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.

Explore
eNaira: Same Naira, more possibilities for innovation

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
eNaira: Same Naira, more possibilities for innovation

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
eNaira: Same Naira, more possibilities for innovation

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

Econographics

Jan 28, 2022

eNaira: Same Naira, more possibilities for innovation

By Naomi Aladekoba

Nigeria's eNaira aims to improve the availability and access to central bank money, support a resilient payments system, encourage financial inclusion, and reduce the cost of processing cash.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

In the News

Jan 28, 2022

Lipsky and Aladekoba cited in Politico on the controversy surrounding the Nigerian government’s plan to remove fuel subsidies

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

Engagement Reframed

Jan 26, 2022

Engagement Reframed: Introduction

By Robert A. Manning, Christopher Preble

The Biden administration has been slow to distribute surplus COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries in need or to facilitate foreign manufacturing of vaccines, squandering a diplomatic opportunity and potentially endangering US security.

Africa Caribbean

In the News

Jan 22, 2022

Konaev quoted in Vox on Russia-Ukraine crisis

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Margarita Konaev discusses the implications of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Jan 21, 2022

Aladekoba quoted in Axios on the potential benefits of eNaira, Nigeria’s central bank digital currency

Read the full article here.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2022

The US risks losing its influence in the Horn of Africa. Here’s how to get it back.

By Gabriel Negatu

Evolving crises in Ethiopia and Sudan have exposed Washington’s lack of a clear and coherent policy for the region.

Democratic Transitions East Africa

In the News

Jan 3, 2022

Alyemany in the Independent Arabia: Red Sea Council

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Eritrea

New Atlanticist

Jan 3, 2022

Sudan’s democratic transition is over. Now it’s time to support the revolution.

By By Cameron Hudson

The resignation of Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok offers new clarity: The United States should take a hard line against the military and back pro-democracy protesters.

Africa Democratic Transitions

EconoGraphics

Dec 16, 2021

Global Sanctions Dashboard: Holiday edition

By Julia Friedlander, Michael Albanese, Maia Nikoladze and Castellum.AI

Coordinated actions against Belarus and global human rights abusers, sanctions on African states, and anti-kleptocracy reform.

Africa Belarus

In the News

Dec 13, 2021

Ashford in Inkstick: Debating the efficacy of US sanctions on Venezuela and Ethiopia

By Atlantic Council

On December 13, Emma Ashford was featured in Inkstick’s Adults in a Room column, writing on the Biden administration’s review of sanctions policy. “The Biden administration’s recently released sanctions review was emblematic of a core problem faced by advocates of sanctions reform. To the surprise of many, the review laid out extremely clearly some of […]

English Ethiopia
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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