As 2019 begins, it is important to reflect on the top developments that occurred in Africa, in U.S.-Africa relations, and in Africa's role in the global arena over the past year. The Wilson Center Africa Program continued its tradition of asking experts, practitioners, and policymakers to weigh in on the most important and impactful developments of 2018 for the continent, and their implications for U.S.-Africa relations. They responded with the brief and insightful essays in this volume. 

We thank them for their contributions, which provide analysis on topics including the Trump Administration and Africa; reform efforts in Ethiopia; the implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); the growing ties of countries like China, Russia, and Turkey across Africa; successes and challenges in women’s leadership; and reflections on the key issues and opportunities for democratic governance and elections in Africa, among other topics. 

Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, which had impacted the Wilson Center, we had a slight delay in publishing this year’s edition of Africa: Year in Review. We thank you for your patience and understanding!

We hope that you enjoy reading and sharing this volume!