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Shifting Tides: The U.S.-Africa Relationship Amid Global Competition

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Shifting Tides: The U.S.-Africa Relationship Amid Global Competition

Co-organized by Michigan Law School & Weiser Diplomacy Center, Ford School

Two-day program featuring five policy discussions and expert roundtables, an opening keynote by a distinguished practitioner, and an executive reception for networking and discussion.

“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 here.

Monday, October 12, 2026
(Weiser Hall, Room 1010, 500 Church Street, Ann Arbor)

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

  1. Dr. Joseph Asunka
    Chief Executive Officer, Afrobarometer

  2. Dr. Hajer Gueldich
    Legal Counsel of the African Union; Professor of Public Law, University of Carthage

  3. 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, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy; Professor from Practice, University of Michigan 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, intellectual property 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

  1. Boubacar Bocoum
    Lead Mining Specialist, World Bank

  2. Dr. Eghosa Ekhator
    Associate Professor of International Environmental Law, University of Derby

  3. Olanrewaju Suraju
    Chairman, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre

  4. Dr. Yousif Hassan
    Assistant Professor, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and 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

  1. Dr. Shakirah Hudani
    Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  2. Cecily Brewer 
    Director, Research and Operations, Future of American Strategy, Council on Foreign Relations

  3. Murithi Mutiga
    Program Director, Africa, International Crisis Group

Moderated by Dr. Omolade Adunbi
Director, African Studies Center; Professor of Afroamerican and African Studies, University of Michigan

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Location: LSA Building, Room 1040, 500 S. State Street, Ann Arbor

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. Considers 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

  1. Dr. Benedito Machava
    Assistant Professor of History, Yale University

  2. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assil
    Senior Research Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

  3. Dr. Joseph Siegle
    Director of Research, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University

  4. Dr. Mo Ibrahim (virtual participation to be confirmed)
    Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

  5. Rama Yade
    Atlantic Council

  6. Dr. Howard Stein
    Professor of Afroamerican and African Studies; Professor of Epidemiology

Moderated by Dr. Kamissa Camara
Professor of Practice, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan

11:00 AM–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

  1. Dr. Olufunmilayo Arewa
    Professor of Law, George Mason University

  2. 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

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