This study group is supported by the Belfer Center at the Harvard Kennedy School, and is dedicated to exploring the intricate landscape of politics and policy in Africa. It will convene for a series of engaging sessions, each spotlighting a distinct issue that is currently shaping the African continent. As we delve into the complexities of African politics and policymaking, the goal is to foster a comprehensive understanding of the sociopolitical climate and its implications on the continent’s future.
This study group is designed as a forum for collaborative learning. Through a wide lens encompassing democratic transitions, economic development, climate change, healthcare access, and the role of international humanitarian institutions, participants will explore the complex challenges and opportunities facing African nations. Over the five sessions of readings, engaged discussions, and expert guest speakers, students will debate options for strengthening partnerships between the United States and countries across this dynamic region. We will explore each topic, drawing from a rich array of resources and perspectives, to gain a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Session 1 (March 26)
Democratic Transitions and Conflict Zones: The Impact on Policy-Making in Africa
The first session will examine recent democratic progress and backsliding in African countries. We will discuss how transitions impact governance capacity and policy formulation. The session will also focus on ongoing conflicts in different regions of Africa and examine their political underpinnings, and consider how these conflicts influence policy decisions. We will also discuss the role of peacekeeping efforts on democratic transitions, and analyze how conflict areas pose challenges for institutional reforms and service delivery. As we assess cases of recent transitions, we will discuss the implications on domestic and foreign policy.
Policy Memo: How can peacekeeping efforts contribute to sustainable peace and development? Identify an international, regional, or local peacekeeping organization (e.g., United Nations entity, NGO) and write a two-page memo advising on how to respond to an ongoing conflict and security challenge. Prioritize actions that can lead to long-term impacts.
Session 2 (April 2)
Global Players: The Role of International Humanitarian Organizations in Africa
The second session will evaluate the role of international humanitarian groups in shaping political and social outcomes in Africa. We will examine how these organizations deal with emergencies, crises, and conflict situations across the continent, and scrutinize their influence on policy decisions and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of their involvement. Discussions will cover the expanding influence of organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and the International Rescue Committee (ICR).
Policy Memo: How can humanitarian action contribute to peace and development? Identify an international humanitarian organization and write a two-page memo advising on what the main challenges to sustainable interventions in Africa might be, as well as an actionable recommendation to address them.
Session 3 (April 9)
Politics and Prosperity: Examining Economic Development in Africa
The third session will explore connections between politics and economic growth trajectories across Africa. As we will delve into the intersection of politics and economic development, we will analyze the role of political stability in fostering economic growth and discuss how policy decisions can either hinder or promote this progress. We will discuss the impact of factors like commodity markets, foreign aid, trade deals, and regional integration initiatives on development indicators.
Policy Memo: How can governments foster economic development across Africa? Identify a national, regional, or local government and write a two-page memo advising on priority actions that they can take to contribute to growth and prosperity.
Session 4 (April 16)
Climate Change: Political Implications and Policy Response in Africa
The fourth session will address the pressing issue of climate change and its political implications in Africa. This session will highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change effects on African nations and how governments are responding through policy measures. We will discuss the policies needed to mitigate the effects of climate change, as well as the political challenges in implementing them. As we consider the political hurdles, we will debate opportunities for formulating adaptive strategies. We will also focus on policy innovations and governance reforms that are needed to strengthen resilience.
Policy Memo: How can innovative climate action be scaled in Africa? Identify a private sector organization and write a two-page memo advising on how to garner climate finance investments to promote innovation and infrastructure development.
Session 5 (April 23)
Healthcare in Focus: Political Hurdles and Policy Progress in Africa
The final session will examine healthcare access policies and public health initiatives across Africa. In our discussions, we will explore the politics of health and healthcare policy, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will identify political barriers to expanding healthcare coverage and access, and the dialogue will center on areas of progress in addressing infectious and chronic diseases. Beyond focusing on the challenges in implementing effective healthcare policies, in this session we will invite participants to propose policy solutions as we look towards the future.
Policy Memo: How can innovative healthcare opportunities be scaled in Africa? Identify a private sector organization and write a two-page memo advising on how to garner healthcare finance investments to promote innovation and infrastructure development.
Note on policy memos: This is a voluntary option that will give students the opportunity to delve deeper into different topics and identify actionable recommendations that can help advance solutions for policy. One or two students will be invited to brief their memos to the guest speakers during the study group sessions, and will be notified in advance. The policy memo should be a maximum of two pages and feature the following sections: 1) Issue 2) Stakeholders / Interests 3) Analysis 4) Criteria / Objectives 5) Options and 6) Recommendation. More information can be found in the Policy Memo Guidance document. The topic of each policy memo will be further refined once all guest experts are confirmed.
