Presented By: African Studies Center
Africa Conference | Shifting Tides: The U.S.-Africa Relationship Amid Global Competition
Shifting Tides: The U.S.-Africa Relationship Amid Global Competition
Co-organized by Michigan Law School & Weiser Diplomacy Center, Ford School
“Shifting Tides: The U.S.-Africa Relationship Amid Global Competition” is a two-day conference examining how African states, regional institutions, and global powers are navigating rapidly evolving geopolitical, economic, and legal landscapes. Bringing together scholars, policymakers, legal experts, investors, and diplomats, the conference will explore African perspectives on global governance reform, climate and innovation challenges, great power competition, peace and security, and emerging economic growth trajectories—including trade integration, industrial policy, and Africa-to-Africa investment. With a blend of legal and policy perspectives across five thematic panels, the conference seeks to analyze the strategic choices facing African governments, assess implications for U.S. diplomatic and economic engagement, and highlight the African Union’s growing influence in global diplomacy, trade, and law. Through a private expert roundtable and public panel discussions, the conference will foster critical dialogue and produce actionable policy recommendations aimed at strengthening U.S.–Africa engagement in a more multipolar and economically dynamic world.
Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_7vqvXpfabMWFssspB47cq0UNdRcVGnm7TjujLNy43lXLHw/viewform
Panel Information:
10:15–11:45 AM
Panel 1 — African Voices on Global Governance, International Law, and Institutional Reform
Combines African policy and legal perspectives on reforming global governance and the rules-based order. Examines representation and influence within institutions such as the UN, IMF, World Bank, WTO, and ICSID, and how African states and the African Union deploy legal instruments, treaty-making, and voting coalitions to shape global norms. Considers sovereignty, recognition, dispute settlement, development assistance, and non-interference principles in an era of multipolar competition. Highlights African contributions to international law and implications for U.S.–Africa engagement.
Speakers
Dr. Joseph Asunka
Chief Executive Officer, Afrobarometer
Dr. Hajer Gueldich
Legal Counsel of the African Union; Professor of Public Law, University of Carthage
Dr. Ebenezer Obadare
Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
Moderated by Ambassador Susan D. Page
Professor of Practice in International Diplomacy at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and Professor from Practice at the University of Michigan's Law School
1:00–2:30 PM
Panel 2 — Climate, Innovation, and Human Capital: Navigating Africa's Green Transitions
Examines how climate pressures, demographic trends, and resource endowments drive policy innovation and legal change across the continent. Discusses environmental and climate governance, natural resource and critical mineral policy, labor and mobility frameworks for youth, IP considerations in technology transfer, and the political economy of climate finance. Identifies strategic opportunities for U.S.–Africa cooperation on green industrialization, sustainable energy, and human capital development.
Speakers
Boubacar Bocoum
Lead Mining Specialist, World Bank
Dr. Eghosa Ekhator
Associate Professor of International Environmental Law, University of Derby
Olanrewaju Suraju
Chairman, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre
Dr. Yousif Hassan
Assistant Professor at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the School of Information, University of Michigan
Moderated by Dr. Bilal Butt
Professor, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
2:45–4:15 PM
Panel 3 — Migration, Peace and Security in an Age of Uncertainty
Explores shifting security landscapes—from coups in the Sahel to electoral contestation, insurgencies, and maritime insecurity. Integrates policy analysis (peacebuilding, regional security cooperation, counterterrorism assistance, election observation) with relevant legal frameworks (constitutional norms, AU/ECOWAS protocols on unconstitutional changes of government, international humanitarian law, human rights, and sanctions regimes). Assesses implications for U.S.–Africa security cooperation and governance support.
Speakers
Dr. Shakirah Hudani
Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dr. Omotade Akin Aina
Senior Program Director, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York
Murithi Mutiga
Program Director, Africa, International Crisis Group
Moderated by tbc.
9:15–10:45 AM
Panel 4 — Geopolitics and Great Power Competition: Africa's Strategic Positioning
Analyzes how African governments manage external influence and competition among the U.S., China, Russia, the EU, and Gulf States. Consider both policy tools (foreign aid, infrastructure, security partnerships, media engagement) and legal instruments (basing agreements, investment contracts, maritime rules, bilateral treaties). Highlights African agency in strategic non-alignment, the African Union's diplomatic positioning, and how great power competition shapes development outcomes and sovereignty debates.
Speakers
Dr. Benedito Machava
Assistant Professor of History, Yale University
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assil
Senior Research Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Dr. Joseph Siegle
Director of Research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Dr. Mo Ibrahim (Virtual) - tbc
Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Moderated by Dr. Kamissa Camara
Professor of Practice, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan
11:00–12:30 PM
Panel 5 — Africa's Economic Future: Trade Integration, Investment, and Growth Pathways
Centers on Africa's economic transformation and emerging growth strategies. Examines the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver of intra-African trade, industrialization, and market harmonization. Explores how sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and financial regulatory reforms could mobilize domestic capital for Africa-to-Africa investment and reduce dependence on external financing. Discusses barriers to investment (infrastructure, risk perception, monetary policy fragmentation), and opportunities in manufacturing, services, and digital trade. Identifies implications for U.S.–Africa economic engagement and the evolving role of development finance institutions.
