Into Africa

The last 70 years of U.S.-Africa policy is underscored by a bipartisan legacy of continuity. How can it evolve to meet new challenges and realities? Ambassador Hank Cohen (Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs), Dr. Elizabeth Schmidt (Loyola University Maryland), and Dr. Adebayo Oyebade (Tennessee State University) join Judd Devermont for a lively discussion on the past, present,...

France has complicated and often contentious relations with Francophone Africa. What is Françafrique and how has it evolved in recent years? Judd Devermont is joined by Rahmane Idrissa (African Studies Center in Leiden), Ambassador Jeff Hawkins (Former U.S. Ambassador to CAR), and Marielle Harris (CSIS) to discuss Françafrique's prominence in the region, Mali's worsening political crisis, and the...

Since the start of the Trump Administration, the United States has identified strategic competition with China and Russia as a core objective in sub-Saharan Africa. Is great power competition the most constructive framework for formulating and implementing U.S. policies in sub-Saharan Africa? In this virtual CSIS debate event, Judd Devermont is joined by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Africa Economic Develop...

Critical sources of funding and supplies are flowing into the region to help the African governments battle the Covid-19 pandemic. But legacies of corruption are compromising the response efforts at a time when countries are at their most economically vulnerable. How can policymakers prevent and expose corruption, as well as implement systemic reform? Patrick Smith (Africa Report), Onyi Ough (Step...

How do we separate fact from fiction? What is the best way to tackle misinformation about the virus? In our seventh episode with African Arguments, Ambassador Dawn Liberi (Former U.S. Ambassador to Burundi), Lee Mwiti (Africa Check), and Antonio Zappulla (Thomson Reuters Foundation) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the rapid spread of misinformation in Africa and the dangerous implications of g...

Africa is undergoing a digital transformation, helping the region to weather some the pandemic's negative consequences. What opportunities exist to accelerate Africa's adoption of digital and mobile technologies? Host Judd Devermont is joined by Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid (African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy), Ilana Cohen (GSMA), and Greg Cohen (Asoko Insight) to discuss the Covid-19...

How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect the future of business, trade, and investment in sub-Saharan Africa? How important will technology and automation be for economic development in the region? Guests Laird Treiber (State Department), Chukwuka Onyekwena (Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa), and Vijaya Ramachandran (Center for Global Development) join host Judd Devermont to discuss th...

How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect African governments’ ability to respond to violent extremism in the region? Will groups exploit the health, economic, and political crisis brought on by the pandemic? In this security-focused episode, host Judd Devermont is joined by Bulama Bukarti (Tony Blair Institute), Emilia Columbo (CSIS), and Will Brown (The Telegraph, CSIS) to discuss the violence in no...

Experts project that the next few years will be pivotal for Africa's growth and influence. What policies should African governments and their partners focus on to positively shift the region’s trajectory? Jonathan Rosenthal (The Economist), Erin Sikorsky (National Intelligence Council), and Jakkie Cilliers (Institute for Security Studies) join Judd Devermont to discuss forecasting and the continen...

Can humor be leveraged to spark political change? Bruce Wharton (former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe), James Wan (African Arguments), and Nkechi Nwabudike (The Other News) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the role of satire in African media, politics, and diplomacy. Guests also discuss the government of Zimbabwe’s comments on Covid-19 and the challenge of holding free and fair elections during t...

Rising temperatures across the globe will have profound consequences for Africa’s oceans and the people that are dependent on them for their livelihoods. How can countries work together in order to mitigate the effects of climate change? Max Bearak (Washington Post), Nina Forgwe (British High Commission in Cameroon) and Whit Saumweber (CSIS) join host Judd Devermont to discuss local and internatio...

African militaries are working with the U.S., China, Russia, and others in order to address their security concerns. In an increasingly crowded space, are Africans looking for a partner of choice or a choice of partners? Host Judd Devermont sits down with Katie Bo Williams (Defense One), Ryan Cummings (Signal Risk) and Jonah Victor (Author) to discuss African views on U.S. and foreign security ass...

What is the role of the courts in ensuring that elections are free and fair? Are African courts becoming more independent? In our fifth episode with African Arguments, Jimmy Kainja (academic), Marti Flacks (former NSC Director for Africa), and Carl LeVan (American University), join Judd Devermont to explore recent developments in how elections are conducted. Guests also discuss the nullification o...

