South & Central Africa

China and Sub-Saharan Africa trade: A case of growing interdependence

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

China’s total merchandise trade with Sub-Saharan Africa has increased by 1864% since 2001. Its increased presence in the region not only increases its access and influence, but also poses significant economic and security risks for the US and EU.

Prof. Séverine Autesserre says that it’s time for the peacekeeping community to ‘walk the walk’ when it comes to localized peacebuilding

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, June 29, the Africa Center convened a private event with award-winning author Professor Séverine Autesserre for a discussion on localized peacebuilding and her new book, The Frontlines of Peace.

No longer neglected: DAS Cook forecasts more robust engagement with Africa under the Biden administration

By Africa Center

Speaking at an Atlantic Council event as part of the Africa Center’s African Conversations Series hosted by Africa Center Director Amb. Rama Yade, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Ms. Akunna Cook promised a turnaround in US-Africa relations under the Biden administration, avoiding the “neglect” shown in recent years and in contrast embracing African nations as partners across critical global challenges.

Zimbabwe: Engaging stakeholders on economic growth and lingering challenges

By Africa Center

On Thursday, May 13, the Africa Center hosted a Zimbabwe roundtable, featuring perspectives from government and the private sector on economic growth and lingering challenges. Panelists featured Zimbabwean Minister of Finance and Economic Development H.E. Prof. Mthuli Ncube, alongside representatives from GE, John Deere, and Old Mutual Zimbabwe.

Africa’s real strategic import for the green economy

By J. Peter Pham

Among its efforts to address climate change, the Biden administration has laid out an ambitious agenda for a clean energy revolution. This will require significant quantities of raw materials. And here the African continent has an important role to play.

#DFRLabCoffeeBreak with Investigative Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono

Investigative journalist Hopewell Chin'ono sat down with the DFRLab to discuss media freedom in Zimbabwe.

States on the cusp: Overcoming illicit trade’s corrosive effects in developing economies

By Mark Shaw, Tuesday Reitano, Simone Haysom, Peter Tinti

The report “States on the cusp” explores the complex ways in which the illicit trade in otherwise licit goods (including alcohol, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, cigarettes, electronics, and much more) threatens the stability, security, and prosperity of vulnerable states around the world, especially in the Global South. This groundbreaking study at the nexus of illicit trade, organized crime, and official corruption proposes actionable solutions for combating illicit trade and bringing states back from the cusp of functionality.

Roundtable on foreign interference in the Central African Republic

By Africa Center

On Thursday, October 22, the Africa Center hosted, in partnership with The Sentry, a virtual private roundtable with Ms. Nathalia Dukhan, Senior Investigator for The Sentry and an expert on the Central African Republic (CAR), and Mr. David Brownstein, a career Foreign Service Officer who served as the Chargé d’Affaires at US Embassy Bangui in CAR from 2017 to 2019.

Central African Republic: Ground zero for Russian influence in Central Africa

By Nathalia Dukhan

The Kremlin has rapidly exploited the recent absence of Western involvement in the Central African Republic. Russian propaganda arms and security forces are propping up the country's embattled leader in exchange for decisive influence in the region.