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.
Contact Information
- Catherine Nzuki
- Associate Fellow, Africa Program
- 202.775.3156
- CNzuki@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Latest Publications

Photo: PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images
U.S.-ROK Ties: Enhancing Collaboration on Maritime Security in Africa
Close coordination between African States, the United States, and South Korea on maritime security issues has the potential to alleviate the major maritime security threats facing Africa today.
Report by Emilia Columbo — January 3, 2023

U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit: What's On The Agenda?
Transcript by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele and Cameron Hudson — December 13, 2022

It’s Time for a U.S.-Africa Cities Summit
Commentary by Jon Temin — December 12, 2022

Raising the Profile of AfCFTA at the Africa Leaders Summit
Commentary by Laird Treiber — December 12, 2022

On China, Minerals, and Power Competition
Commentary by Christian Géraud Neema Byamungu — December 12, 2022
All content by Africa Program
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What to Watch For In The Upcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit
Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — December 8, 2022

African Fintech Is Booming despite Challenges
Commentary by Rafiq Raji — December 8, 2022

Southern Africa: Economic Opportunities, Extremism, and Political Turbulence
Commentary by Ryan Cummings — December 8, 2022

U.S. Priorities in Eastern Africa
Commentary by William Mark Bellamy — December 8, 2022

Leveraging the Africa Leaders Summit to Engage Mozambique on Security
Commentary by Emilia Columbo — December 7, 2022

The Need for a Cooperation Framework between Non-state Armed Groups and Humanitarians
Commentary by Hilary Matfess — December 7, 2022

2022 African Leaders Summit: Failing to Move Beyond Lofty Rhetoric?
Commentary by Maria E. Burnett and Nicholas Opiyo — December 6, 2022

Minding the Gap at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele and Cameron Hudson — December 6, 2022

Life in Mali Today: Unpacking Internal and External Actors
Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — November 24, 2022

AFRICOM and the Triple Nexus
Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — November 11, 2022