Africa plays a major role in world affairs and will gain in prominence in the coming decades. How should the U.S. support African studies programs to develop the next generation of Africa experts? This special episode was recorded live at The Elliott School of International Affairs. Judd Devermont is joined by Ambassador Reuben Brigety II (The Elliot School); Jennifer Cooke (The Elliot School’s In...

How have African legislatures evolved and how do they shape political competition across the continent? Ken Opalo (Georgetown University), Janette Yarwood (U.S. House of Representatives), and Tyler Beckelman (U.S. Institute of Peace) sat down with Judd Devermont to explore new approaches to strengthening legislative institutions. Guests also weigh in on the agenda behind Kenya’s Building Bridges I...

Most migrants stay in Africa, settling in a neighboring country rather than traveling to Europe. How is this shaping demographic and urbanization trends in Africa? Host Judd Devermont is joined by Abdi Nor Iftin (Author), Erol Yayboke (CSIS), and Beza Tesfaye (Mercy Corps) to discuss Abdi’s book ‘Call Me American: A Memoir.’ Also on this episode; guests discuss South Sudan’s fragile peace deal and...

Local LGBT rights advocacy groups continue to form across the African continent. How can international advocates and policymakers support sexual minorities without making them more vulnerable to attacks? Robbie Corey-Boulet (AFP), Neela Ghoshal (Human Rights Watch), and Yoseph Badwaza (Freedom House) join host Judd Devermont to discuss Robbie’s new book, Love Falls on Us. Guests also assess Ethiop...

African prints are wrapped up in complicated issues around gender, tradition, and commerce. How do these dynamics affect their starring role in the creative economy? In our fourth episode with African Arguments, host Judd Devermont is joined by Aubrey Hruby (Atlantic Council); Topaz Mukulu (CSIS); and Idza Luhumyo (writer) to discuss the history and future of the East African leso. Guests also dis...

In this special anniversary episode, Ugandan musician and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (aka. Bobi Wine), joins host Judd Devermont, Lauren Blanchard (Congressional Research Service) and Damola Durosomo (OkayAfrica) in studio to discuss the challenges he faces in the lead up to Uganda’s 2021 presidential elections. Plus, guests delve into Somalia’s domestic politics and examine why Nigeria’s...

Season 2 of Into Africa starts next week. Host Judd Devermont unveils some of the exciting new features in store for the next season. As our audience grows, so do our ideas and this will be reflected in the new topics, high-profile guests, and dynamic formats we plan to showcase. What to expect: Special interviews with prominent African leaders, live streamed in-studio shows, off-site live recordi...

With the conclusion of the first-ever Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, how should the U.S. respond to Russia’s return to Africa? What are Putin’s goals for the region? Host Judd Devermont talks Russian engagement with Simon Allison (Mail & Guardian), Andrea Kendall-Taylor (Center for a New American Security) and Karen Monaghan (retired CIA officer). Guests also discuss the latest on CAR’s conflict a...

What role does digital identity play in unlocking Africa’s economic potential? Host Judd Devermont sits down with Magdi Amin (Omidyar Network), Cameron Hudson (Atlantic Council) and Victoria Crandall (Young African Entrepreneur podcast) to discuss the significance of digital ID, Sudan’s battle to implement reforms and revive its economy, and Benin’s current state of affairs.

How does language shape diplomatic engagement on a continent that houses such linguistic variety? In our third episode with African Arguments, host Judd Devermont explores this question with Nanjala Nyabola (Author), Catherine Kelly (African Center for Strategic Studies), and Michele Wagner (U.S. State Department). Guests also review the Somalia-Kenya maritime border dispute and Senegalese Preside...

African creatives are using their talents to represent the region and reshape African narratives. Host Judd Devermont chats with innovators Fati Abubaker, (Independent photojournalist) and Mike Achode (Crudo Volta), as well as academic Lindsey Green-Simms (American University) about perceptions of the continent and opportunities to impact U.S. policy. Plus, guests examine the rise of xenophobic vi...

Why are some political parties able to hold onto power for decades? Do they still connect with their constituents or is the playing field uneven? Host Judd Devermont, Anne Pitcher (University of Michigan), Liberata Mulamula (George Washington University) and Emily Renard (Open Society Foundations) tackle these questions and open the conversation with spotlights on Angola and Congo-Brazzaville. (No...