Africa Tomorrow

Editor's Note

William McKenzie

The issues facing Africa – and the leaders and forces transforming the continent

Speaking Up: Why Staying Committed to Africa is Vital

George W. Bush, Laura Bush

President and Mrs. Bush’s work in Africa began with the fundamental principle – all life is precious. They continue their work building a health infrastructure and implementing sustainable solutions through PEPFAR and Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon.

How a TV Show Changed Music and Africa

Bob Geldof

Bob Geldof stands at the forefront of musicians who have made an impact through both record sales and activism. His passion for Africa led to the monumental Band Aid and Live Aid projects, uniting the biggest names in music behind a common cause. More than 30 years later, Geldof still sees Africa as more than a charity case: It’s a continent filled with untapped potential.

Keeping the Dreams of Young Women Alive in Africa

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia is the first democratically-elected female leader of an African nation. In 2011, she shared the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on behalf of women’s rights. During a recent visit to the George W. Bush Institute, President Sirleaf discussed why the U.S. should continue to invest in such global health care initiatives as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She also commented upon the role women are playing in emerging democracies across Africa.

Africa Rising: The Change that Should Happen

H.E. Monica Geingos

Africa is entering a transition: as the newest generation of citizens comes of age and grows in influence, leaders across the continent are faced with new expectations. As a first lady, Madame Geingos is embracing the youth movement while helping steer her country toward a new narrative.

Africa's Hopeful Future: A Look at Tomorrow’s Opportunities and Challenges

The promise of Africa’s future rests on its large number of young people. A new generation of African leaders and innovators comments on the hope this presents amidst persistent realities.

Breaking Down Silos: The Leadership of African First Ladies

Natalie Gonnella-Platts

First ladies across the globe have the ability to impact change through their influence and advocacy on important issues. The Bush Institute’s Natalie Gonnella-Platts visited a small classroom in Windhoek, Namibia and witnessed the leadership of African first ladies.

How HIV, SARS, and Ebola Put Global Health on the Agenda

Mark Dybul

America often has to choose between two paths: looking inward with fear or looking outward with compassion. Fighting disease in Africa is one of America’s greatest successes — beyond saving the lives of millions, American-led compassion helped lay the groundwork for more than just foreign aid.

Why South Sudan Deserves the World's Buy-in

BJ Goergen, Michael Yemba

Famine and political strife challenge South Sudan yet international leaders and organizations should not give up. Young people in the region offer a chance for change and peace.

A Community, a Country, and a Global Partnership Are Creating a Healthier Botswana

Crystal Cazier

Fighting an epidemic requires more than monetary foreign aid. Local communities, regional governments, and global support must come together and work in unison — as it has in Botswana through PEPFAR and Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon.

Using Creativity and New Approaches to Deliver Healthcare in Africa

Dr. Eric Bing

A former director of the Bush Institute’s Global Health Initiative, Dr. Bing co-authored Pharmacy on a Bicycle with Dr. Marc Epstein of Rice University. In this Catalyst interview, Bing describes how innovation, partnerships, and accountability are critical to delivering quality health care around the world.

Democracy, Technology, and the Middle Class Could Reshape Africa

Jonathan Rosenthal

Africa is still a continent in transition. While progress is being made, challenges persist. But new technology in communications and in electricity are beginning to boost the African middle class.

The New Land of Opportunity

Nachilala Nkombo

While African countries still wrestle with food shortages, political unrest, and unemployment, signs point toward a brighter future.

Fighting Terrorism by Creating Economic Opportunity

Jake Harriman

As a Marine on the ground in Iraq, Jake Harriman saw men and women acting on behalf of extremists because they had no other means of supporting their families. Now out of the military, the Presidential Leadership Scholar is taking steps to bring opportunity to remote villages in Africa.

The Broader Importance of Foreign Aid

Holly Kuzmich

Some may be skeptical of foreign aid, but our investments help breed stability abroad. They also benefit Americans at home through reducing the need to put members of the military on the battlefield.