Judd and Nicole are joined by Kamissa Camara (Tony Blair Institute & USIP) to talk through the history of U.S. policy toward Burkina Faso, how the Biden administration can grow economic opportunities in the country, and why you should travel to Ouagadougou to attend Fespaco, the largest African film festival in the world.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Phil Carter (Mead Hill Group) to discuss the history of U.S. diplomacy toward Côte d’Ivoire, why the Biden administration should prioritize the West African state as a lynchpin of development in the region, and how the United States can leverage sports diplomacy to advance U.S. objectives.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Kwasi Prempeh (CDD-Ghana) to discuss the history of U.S. policy toward Ghana, how the Biden administration can help strengthen local government, and why it’s critical that democracy be the economically competitive option for Africans. Plus, check out @CSISAfrica socials for a bonus video with Kwasi on Anansi the spider.

Anansi the Oldest of Animals - Spotify

Judd and Nicole are joined by Ambassador Phil Carter (Mead Hill Group) to discuss U.S.-Guinea policy. They explore the need for increased U.S. intervention in education and infrastructure, as well as a regional approach to mitigate violence and weak governance in both coastal West Africa and the Sahel. Ambassador Carter also discusses why addressing gender inequality—particularly female genital mutilation—is so critical in Guinea.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Gyude Moore (CGD) to discuss the U.S.-Liberia relationship, including ways the Biden administration can prioritize Liberia’s health sector, and why U.S. firms should compete in providing infrastructure and road paving deals to the Liberian government. Plus, Gyude explains why Liberia’s jollof rice beats out Nigeria’s, Ghana’s, and Sierra Leone’s.

Kamissa Camara (Tony Blair Institute & USIP) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward Mali, including how the Biden administration can better encourage democracy and security, flex its diplomatic muscle, and rethink the international strategy toward the crisis in the Sahel. Plus, Kamissa recommends the classic Malian book Amkoullel, the Fula Boy by Amadou Hampâté Bâ.

Paulo Gomes (Constelor Investment, New African Capital Partners) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward Guinea-Bissau, including why the U.S. does not have an embassy, how the Biden administration can reprioritize the bilateral relationship, and the importance of protecting the country’s islands and wetlands from climate change. Plus, they remember pan-African anti-colonial hero Amílcar Cabral.

In the Mauritania episode of 49, Judd, Nicole, and Intissar Fakir (Middle East Institute) discuss the delicate balance between counterterrorism priorities and social justice initiatives in the West African country. Intissar calls on the Biden administration to bolster support for educational programs and urges the Mauritanian government to launch a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the country’s recent history of slavery. Plus, hear what Chinguetti—the ancient trading center in the country’s north—means to Mauritanians today.

Ambassador Bisa Williams (Williams Strategy Advisors) joins Judd and Nicole to discuss U.S. policy toward Niger, including why the Biden administration should pay more attention to Niamey’s complex relationship with North African states. They also explore the need for increased education as a key to unlocking economic development and democratization. Plus, Ambassador Williams describes Nigerien architecture in vivid detail. (Catch some of her own architecture snapshots on @CSISAfrica social media platforms!)

Background Reading

In Niger, an Architect Looking to the Country’s Design Traditions - Michael Snyder

Judd and Nicole are joined by Uzodinma Iweala (The Africa Center) to explore the history of U.S. policy toward Nigeria, why the West African country should be at the center of any U.S.-Africa strategy, and how Nigeria can be a key player in the fight against climate change. Uzo also reflects on the new generation of Nigerian authors—to which he belongs.