Judd Devermont is an operating partner at Kupanda Capital. He previously served as special assistant to President Biden and senior director for African affairs at the National Security Council from 2021 to 2024. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating U.S. policy toward the region. Mr. Devermont authored the U.S. Strategy toward Sub-Saharan Africa; helped stage the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022; launched major new initiatives; and directed billions of dollars toward infrastructure, digital connectivity, and clean energy projects. Mr. Devermont was the director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies from 2018 to 2021. He also hosted Into Africa, a podcast on African politics and policy, and cohosted 49, a limited podcast series on U.S. strategy toward Africa. A former career intelligence officer, Mr. Devermont was the National Intelligence Council’s National Intelligence Officer for Africa from 2015 to 2018. He also served as the Central Intelligence Agency’s senior political analyst and spent over a decade analyzing key developments across the continent. Additionally, Mr. Devermont worked at the National Security Council from 2011 to 2013, contributing to President Obama’s Strategy toward Sub-Saharan Africa and coordinating the U.S. approach to Somalia, Nigeria, and the Sahel, as well as its partnership with the African Union. Mr. Devermont received an MA in African Studies from Yale University and a BA in history from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has lived in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, and has traveled extensively across the continent.

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Two Railroads, One Vision

The United States and China are seemingly backing rival railroads in the quest for critical minerals in southern Africa. CSIS senior adviser Judd Devermont, however, argues the future of these rails is connection, not competition.

Commentary by Judd Devermont — October 10, 2024

Africa Needs More American Involvement—Not Less

Global disorder is tipping parts of sub-Saharan Africa into crisis and conflict. Judd Devermont explains how Washington has helped in past periods of turmoil—and what it can do now.

Commentary by Judd Devermont — July 3, 2024

Philanthropy & the Humanitarian Crisis in Northeast Nigeria

Nigeria’s philanthropists respond inconsistently to national crises. By examining the private sector’s robust Covid-19 pandemic intervention, this piece provides recommendations for a stronger multisectoral response to the humanitarian disaster in northeast Nigeria.

Report by Judd Devermont — November 18, 2022

49

Chad with Jérôme Tubiana

Judd and Nicole are joined by Jérôme Tubiana to discuss U.S.-Chad relations.

Podcast Episode by Judd Devermont — March 18, 2022

CSIS Africa Podcast
49

Gabon with Ambassador Cynthia Akuetteh

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Cynthia Akuetteh to discuss U.S.-Gabon relations, including why the Biden administration should support Gabon on its climate goals and anti-logging efforts, as well as engage the government and civil society groups to ensure a peaceful election in 2023.

Podcast Episode by Judd Devermont — March 18, 2022

CSIS Africa Podcast
49

Kenya with Ken Opalo

Ken Opalo (Georgetown University) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss what the Biden administration strategy should be toward Kenya, recommending “trade, trade, and more trade.”

Podcast Episode by Judd Devermont — March 18, 2022

CSIS Africa Podcast