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

In the News

Oct 4, 2021

Mezran quoted in Arab News on the challenges of the UN peace efforts in Libya

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions International Organizations

Blog Post

Sep 27, 2021

Inclusive growth needs financial inclusion. Can central bank digital currency help?

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

1.7 billion adults remained unbanked as per the 2017 wave of Findex dataset, with large disparities in financial inclusion still existing across countries, gender, income, education, and rural-urban lines. CBDCs have the potential to enhance financial inclusion and reduce these disparities.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

In the News

Sep 24, 2021

Shullman on the China in Africa Podcast: Is China exporting authoritarianism around the world?

By Atlantic Council

On September 24, 2021, David O. Shullman joined the China in Africa Podcast to discuss his recent Foreign Affairs article with Charles Edel, “How China Exports Authoritarianism.”

Africa China

AfricaSource

Sep 24, 2021

Make way for Wakanda: The UN Security Council needs an African seat

By Rama Yade

The Security Council was built on the principle of sovereignty and equality of all nations. Its democratization and reformation are overdue—and must consider Africa.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

Fast Thinking

Sep 21, 2021

FAST THINKING: Biden’s UN reality check

By Atlantic Council

President Biden spoke of "relentless diplomacy” at the UN on Tuesday. But can that relentlessness overcome transatlantic strains, not to mention a still-raging pandemic and climate crisis?

Africa Crisis Management

In the News

Sep 21, 2021

CBDC Tracker cited in Yahoo News on central bank digital currencies in Nigeria and Ghana

By The GeoEconomics Center

Read the full article here. Explore the CBDC tracker here.

Africa Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Sep 17, 2021

Biden finally gets bold on Ethiopia. But will it bring peace?

By Cameron Hudson

The Biden team has launched its final and most elaborate warning shot before cracking down with sanctions against human-rights abusers in the Tigray region.

Africa Conflict

Blog Post

Sep 15, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing August 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Afghanistan Belarus

In the News

Sep 13, 2021

CBDC Tracker cited in Quartz Africa about South Africa’s test of a digital currency

By The GeoEconomics Center

Read the full article here. Explore the CBDC tracker here.

Africa Digital Currencies

In the News

Sep 10, 2021

Dr. Pham joins BBC to discuss the coup in Guinea

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Africa

Experts

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