This conversation featured Amb. Johnnie Carson and Amb. Vicki Huddleston. Will the 21st Century be Africa’s? Sub-Saharan Africa will become more populous, youthful, urban, mobile, educated, and networked. Projected rates of population growth for the region are the world’s highest: Nigeria will soon displace the U.S. as the world’s third most populous country. Across the continent, this “youth bulge” is become the engine of economic and political dynamism. Yet, Africa’s success is not assured.
Amb. Johnnie Carson was sworn in as assistant Secretary of State for African affairs in May, 2009. Prior to this he was the national intelligence officer for Africa at the National Intelligence Council, after serving as the senior vice president of the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. (2003-2006). His 37-year foreign service career includes ambassadorships to Kenya (1999-2003), Zimbabwe (1995-1997), and Uganda (1991-1994); and principal deputy assistant secretary for the bureau of African Affairs (1997-1999).