Africa is undergoing a historic transformation, driven by a young, urban, and increasingly connected population. Political experimentation, challenges to old power structures, and new forms of leadership are reshaping the continent and opening a period of creativity, volatility, and possibility. Join us for a conversation about Africa’s political transformation with Ambassador Michelle D. Gavin, Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. Ambassador to Botswana.

In her new book The Age of Change, Ambassador Gavin explores how Africa’s urban youth, their dissatisfaction with the status quo, and innovative approaches to governance are driving political transformation. From anti-government movements to new international partnerships, the energy of a generation is reshaping politics across the continent.

This discussion will illuminate Africa’s evolving political landscape, highlight the ingenuity and defiance of the next generation of leaders, and offer insight into what these shifts mean for Africa and the rest of the world.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Michelle D. Gavin is the Ralph Bunche senior fellow for Africa policy studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. She has over twenty-five years of experience in international affairs in government and non-profit roles. She was formerly the managing director of The Africa Center, a multidisciplinary institution dedicated to increasing understanding of contemporary Africa. From 2011 to 2014 she was the U.S. ambassador to Botswana and served concurrently as the U.S. representative to the Southern African Development Community.