Mali: Transforming a Country Through Rice

Aspen Institute 2013 New Voices Fellow Salif Romano Niang is the co-founder and chief impact officer of Malo, a company working to revolutionize the rice industry in Niang's home… Read more »

Ghana: Inspiring Rural Communities Through Technology

In Ghana most girls are expected to go to a decent school, find a well-paying job, then seek out a husband - not many women pursue careers in male-dominated fields like computer… Read more »

Kenya: Increasing Access to Family Planning in Informal Settlements

Kenya's infant mortality shows the fastest rate of decline among the 20 countries in sub-Sahara Africa, according to the World Bank. Among the possible reasons for this decline are… Read more »

Tanzania: Improving Access to Health Care for Women and Children

Women in Tanzania face challenges accessing adequate and proper health care services, partly as a result of inadequate funding for healthcare facilities and limited access to… Read more »

Somalia: Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Peace

Somalia's reputation as a failed state often overshadows the country's potential, but Aspen Institute 2013 New Voices Fellow Mohamed Ali, a former Somali refugee, represents a new… Read more »

Ghana: Bringing African Voices to Children's Literature

The market for children's books in Africa is dominated by literature from outside the continent, much of which does not relate to the realities of African readers. This has… Read more »

Mali: Election Threatens to Exchange One Crisis for Another

Mali's forthcoming election risks being marred by such technical shortcomings, and with such a low rate of participation, that a new president could be deprived of the legitimacy… Read more »

Africa: UN Report Provides Roadmap to End Poverty

At this September's meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, governments will discuss elements of the development agenda to succeed the Millennium Development Goals when… Read more »

Africa: U.S. Can Invest in Africa On Bipartisan Basis

President Barack Obama's recent visit to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania was written off as a "guilt trip" by some and a "last chance" to salvage an Africa policy legacy by… Read more »

Congo-Kinshasa: New Urgency to Talks With M23 Rebels

There is a new urgency to the latest round of talks in Kampala between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its foes in the M23 rebel group. Read more »

South Sudan: Longtime Supporters Appeal to President Kiir for 'Profound Reform'

The following letter, to President Salva Kiir Mayardit was signed by four longtime American supporters of South Sudan - Roger Winter, Eric Reeves, John Prendergast and Ted Dagne -… Read more »

Egypt: Nation Swears In New President

Egypt's new leader took office on Thursday as leading Islamists were imprisoned in the wake of the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood-aligned administration. Read more »

Africa: Obama Visits Africa - U.S. Can Do Better

President Barack Obama was correct when he told business leaders in Tanzania this week that togther the United States and Africa have "an enormous opportunity to unleash the next… Read more »

Africa: Obama Visits Africa - an End to Paternalism

President Barack Obama has made a profound and impactful visit to Africa. Read more »

Egypt: Army Overthrows Morsi, Calls New Elections

The Egyptian military deposed President Mohamed Morsi on Wednesday night. Read more »

Africa: Power Sector is Ready for 'Stampede' of Investment - General Electric

The U.S.-based multinational General Electric, which points to a 100-year record of involvement in Africa, is one of the companies participating in the Power Africa initiative,… Read more »

Africa: Obama Promises Africa a 'Partnership of Equals'

President Barack Obama has promised Africa "a new model of partnership" which moves beyond the provision of aid and is focussed on increased trade and investment, including a… Read more »

Africa: Democracy, Transparency Are Not 'Western Exports' - Obama

An excerpt from President Obama's speech at the University of Cape Town: Read more »

Africa: Obama Promises U.S. $7 Billion Investment in Power Grids

An excerpt from President Obama's speech at the University of Cape Town: Read more »

Africa: U.S. Must 'Up Its Game' On Trade and Investment

An excerpt from President Obama's speech at the University of Cape Town: Read more »

Africa: U.S. to Invite African Heads of State to Summit in 2014

An excerpt from President Obama's speech at the University of Cape Town: Read more »

Africa: Obama Re-Commits to Promoting Food Security and Health

An excerpt from President Obama's speech at the University of Cape Town: Read more »

Africa: Africa Is Rising, but On a Fragile Foundation - Barack Obama

An excerpt from President Obama's speech at the University of Cape Town: Read more »

Africa: A Second Chance for Obama to Engage

Why did it take four-and-a-half years after taking office for President Barack Obama to make a visit of more than 24 hours to sub-Saharan Africa? Read more »

South Africa: Outpouring Over Mandela Challenges Obama

Nearly half a century before this weekend's trip to South Africa by President Barack Obama, a visit by Robert F. Kennedy at the height of apartheid oppression was described by a… Read more »