Palkar, Sibi Nyaoga

With a population approaching six million, Nairobi faces many of the same urbanization challenges as New Delhi and other cities in the Global South

Africa India

AfricaSource

Oct 21, 2025

The Lake Chad Basin could power growth instead of conflict

By Jude Mutah

Despite vast oil, gas, and mineral wealth, the Lake Chad Basin remains trapped in insecurity. Transforming resources into peace requires transparent governance, community trust, and accountable partnerships that deliver real benefits for citizens across the basin.

Africa Crisis Management

Experts

Events