Speakers
Dr. Olufunmilayo Arewa
Professor of Law, George Mason University
Dr. Anita Plummer
Associate Professor of African Studies; Executive Director, Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership, Howard University
Moderated by Dr. Laura Beny
Earl Warren DeLano Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School
--------------------
Part of the International Institute Theme Year: Sovereignty
https://myumi.ch/ii-theme
Co-organized by Michigan Law School & Weiser Diplomacy Center, Ford School
“Shifting Tides: The U.S.-Africa Relationship Amid Global Competition” is a two-day conference examining how African states, regional institutions, and global powers are navigating rapidly evolving geopolitical, economic, and legal landscapes. Bringing together scholars, policymakers, legal experts, investors, and diplomats, the conference will explore African perspectives on global governance reform, climate and innovation challenges, great power competition, peace and security, and emerging economic growth trajectories—including trade integration, industrial policy, and Africa-to-Africa investment. With a blend of legal and policy perspectives across five thematic panels, the conference seeks to analyze the strategic choices facing African governments, assess implications for U.S. diplomatic and economic engagement, and highlight the African Union’s growing influence in global diplomacy, trade, and law. Through a private expert roundtable and public panel discussions, the conference will foster critical dialogue and produce actionable policy recommendations aimed at strengthening U.S.–Africa engagement in a more multipolar and economically dynamic world.
Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_7vqvXpfabMWFssspB47cq0UNdRcVGnm7TjujLNy43lXLHw/viewform
Panel Information:
10:15–11:45 AM
Panel 1 — African Voices on Global Governance, International Law, and Institutional Reform
Combines African policy and legal perspectives on reforming global governance and the rules-based order. Examines representation and influence within institutions such as the UN, IMF, World Bank, WTO, and ICSID, and how African states and the African Union deploy legal instruments, treaty-making, and voting coalitions to shape global norms. Considers sovereignty, recognition, dispute settlement, development assistance, and non-interference principles in an era of multipolar competition. Highlights African contributions to international law and implications for U.S.–Africa engagement.
Speakers
Dr. Joseph Asunka
Chief Executive Officer, Afrobarometer
Dr. Hajer Gueldich
Legal Counsel of the African Union; Professor of Public Law, University of Carthage
Dr. Ebenezer Obadare
Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
Moderated by Ambassador Susan D. Page
Professor of Practice in International Diplomacy at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and Professor from Practice at the University of Michigan's Law School
1:00–2:30 PM
Panel 2 — Climate, Innovation, and Human Capital: Navigating Africa's Green Transitions
Examines how climate pressures, demographic trends, and resource endowments drive policy innovation and legal change across the continent. Discusses environmental and climate governance, natural resource and critical mineral policy, labor and mobility frameworks for youth, IP considerations in technology transfer, and the political economy of climate finance. Identifies strategic opportunities for U.S.–Africa cooperation on green industrialization, sustainable energy, and human capital development.
Speakers
Boubacar Bocoum
Lead Mining Specialist, World Bank
Dr. Eghosa Ekhator
Associate Professor of International Environmental Law, University of Derby
Olanrewaju Suraju
Chairman, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre
Dr. Yousif Hassan
Assistant Professor at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the School of Information, University of Michigan
Moderated by Dr. Bilal Butt
Professor, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
2:45–4:15 PM
Panel 3 — Migration, Peace and Security in an Age of Uncertainty
Explores shifting security landscapes—from coups in the Sahel to electoral contestation, insurgencies, and maritime insecurity. Integrates policy analysis (peacebuilding, regional security cooperation, counterterrorism assistance, election observation) with relevant legal frameworks (constitutional norms, AU/ECOWAS protocols on unconstitutional changes of government, international humanitarian law, human rights, and sanctions regimes). Assesses implications for U.S.–Africa security cooperation and governance support.
Speakers
Dr. Shakirah Hudani
Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dr. Omotade Akin Aina
Senior Program Director, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York
Murithi Mutiga
Program Director, Africa, International Crisis Group
Moderated by tbc.
9:15–10:45 AM
Panel 4 — Geopolitics and Great Power Competition: Africa's Strategic Positioning
Analyzes how African governments manage external influence and competition among the U.S., China, Russia, the EU, and Gulf States. Consider both policy tools (foreign aid, infrastructure, security partnerships, media engagement) and legal instruments (basing agreements, investment contracts, maritime rules, bilateral treaties). Highlights African agency in strategic non-alignment, the African Union's diplomatic positioning, and how great power competition shapes development outcomes and sovereignty debates.
Speakers
Dr. Benedito Machava
Assistant Professor of History, Yale University
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assil
Senior Research Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Dr. Joseph Siegle
Director of Research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Dr. Mo Ibrahim (Virtual) - tbc
Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Moderated by Dr. Kamissa Camara
Professor of Practice, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan
11:00–12:30 PM
Panel 5 — Africa's Economic Future: Trade Integration, Investment, and Growth Pathways
Centers on Africa's economic transformation and emerging growth strategies. Examines the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver of intra-African trade, industrialization, and market harmonization. Explores how sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and financial regulatory reforms could mobilize domestic capital for Africa-to-Africa investment and reduce dependence on external financing. Discusses barriers to investment (infrastructure, risk perception, monetary policy fragmentation), and opportunities in manufacturing, services, and digital trade. Identifies implications for U.S.–Africa economic engagement and the evolving role of development finance institutions.
Speakers
Dr. Olufunmilayo Arewa
Professor of Law, George Mason University
Dr. Anita Plummer
Associate Professor of African Studies; Executive Director, Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership, Howard University
Moderated by Dr. Laura Beny
Earl Warren DeLano Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School
--------------------
Part of the International Institute Theme Year: Sovereignty
https://myumi.ch/ii-theme
Related Links
Explore Similar Events
-
Loading Similar Events...
