Africa Up Close

On January 3, 2023, the Africa Program at the Wilson Center formally welcomed Ms. Oge Onubogu as its new Director.

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. “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.” -Oge Onubogu

Oge brings to this role extensive experience on Africa and U.S-Africa relations, as well as expertise in governance and democracy support. She was Program Manager at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) where she oversaw a multi-country program to strengthen women’s political participation in Southern Africa, and managed elections support programs in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa. She was also Program Officer at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) where she led support to civil society organizations in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Cameroon. She has consulted on a range of governance and elections projects in Africa with the World Bank, Freedom House, and the Carter Center.

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.

Click here to read the entire press release.