Background

Launched to strengthen dialogue between U.S. policymakers and African stakeholders, the U.S.–Africa Policy Briefing Series serves as a trusted educational resource for understanding evolving policy priorities, challenges, and opportunities shaping U.S.–Africa relations.

The U.S.–Africa Policy Briefing Series builds on the legacy of Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s historic Africa Policy Series, which set a vital precedent for deepening Congressional understanding of the African continent and advancing informed cross-sector dialogue.

Revived for the present moment, the Series serves as a nonpartisan educational platform designed to support the evolving policy needs of Congress, diplomatic partners, and leading voices across government, civil society, and the private sector. Through curated briefings and expert-led conversations, the Series aims to strengthen strategic engagement and foster informed policymaking on U.S.–Africa relations.

The series builds on historic Congressional efforts to elevate Africa policy through informed, cross-sector engagement and is designed to complement ongoing legislative and diplomatic work.

Purpose & Goals

The U.S.–Africa Policy Briefing Series is designed to serve as a rigorous, nonpartisan platform that strengthens institutional understanding of Africa policy within the United States government. Through carefully structured, high-quality dialogue, the series convenes policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and civil society leaders to engage across sectors and perspectives. Each convening is intended to surface evidence-based analysis, practitioner-grounded insights, and emerging policy considerations, which are synthesized into written summaries, insight briefs, and policy-oriented materials that support informed decision-making and institutional learning.

Intended Outcomes

The intended outcomes of the series include a more informed and coherent U.S.–Africa policy dialogue, strengthened networks that connect Congressional offices with African and global experts, and clearer policy considerations grounded in both empirical evidence and lived experience. By fostering sustained engagement between Congressional stakeholders and African partners, the series aims to contribute to more thoughtful, durable, and contextually informed approaches to U.S.–Africa relations over time.

Our Approach and Support

The U.S.–Africa Policy Briefing Series operates as a nonpartisan, educational initiative supported by a 501(c)(3) philanthropic foundation committed to strengthening institutional understanding, fostering cross-sector dialogue, and promoting thoughtful, evidence-informed approaches to global policy challenges.

The Series is designed to support learning and informed discussion among policymakers, practitioners, and subject-matter experts. All convenings are conducted for educational purposes only and do not involve political advocacy, lobbying, or electoral engagement. Participation does not constitute endorsement of any policy position, political party, or public official.