Africa Insights: Dialogue, Analysis, and Research on Current African Policy Issues

Africa is at the forefront of global trends. The size and dynamism of the region makes it crucial for the Harvard Kennedy School to foster diverse conversations, learning, and policy analysis focused on the continent. In its inaugural year, the Africa Futures Project (AFP) – an initiative of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs –significantly increased learning opportunities focused on Africa, convened lively debates about problems and policy solutions, generated new research, and began building a network of students, faculty, and fellows committed to better understanding and serving the fastest growing region in the world.

The Project is grounded in a commitment to engaging with stakeholders at all levels and centering the perspectives of African policymakers, scholars, and leaders. AFP prioritizes research and dialogue across three primary areas shaping Africa’s future at the national, regional, and global levels: Politics and Security; Climate and the Energy Transition; and Geopolitical Competition and Cooperation.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, AFP launched a new study group to complement our popular elective course on Africa in Global Politics. We fostered dialogue between faculty, students, scholars, and visiting policymakers—including candid, off-the-record conversations with high-level visitors, such as former US national security officials and delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana. AFP also hosted the Kennedy School’s first annual “AfriConnect” networking event, which brought together graduate students from across the University with a shared interest in African policy solutions. It featured a research and impact showcase with presentations on topics ranging from sustainable development and healthcare, to emerging technology and climate finance.

Key to AFP’s success have been its partnerships and people. Our stellar research team helped launch this vision: thanks to Grace Jones, Nils Olsen, and Enitan Okediji; and Senior Program Coordinator for the Arctic Initiative, Tessa Varvares. Several of our stand-out events and guest speakers were only possible through the strong collaboration we have with colleagues at Harvard’s Center for International Development and the student-led HKS Africa Caucus: special thanks to Co-Chairs Mimi Nzuzi, Edmond Kombat, and Tano Aka.

This first edition publication serves as a flagship product highlights just some of the original and innovative analysis being undertaken by HKS faculty and students. We hope by sharing it with the world, we can strengthen dialogue and discussion of African futures and contribute to the impressive array of knowledge and innovation emerging from African countries.

Welcome to the Africa Futures Project community; we look forward to the next chapter!