West Africa Publications
Beyond AGOA: An Updated Case for a Trans - Atlantic Trade & Investment Partnership Between Africa & The United States
May 03, 2013In this paper, McDonald, Lande & Matanda argue that, premised on conditions here in the U.S., in Africa and elsewhere, the ‘perfect storm’could be brewing for an effective renewal or enhancement of AGOA before the program expires in 2015. more
Why Economic Partnership Agreements Undermine Africa's Regional Integration
May 03, 2013This paper is specifically about providing suggestions for positions the AU can take vis-a-vis the European Union’s
Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Central is an urgent call for member states to give the AU latitude to ensure that the conclusion of EPAs with the EU is postponed until, at least, the next decade. Simply: If the EU successfully foists EPAs on a critical number of member states through unilateral threats to prematurely withdraw or limit preferential treatment, the negative consequences will be devastating not only to Africa but to many trading partners. more
Climate Change Adaptation and Peacebuilding in Africa: An Adaptation Partnership Workshop Report
Apr 04, 2013A workshop report focused on three areas of intersection that have dominated discussions of climate and security links in developing country contexts. more
How Should America Respond to Economic Opportunities in Africa?
Feb 07, 2013U.S. policy toward Africa has been on autopilot for much of the past four years, following a laundry list of good intentions that established priorities for Africa’s well-being and U.S. security interests. However, a truly sustainable and forward-looking U.S. policy toward Africa should refocus attention on Africa’s opportunity as an economic powerhouse of the future, a strategy that combines
both domestic self-interest and an opportunity to help Africa move forward. more
Africa’s Long Spring
Jan 23, 2013Long before it came to the Arab world, spring swept through sub-Saharan Africa. In 1990, Mozambique drafted its first multiparty, democratic constitution. The next year saw multiparty elections in what had been one-party states in Benin, Gabon, and Zambia, as well as the overthrow of Mali’s dictator and, subsequently, the election of new leaders. Every succeeding year brought new steps forward for democracy—in Ghana, Kenya, and the Republic of the Congo in 1992, and elsewhere on the continent in subsequent years. The world only paid attention when South Africa joined the ranks of democratic nations in 1994. more
Trade and Development in Africa: Congressional Study Trip to Ghana and Liberia
Apr 26, 2012The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Wilson Center) sponsored a congressional study trip to Ghana and Liberia from March 20 to March 26, 2011. It was organized by Wilson Center on the Hill and the Africa Program at the Wilson Center. This trip was funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. more
Empowering Local Peacebuilders: Strategies for Effective Engagement of Local Actors in Peace Operations
Apr 19, 2012This USIP publication features, "Getting the Right People in the Room: The Burundi Leadership Training Program" by Howard Wolpe and Africa Program Director, Steve McDonald. more
Moving Targets: Youth Priorities and the Policy Response in War and Post-War Africa
Apr 16, 2012Unprecedented numbers of young people in weak and war-torn African nations, in short, tend to be characterized by the gap between what most youth need and what governments and international donors think they need, not to mention what they actually get. more
Securing Development and Peace in the Niger Delta: A Social and Conflict Analysis for Change
Jan 26, 2012Few regions in the world have been as unfortunate as Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. The delta’s abundant natural wealth stands in stark contrast to its palpable underdevelopment. The oil sector accounts for approximately 95 percent of Nigeria’s export earnings and over 80 percent of federal government revenue, but for nearly two decades the delta has been mired in conflict and violence that threatens human security and the national economy. more
Women, Muslim Laws and Human Rights in Nigeria: A Keynote Address
Jul 19, 2011What is the meaning of Shari’a law? How can we understand its implementation in different contexts, given the diversity in the practice of Islam in Africa and around the globe? What are the elements of Shari’a that are particularly relevant to the position of women and gender relations in the African nation(s) under consideration? more
