US-Africa Policy in Perspective

Despite being the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent, there exists a perception that Africa receives minimal attention from policymakers in Washington. Yet, for many years, the United States was the primary trade partner and aid provider for many African nations. However, more recently, other actors, notably China, have stepped in and now play an outsized role in several regions. This has brought the African continent into focus as a significant geopolitical crossroads, and amplified its role in the foreign affairs of the United States. Join the NCAFP as we host a panel of distinguished former diplomats as they discuss their experiences and perspectives on U.S. Africa policy, and what the future of the region holds in store.

Featured Panelists:

Herman J. Cohen
President, Cohen and Woods International
Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

Harry K. Thomas, Jr.
Kissinger Senior Fellow, Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, Yale University
Senior Strategic Engagement Leader, U.S. Special Operations Command
Former Ambassador to Zimbabwe, the Philippines, and Bangladesh

Bisa Williams
Co-Founder and Managing Director, Williams Strategy Advisors, LLC
Former Ambassador to Niger and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs