Africa

Mauritania election primer

By Luke Tyburski

Mauritania’s presidential election on June 22 stands to mark the country’s first democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960. This comes as Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who assumed control in a 2008 coup d’état, has agreed to step down, abiding by term limits. Aziz’s ruling Union for the Republic (UPR) party maintains […]

Expert panel discusses the state of democracy in Africa

By Africa Center

Brenthurst Foundation Director Dr. Greg Mills said out various challenges to African democracy and argued that the continent’s rapid demographic growth “demands an end to business as usual.”

Expert Panel Discusses the State of Democracy in Africa

By Atlantic Council

On Tuesday, June 18, the Africa Center hosted a public event on the state of democracy in Africa, occasioned by the launch of the new book Democracy Works: Rewiring Politics to Africa’s Advantage, co-authored and presented by Brenthurst Foundation Director Dr. Greg Mills and former Zimbabwean Minister of Finance Mr. Tendai Biti. The panelists offered […]

Putin muscles into Africa

By Frederick Kempe

What the CAR story provides is yet further evidence that America’s autocratic rivals, both Russia and China, are acting with greater operational creativity and strategic purpose than their counterparts – in this case France and the United States.

Experts debate the future of global warfare

By Africa Center

On Thursday, June 6, the Africa Center hosted a public discussion on the future of warfare, occasioned by the launch of Senior Fellow Dr. Sean McFate’s latest book The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder. Africa Center Director of Programs and Studies and Deputy Director Ms. Bronwyn Bruton welcomed guests […]

Ethiopian opposition leader outlines roadmap to political reform

By Africa Center

Dr. Berhanu claimed many Ethiopians remain optimistic that a real transition to democracy is possible, but also cautioned against the impatience of the youth population for sweeping immediate change, characterizing the popular intent as “revolution” rather than “reform.”

Ethiopian opposition leader outlines roadmap to political reform

By Atlantic Council

On Tuesday, June 4, the Africa Center hosted a private roundtable with Ethiopian opposition party leader Dr. Berhanu Nega. Dr. Nega provided insight into the challenges involved in staging credible elections by May 2020, explaining the difficulties of resolving ethnic-based conflicts and tribal alliances without constitutional reform. He also emphasized the need to move away from […]

Giving Credit Where It’s Due: Access to Capital for Women in African Markets

On Thursday, May 16, the Africa Center hosted a public discussion on gendered barriers to raising capital in African markets, and the dearth of female leadership atop private equity and venture capital firms with funds on the African continent. Panelists discussed OPIC’s 2X Women’s Initiative, which has mobilized over $1 billion for women-led businesses, and […]