West Africa

The CSIS Africa Program delivers incisive analysis on key developments in Nigeria, as well as the broader trends shaping the region through reports, private events, and the Into Africa podcast

West Africa is a region marked by considerable opportunity and recurrent challenges. Anchored by Nigeria, West Africa is a source of cultural innovation and an attractive destination for trade and investment. At the same time, the region has witnessed considerable democratic backsliding in several countries; conflict rages in northeast and northwest Nigeria, and piracy and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is increasing in the Gulf of Guinea.

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Nigeria's Evolving Outlook: New Politics, Old Outcomes

The complex dynamics of politics, security, economics, and governance heavily influence one of Africa’s largest oil producers, Nigeria. Rich in crude oil reserves and natural gas deposits, President Tinubu’s early actions suggest more of a business-as-usual approach to overcoming Nigeria’s development challenges.

Report by Cameron Hudson — May 17, 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

Sizing Up: Growing Fast Food Consumption in Urban Africa

What is the relationship between urbanization, fast food, and food security in Africa? CSIS's Mvemba Dizolele and Emmy Simmons talk to sustainable development lecturer James Boafo to discuss how fast food consumption is shaping the future of African cities.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele and Emmy Simmons — May 10, 2022

Spurring Private Investment in Africa

On March 25, 2022, join the CSIS Africa Program for an expert panel on private investment in Africa. Speakers will take stock of the current business climate and explore practical ways to spur more investment.

Event — March 25, 2022

An Urban Test Case: Learning from Cabo Verde

The West African archipelago of Cabo Verde provides a glimpse into Africa’s urban future. Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris outline challenges around coordination, planning, and a weak urban economy, with potential implications for cities across the region.

Commentary by Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris — October 12, 2021

False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel

The U.S. government is faced with tough tradeoffs and limited resources in the Sahel and coastal West Africa. Judd Devermont recommends the prioritization of policies and programming that simultaneously address democratization, violent extremism, and strategic competition.

Brief by Judd Devermont — June 24, 2021

What African Leaders Want at Biden’s Climate Summit

Five African leaders are attending Biden's Leaders Summit on Climate. The CSIS Africa Program previews their climate objectives and outlines their political, economic, and regional priorities.

Commentary by William Mark Bellamy, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Idayat Hassan, Judd Devermont, and Topaz Mukulu — April 21, 2021

The Perilous State of Freedom and Democracy in Africa

Please join the CSIS Africa Program and Freedom House for an examination of the most recent Freedom in the World findings in Africa and discussion of democracy, governance, and human rights on the continent – and policy options in response.

Event — April 8, 2021

Why the #EndSARSNow Movement Swept Nigeria’s South

#EndSARSNow protests have largely taken place in southern Nigeria. CSIS Senior Associate Hilary Matfess explains why, pointing to the concentration of police abuse against civilians in the country’s south.

Commentary by Hilary Matfess — December 9, 2020