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Curated by Project Syndicate

The African Century

248 commentaries

Africa’s economic rise is a world-changing development, but the sources of its emerging strength – and lingering weaknesses – are little understood. With support from the Mastercard Foundation, The African Century provides a unique platform for debate about the vital issues shaping African societies.

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  1. The Key to Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential
    signe10_ISSOUF SANOGOAFP via Getty Images_africatextilemanufacturing Issouf Sanogo/AFP via Getty Images

    The Key to Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential

    Sep 23, 2022 Landry Signé explains why fostering trade integration and regional value chains is essential for the continent to prosper.

  2. Investing in Africa’s Health
    kaberuka10_Louise GubbCorbis via Getty Images_malaria prevention Louise Gubb/Corbis via Getty Images

    Investing in Africa’s Health

    Sep 13, 2022 Donald P. Kaberuka shows how the continent’s governments can address the damage caused by COVID-19 and boost economic recovery.

  3. A Fork in the Road for Development Financing
    dcohen7_erhui1979Getty Images_forkroad erhui1979/Getty Images

    A Fork in the Road for Development Financing

    Aug 19, 2022 Daniel Cohen & Ishac Diwan see two options for addressing debt distress in developing countries now that financial conditions have soured.

  4. Envisaging an African Green Economy
    odinga1_SIMON MAINAAFP via Getty Images_kenyasolar Simon Maina/AFP via Getty Images

    Envisaging an African Green Economy

    Aug 10, 2022 Raila Odinga calls for a new global compact to support investments in green manufacturing and supply chains.

  5. The Anatomy of Kenya’s 2022 Election
    gruzd1_Ed RamGetty Images_kenyaelection Ed Ram/Getty Images

    The Anatomy of Kenya’s 2022 Election

    Aug 8, 2022 Steven Gruzd sees reasons to hope that this year’s vote will position the country as a democratic exemplar in East Africa.

  6. Turning Off Congo’s Looting Machine
    prendergast7_tom StoddartEdit by Getty Images_drcmining Tom Stoddart/Edit by Getty Images

    Turning Off Congo’s Looting Machine

    Jul 29, 2022 John Prendergast traces the deep roots of the country’s exploitation and touts long-overdue efforts to ensure accountability.

Our Pick

Featured

  1. signe10_ISSOUF SANOGOAFP via Getty Images_africatextilemanufacturing Issouf Sanogo/AFP via Getty Images
    1

    The Key to Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential

    Landry Signé explains why fostering trade integration and regional value chains is essential for the continent to prosper.
  2. james196_Michael M. SantiagoGetty Images_unitednations Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
    1

    Geopolitical Davids and Goliaths

    Harold James considers lessons from smaller countries about how to wield power and influence in the twenty-first century.
  3. barroso10_MAMYRAELAFP via Getty Images_covax MAMYRAEL/AFP via Getty Images
    0

    Preparing for the Next Global Catastrophe

    José Manuel Barroso explains why global leaders must focus on creating equitable response mechanisms ahead of the next crisis.
  4. bergamaschi2_ ALBERTO PIZZOLIAFP via Getty Images_heatwave italu ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
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    Italy’s Next Government Must Tackle Climate Security

    Luca Bergamaschi shows why the country’s politicians can no longer afford to ignore a major threat to national security.
  5. Tubiana13_Getty Images Getty Images
    3

    Europe and the New Non-Alignment

    Laurence Tubiana

    Despite the massive civilian suffering in Ukraine, many countries have been wary of taking sides, owing both to a perception of European double standards and to Russia’s leverage over energy and commodity prices. But while new geopolitical dynamics have complicated climate advocacy, they certainly haven't derailed it.

     sees both challenges and opportunities for climate policy in an era of geopolitical fragmentation.
  6. cliffe7_ EDUARDO SOTERASAFP via Getty Images_drought eastern africa EDUARDO SOTERAS/AFP via Getty Images
    1

    The Sting of Climate Risk Is in the Tails

    Mark Cliffe thinks conventional models have overemphasized the long term at the expense of more immediate threats.
  7. agar7_Getty Images_ai teacher Getty Images
    3

    Should Humanities Professors Be Automated?

    Nicholas Agar considers the implications of recent successes with AI-generated academic research and writing.
  8. GettyImages-1242343947 SOPA Images / Contributor via Getty Images
    1

    Should Energy Companies’ Windfall Profits Be Taxed?

    Imposing a one-off tax on energy companies’ extraordinary profits might seem like a no-brainer at a time of soaring inflation, but the idea has more than a few detractors. As policymakers in a growing number of economies move ahead, we asked PS commentators whether they are right to do so.

  9. solana145_Nathan PosnerAnadolu Agency via Getty Images_biden Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
    10

    The Global Necessity of American Democracy

    Javier Solana shows why the political health of the United States has become a matter of global concern.

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