The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars has named Oge Onubogu as the new Director of its Africa Program. The Wilson Center was chartered by Congress and through the work of its staff and fellows, it connects deep scholarship to policy questions.

The Brown Capital Management Africa Forum, which provides a platform for substantive and policy-oriented dialogue on key trade, investment, and sustainable development issues in Africa, and in U.S.-Africa relations, is part of the Africa Program. The Brown Capital Management Africa Forum is made possible by the support of Brown Capital Management, LLC, owned by Howard University graduates Eddie C Brown and his college sweetheart and wife, the former Sylvia Thurston.

Onubogu most recently was the Director of the West Africa Program at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where she led the strategic development and expansion of USIP’s portfolio in Nigeria and Coastal West Africa. In this position, she oversaw the design and implementation of projects to mitigate violent conflict, promote inclusion, and strengthen community-oriented security by partnering with African and U.S. policymakers, civic leaders, and organizations.

“Africa’s economic, social, and political landscape is changing rapidly. The continent’s growing strategic importance can no longer be ignored, as many of the solutions to some of today’s most pressing global challenges can be found in Africa,” Onubogu said. “As the United States and other global players embrace this shift, developing trade relations and meaningful partnerships based on mutual respect and shared values with Africa and its people must be prioritized.”

Onubogu holds a credential in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School, a master’s degree in International Development from the Heller School at Brandeis University, and an undergraduate degree in International and Area Studies from the University of Oklahoma.

The Africa Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, including the Africa Up Close blog, public discussions, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in U.S.-Africa relations.