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
Africa’s digital infrastructure is the next playing field for great-power competition

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
Africa’s digital infrastructure is the next playing field for great-power competition

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
Africa’s digital infrastructure is the next playing field for great-power competition

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

AfricaSource

Nov 29, 2021

Africa’s digital infrastructure is the next playing field for great-power competition

By Aubrey Hruby

US-China competition will be shaped by efforts to support Africa's digital infrastructure.

Africa Digital Currencies

AC Selects

Nov 28, 2021

AC Selects: Addressing Russia and the impacts of Chinese engagement

Week of November 28, 2021 Experts from the Eurasia Center convene to discuss what the US and Europe can do to deter Putin from another military invasion of Ukraine. The GeoEconomics Center launches its new Economic Statecraft Initiative, highlighting the global shifts in economic statecraft due to the rise of China. Finally, the Africa Center […]

Africa China

AfricaSource

Nov 23, 2021

Economic and commercial diplomacy is crucial to strengthening African business

By Jean-Paul Mvogo

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of Africa's economy. Its leaders need to step up on their behalf.

Africa Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Nov 23, 2021

Sudan’s ‘democratic transition is inevitable,’ says the country’s just-resigned foreign minister

By Katherine Golden

Al-Madhi warned that the political agreement signed Sunday by Hamdok and Sudan’s top general “was more supportive to the coup” than the pro-democracy movement.

Africa Democratic Transitions

In the News

Nov 9, 2021

Charai in the National Interest: Khalifa Haftar can make or break Libya’s Paris Peace Conference

By Ahmed Charai

After years of murder and misery, long-suffering Libyans finally have a ray of hope: the Paris Conference on Libya, scheduled for November 14, 2021. Ahmed Charai “America’s support for the Libyan peace process is strongly signaled by the presence of U.S. vice president Kamala Harris” Charai argues. Read Charai’s latest in the National Interest on […]

Africa Conflict

In the News

Nov 5, 2021

Rosen discussed China’s economic outlook in Foreign Affairs

By Daniel H. Rosen

Read the full article here.

Africa China

In the News

Nov 5, 2021

Lipsky interviewed by BBC about digital currencies and the rollout of the e-Naira

By Josh Lipsky

Listen to the full interview here.

Africa Digital Currencies

Report

Nov 4, 2021

What future for the Western Sahel?

By Richard Cincotta and Stephen Smith

The Western Sahel is in a demographic impasse. To work their way out of this dilemma, Sahelian governments must shift a significant part of their development focus and funding to policies and programs aimed at preventing adolescent marriages and childbearing, promoting girls’ education, securing women’s participation in public- and private-sector workplaces, and achieving small, healthy, well-educated families.

Africa Energy & Environment

Fast Thinking

Nov 3, 2021

FAST THINKING: Ethiopia is on the brink

By Atlantic Council

What moves does Abiy have left? What role is US policy playing? What other dominos may fall in the region? Our experts keep you ahead of the curve on this fast-moving story.

Africa Conflict

New Atlanticist

Oct 29, 2021

Sudan’s coup wasn’t a failure of US diplomacy. It was the dawn of a new era in Africa.

By Cameron Hudson

In a context where Washington’s voice is diluted amid competing powers vying for influence in Africa, Sudan has emerged as the ultimate battleground.

Africa Democratic Transitions
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Alhussain Abdalla

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Arabic

Fellow

Yasmine Abdillahi

Nonresident Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Cybersecurity

Fellow

Nasredeen Abdulbari

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Project for Middle East Integration

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
Load More