“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.

Speakers:
• Hajer Gueldich, African Union and University of Carthage
• Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations
• Susan D. Page, University of Michigan
• Boubacar Bocoum, World Bank
• Eghosa Ekhator, University of Derby
• Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA Resource Centre
• Bilal Butt, University of Michigan
• Benedito Machava, Yale University
• Kamissa Camara, University of Michigan
• Shakirah Hudani, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Omotade Akin Aina, Carnegie Corporation of New York
• Murithi Mutiga, International Crisis Group
• Chidi Blyden, Culturally Bound and Georgetown University
• Olufunmilayo Arewa, George Mason University
• Anita Plummer, Howard University
• Laura Beny, University of Michigan