As a reflection of the previous year, the Wilson Center Africa Program continued its annual tradition of asking policymakers, practitioners, scholars, and Africa watchers to write on what they considered the most impactful developments on the African continent, in U.S.-Africa relations, and about Africa’s role in the global arena. 37 authors contributed mini-essays covering various topics in the governance, security, development, and social spheres.
This year marks the seventh edition of the Africa: Year in Review (AYIR) series and encompasses a collection of essays that present brief analyses on many of the continent’s most significant developments in political, economic, and social affairs. Many developments stood out over the year, with our contributors reflecting on topics ranging from the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, recent elections on the continent, and sustainable development efforts.
AYIR has secured itself as the Wilson Center Africa Program’s most widely read publication—receiving over 25,000 views and downloads since its first edition in 2015. We thank all of the authors for their insightful contributions and the Africa Program team to help produce the biggest AYIR to date.
With 2023 officially underway, we ask you to join us in reflecting on the governance, security, and development challenges and opportunities from the previous year raised in these mini-essays in hopes of looking forward to the year ahead.
We hope that you enjoy reading and sharing this edition of Africa: Year in Review! Feel free to tag us on social media using @AfricaUpClose and #AfricaYearInReview.
The statements made and views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views or official positions of the Wilson Center.
Authors
Mark Stamilio
Mziwandile Ndlovu
Deborah Carey
International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce
Awet Halefom Kahsay
Ph.D. Candidate in Peace and Security Studies, Institute for Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Hyginus Banko Okibe
Lecturer, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Department of Political Science
Joseph Siegle
Joseph Asunka
Dalya Berkowitz
Christopher Maloney
Senior Director for Strategy and Business Development, Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) at the UN Foundation
Adesoji Adelaja
John A Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics
Sharon Anyango Odhiambo
Communications and Outreach Officer, African Technology Policy Studies Network, Kenya
Mark Duerksen
Sophia Moestrup
Messay Asgedom Gobena
Ph.D. Candidate in Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University Institute for Peace and Security Studies, Ethiopia
Florence Odiwuor
Lecturer, School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Rongo University, Kenya
Miriam Mukalazi
Taylor Laube-Alvarez
Cheri Ayers
Anthony Carroll
Terence McNamee
Independent
Osei Baffour Frimpong
Lead Regional Researcher and Conflict Analyst, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Ghana
Jennyfer Jimenez
Elem Eyrice Tepeciklioğlu
Shobana Shankar
Professor of History, Stony Brook University-State University of New York
Tharcisse Guedegbe
Justin George Kappiaruparampil
Paterne Auxence Mombe
Graduate Student, Tangaza University
Caleb Gichuhi
Michael Olabisi
Robert Richardson
William Darbyshire
Omegere John Patrick
Vivian Lowery Derryck
Margaret Wamuyu Muthee
Will Ferroggiaro
Jude Cocodia
Stefan Bakumenko
Contributors
Africa Program
The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more
