A CONVERSATION WITH SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR AFRICA DANA L. BANKS - As a post-COVID-19 world emerges and the new US administration sets its foreign policy agenda, Africa stands as a land of opportunity. At the Africa Center, we are inspired by Africa’s prospects. Africa is the oldest continent, yet the youngest in age and soon to be largest by population. It is home to the fastest growing economies, the largest free trade area, and the biggest digital revolution. Above all, Africa is a strategic continent, and no global challenge can be solved without this generation of Africans.

In celebration of Africa Day, which marks the founding of the African Union, and to introduce the new Africa Center team and vision under Director Ambassador Rama Yade, the Atlantic Council launched its African Conversations Series. The series aims to shine a light on high-profile US officials’ connections to the continent and engagement with Africa policy.

In this event, the Africa Center hosted Dana Banks, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Africa at the National Security Council, for a conversation on the Center's key pillars of work: rule of law, African prosperity, the creative and cultural industries, and multilateralism.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 05/25/21