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

On China, Minerals, and Power Competition
Commentary by Christian Géraud Neema Byamungu — December 12, 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
All content by Africa Program
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2022 Washington Humanitarian Forum: Closing the Gap
Event by Jacob Kurtzer , Kimberly Flowers , Katherine E. Bliss , Jon B. Alterman , Marti Flacks , Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , Beza Tesfaye , Natasha Hall , and Hadeil Ali — November 9, 2022

A Conversation with DR Congo’s Minister of Finance
Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — October 27, 2022


Overcoming Barriers to Humanitarian Access in Northern Ethiopia
Event by Jacob Kurtzer and Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — September 29, 2022

H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia
Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — September 29, 2022

Strengthening Somalia’s Security: A Conversation with H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
Event by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud — September 16, 2022

Survey: Why Turkey Is So Popular in the DRC, And More
Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — September 15, 2022

Enhancing Humanitarian Aid and Security in Northern Mozambique
Commentary by Sierra Ballard and Emilia Columbo — September 8, 2022

Building A Political Career in Kenya
Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — September 1, 2022

Unpacking the New U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa
Event by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , Cameron Hudson , Joseph Sany , Zainab Usman , and L. Muthoni Wanyeki — August 24, 2022
