Why the U.S. Needs an Africa Strategy, With Michelle Gavin
From The President’s Inbox by Council on Foreign Relations
May 27, 2026 · 35 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the importance of a strategic U.S. approach to Africa in light of its demographic and resource changes.
This episode unpacks how Africa's demographic surge, critical mineral wealth, and expanding security threats are reshaping its relevance to U.S. foreign policy in the twenty-first century. Host: James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR Guest: Michelle Gavin, Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies, CFR We Discuss: Why U.S. policy has historically treated engagement with Africa as an option rather than a strategic priority. How Africa's demographic growth is reshaping its position in the global order. Why maritime chokepoints around Africa are increasingly critical to global commerce. How other powers, including China, Turkey, and the Gulf states, are outpacing the United States in building African partnerships. What Africa's critical mineral resources mean for the green transition and for African domestic politics. How the United States can balance working with political elites while remaining relevant to broader African publics. What the diminished U.S. response to the current Ebola outbreak reveals about American policy choices. Why job creation should be the organizing principle for any coherent U.S. strategy…
People in this episode
Host: James M. Lindsay
Guest: Michelle Gavin
Topics covered
- U.S. foreign policy
- Africa strategy
- demographic growth
- global commerce
- international partnerships
- critical minerals
- Ebola outbreak
Keywords
- Africa
- U.S. policy
- demographics
- mineral resources
- global order
- Ebola
- job creation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Council on Foreign Relations
Books & works: The New African Power Map, The Age of Change: How Urban Youth Are Transforming African Politics
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