Africa Program

Conducting sustained, timely research and analysis on the major elements of U.S. policy toward Africa

4 Focus Areas 

 

Security and Governance. Africa’s security and governance landscape is constantly in flux, from military coups to civil war to violent non-state actors. The CSIS Africa Program anticipates how these factors underpin leadership transitions, public protests, and insurgencies, with implications for sub-Saharan African and international stakeholders. In particular, the program provides analysis on security trends including defense forces, reform programs, and bi- and multilateral cooperation. It also contextualizes constitutional and military coups against the backdrop of closing political and civic spaces across the region.

Climate Change and Conflict. Researchers have extensively studied climate change and its impact on the environment. With regard to Africa, however, more research is needed on the relationship between climate change, conflict, and security. How do droughts, flooding, desertification, and rising sea levels impact tensions between communities, e.g., herdsmen versus farmers in Nigeria, and water disputes between countries in the Horn of Africa? In Ethiopia, for example, the National Defense Forces launched their offensive on Tigray just as farmers were preparing for the teff planting season—disrupting the farming cycle and exacerbating food insecurity across the region. The CSIS Africa Program will deepen existing research by examining this fragile nexus.

Youth. Nearly 50 percent of Africa’s population is under the age of 18. In the long run, this youth bulge represents unlimited potential for economic and human development and leadership. In the short run, however, the demographic pressures exacerbate governance challenges and overwhelm public services. Consequently, Africa is experiencing a rise in public discontent, political contestation, and repression. Strong youth movements, such as Y’en a Marre (Senegal), Balai Citoyen (Burkina Faso), and LUCHA (DRC) have been at the forefront of the struggle for democratic change and better service delivery. The CSIS Africa Program is committed to analyzing youths’ role in African societies—from democratization to economic development to security— and investigating pathways for youths to gain greater access to policymaking.

The Strength of the Judiciary. In recent years, African judicial institutions have begun to counterbalance executive powers through processes like judicial reviews—spurring tension across the continent. Cases vary widely, from Malawi (where the Constitutional Court annulled results of the presidential election and ordered a run-off) to Benin (where long-independent courts are now facing challenges from the president). The CSIS Africa Program researches these trends, noting their impact on the rule of law and governance, and recommending potential solutions.
 

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Into Africa

Into Africa

Fearless music activists. Savvy tech entrepreneurs. Social disrupters. Into Africa shatters the narratives that dominate U.S. perceptions of Africa. Host Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Africa program director and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C., sits down with policymakers, journalists, academics and other trailblazers in African affairs to shine a spotlight on the faces spearheading cultural, political, and economic change on the continent.

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Preserving The Gambia’s FGM Law Is Only the Start

The Gambia’s recent affirmation of its law against female genital mutilation is only the first step in ensuring that the rights of women and girls are protected. It is imperative that efforts are redirected towards sensitization and comprehensive implementation of the law.

Commentary by Awa Gai and Fadima Tall — August 21, 2024

In Africa, NATO Is the Past

In the future, NATO will seek to expand its southern flank to Africa to counter the growing influence of China and Russia. African populations will oppose such an expansion. It behooves NATO strategists to think carefully as they chart their engagement with Africa.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — July 12, 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

Taking Charge: Gen Z Leads Historic Protests in Kenya

A month after President Ruto’s historic relations-building state visit to the United States, peaceful youth-led protests in Kenya over a contentious tax bill have turned deadly, challenging Ruto’s presidency and the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions.

Critical Questions by Khasai Makhulo — June 27, 2024

NATO and Its South: Redefining the Terms

NATO has a rocky history in its engagement with its southern neighborhoods. A new report by experts explores how to chart a new course ahead of the Washington summit in July. We unpack its findings and assess the relevance of its recommendations.

Critical Questions by Mathieu Droin, Carlota G. Encina, Cameron Hudson, and Selin Uysal — May 17, 2024

Keeping the Embers Alive: Biden Reignites U.S.-Africa Relations with Kenyan State Visit

President Ruto's state visit symbolizes a partial fulfillment of a series of long-awaited commitments on U.S.-Africa relations from President Biden. Kenya and the United States will use this time to advance shared interests in trade, security, and global geopolitics.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Cameron Hudson, Khasai Makhulo, and Catherine Nzuki — May 10, 2024