Africa Seminar

Program Description

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Africa is undergoing major transformations. Endowed with large natural wealth and possessing a young and still growing population, the continent continues to be torn between the weight of corruption and mismanagement and the needs and energies of the youngest populations in the world.

Inflationary pressures, food insecurity, weak health systems and only modest welfare cushions have strained most African states. Add to these woes are a surging jihadist movement in both East and West Africa, regional conflicts, and growing tensions over water security and resource scarcity. Even amid these challenges, there are rays of hope, including a burgeoning tech scene in several key capitals, and better macro management of finance in several key countries.

Given Africa’s growing geopolitical and geo-economic role, key global powers, including the United States, China, the European Union, India, and Russia, may play an increasing role in shaping the destiny of the continent. We can expect more – not less – great power competition across the African continent over the next decade. At the same time, French and American influence is being challenged by local rulers.

Drawing upon the knowledge and experience of a diverse group of prominent experts, this workshop will explore the social, political, and economic developments on the African continent. 

Suggested Seminar Topics

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• What’s at Stake in Africa for America in the Age of Geo-economic Competition
• Africa’s Continental Free Trade Agreement and Economic Transformation
• The War in Ethiopia and Its Impact on U.S. National Security
• Africa’s Ongoing Economic and Political Challenges
• Africa: Legacies of the Past, Present Performance, and Aspirations for the Future
• The Jihadi Terror Threats in Africa
• China, Russia, India, and the Race for Influence in Africa
• Central Africa Challenges: Human Security and Migration
• Where Does Africa Fit in the Global Climate Policy Agenda
• South Africa: The Rainbow Nation or a Failed State?
• Political Crisis and Economic Prospects in the Horn of Africa
• Middle East Actors and the New Great Game Across the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa
• Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, and South Africa: Four Pivots of Strategic Change in 2022
• Advancing U.S. Strategic Interests in a Turbulent North Africa
• Africa at the Crossroads: Political Choice and Economic Growth
• Africa 2022: Violent Extremism, Global Powers Competition, and Youth Bulge
• Non-State Actors and the Rule of Law in Africa 2022
• The Economic Consequences of the Pandemic

The above topics may change to address current events and interests of the participants at the time of the seminar.
 

Moderator

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The Program Moderator will have extensive experience conducting senior-level foreign policy seminars for the Intel Community. The Moderator will have first-hand knowledge and a detailed, up-to-date understanding of the region being studied in each seminar. In addition to the daily morning introduction and afternoon wrap-up, the Moderator will generally make a separate presentation and be available to provide additional presentations as needed. The Moderator will facilitate, when necessary, dialogue between the speakers and participants as well as lead the group discussions and Q&A sessions.

 

Fee

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The fee for each three-day Foreign Policy Seminar is $2,475 per person. The program will feature approximately 12-15 separate presentations. Also included are daily continental breakfasts and working luncheons. The seminar will be held in a private meeting room. An on-site staff person will assist participants as needed and coordinate daily activities.

 

Registration

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The target audience for these seminars are civilians (GS-15 and above) and military (O-6 and above). Others who have a special interest in the subject, need-to-know, or are in key positions may apply. Seminar space is limited to assure participants have ample time for open discussion with presenters. Upon registration, attendees will receive confirmation via email within five days. Cancellations will be accepted in writing up to two weeks prior to each program. After that time, substitutions will be accepted. The Agency will be billed if registration is cancelled after the deadline.

If you have any questions or need further information, please call the office at 703-684-8807.

 

Additional Information

Reporting information will be sent to all participants approximately two weeks prior to the start of the program.

These programs are informal and strictly “off-the-record.” No video, PowerPoint or audio-visual aids are utilized in the presentations.