Khasai Makhulo

Research Assistant, Africa Program
Khasai Makhulo

Khasai Makhulo is a research assistant with the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She graduated from Middlebury College with a BA in global gender and sexuality studies and African studies. Her research interests include the intersections of gender and power, youth movements, and trends shaping Africa’s sociopolitical and economic trajectory.

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The Weight of History and Alliances in South Africa’s Geopolitical Turbulence

South Africa’s foreign policy blends liberation-era ties, post-apartheid grievances, and strategic goals. Amid rising U.S. tensions, Pretoria champions multipolarity, sovereignty, and historical justice to shape its global alliances.

Brief by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Cameron Hudson, Khasai Makhulo, and Catherine Nzuki — December 2, 2025

Audio Briefs

False Choices: Balancing Democracy and Development in U.S. Africa Policy

An audio version of “⁠False Choices: Balancing Democracy and Development in U.S. Africa Policy⁠,” a new Commentary by CSIS’s Oge Onubogu and Khasai Makhulo. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Oge Onubogu and Khasai Makhulo — October 21, 2025

Audio Briefs

False Choices: Balancing Democracy and Development in U.S. Africa Policy

The shift in U.S. foreign policy to prioritize commercial diplomacy over democracy support presents a false dichotomy. As African partners adjust to the U.S. retreat as an advocate for democracy, this approach risks long-term consequences for U.S.-Africa relations.

Commentary by Oge Onubogu and Khasai Makhulo — October 21, 2025

Into Africa

What is sustaining Kenya’s “Gen-Z” protests?

Chemutai Ruto joins Khasai Makhulo to discuss the ongoing political movements in Kenya, exploring the pivotal role of women in current movements, how joy fuels resistance, and the ways social media is powering the longevity of the protest.  

Podcast Episode by Khasai Makhulo and Catherine Nzuki — August 14, 2025

Photo: CSIS

Africa’s Complicated Democratic Landscape

Africa’s upcoming year of elections signals both great promise and potential peril. Despite its growing population’s increasing demands for responsive governance, economic opportunity, and equitable treatment, many of their aspirations remain unmet.

Report by Cameron Hudson, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Khasai Makhulo, and Darrel Loyd — June 17, 2025

Power and Parity: Women in African Political Positions

In about 30 years since 1995, the representation of women in parliament has increased from 9.8 percent to 27.1 percent. These gains have come with friction, but to deepen and sustain the advancement of women in political positions, it is important to expand access and opportunity.

Blog Post by Khasai Makhulo — May 28, 2025

Audio Briefs

What Does the Expulsion of Pretoria’s Ambassador Mean for U.S.–South Africa Relations?

An audio version of “What Does the Expulsion of Pretoria’s Ambassador Mean for U.S.–South Africa Relations?,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Cameron Hudson, Khasai Makhulo, and Catherine Nzuki. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Cameron Hudson, Khasai Makhulo, and Catherine Nzuki — March 20, 2025

Audio Briefs
Audio Briefs

Taking Charge: Gen Z Leads Historic Protests in Kenya

An audio version of “Taking Charge: Gen Z Leads Historic Protests in Kenya,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Khasai Makhulo. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Khasai Makhulo — June 27, 2024

Audio Briefs