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

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2025

The next pope may be African—or not. Either way, Africa is at the forefront of today’s Roman Catholic Church.

By Alexander Tripp

An African pope is not a given in this conclave or the next, but African agency and leadership in the twenty-first-century church is.

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 6, 2025

A blueprint for a trilateral Morocco-Israel-US investment fund

By Aïssa Christophe Agostini

Amid instability in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Sahel, a chance to deliver on the promise of the Abraham Accords.

Israel Middle East

AfricaSource

May 2, 2025

To redefine US-Africa engagement, Washington must recognize the power of the African diaspora

By Kirstie Kwarteng

Embracing the digital identity economy will allow the US to shape a mutually beneficial partnership with African countries.

Africa Migration

In the News

Apr 27, 2025

Ajumobi in Globalization and Health: “Safeguarding global health security amidst a scramble for Africa’s minerals for the clean energy transition”

On April 27, 2025, Africa Center nonresident senior fellow Oluwayemisi Ajumobi published an article in Globalization and Health, “Safeguarding global health security amidst a scramble for Africa’s minerals for the clean energy transition.” “The global transition to renewable energy is increasing the demand for critical minerals mining in Africa. Without appropriate safeguards, expansion of mining […]

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

EnergySource

Apr 23, 2025

Illicit mineral supply chains fuel the DRC’s M23 insurgency 

By Clarkson Kamurai, Brad Handler, and Morgan Bazilian

The illicit trade of mined materials is fueling the M23 insurgency in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), threatening regional stability and hindering development. As the United States considers a minerals-for-security agreement with the DRC, international engagement, ethical sourcing practices, and strengthened oversight are critical to fostering long-term peace in this resource-rich region.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2025

The US must sustain counterterrorism operations in Somalia—the costs of retreat are too high

By Danielle Cosgrove and Doug Livermore

To maintain a foothold in East Africa’s security architecture, the US must prioritize continuity, including keeping the US embassy in Mogadishu open.

Africa Crisis Management

Report

Apr 16, 2025

Navigating the US-PRC tech competition in the Global South

By Cole McFaul, Peter Engelke

A landscape report analyzing China's strategic tech engagements with the Global South and how the US can compete.

Africa Artificial Intelligence

MENASource

Apr 16, 2025

Solving Libya’s economic collapse will require confrontation—not consensus

By Emadeddin Badi

If the status quo continues, the next phase of Libya’s crisis will not be quiet erosion. It will be public revolt.

Africa Economy & Business

AfricaSource

Apr 10, 2025

African leaders must not miss their chance to jumpstart the continent’s business environment this May

By Anthony Manga

As Africa navigates a shifting global landscape, the private sector must help develop strategies that reduce external dependency, enhance regional collaboration, and prioritize sustainable investment.

Africa Economy & Business

MENASource

Apr 9, 2025

Why it’s time to terminate the UN’s dysfunctional mission in Western Sahara

By Sarah Zaaimi

Only way out of fifty-year colonial impasse may be outside the United Nations and its legacy of failure for the Sahraoui people.

International Norms International Organizations

Experts

Events