The year 2015 will be an eventful one for the more than one billion people living in Africa. China, Africa’s largest trading partner, will hold the 6th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation; the Post-2015 Development Agenda will chart a new course for global responses to poverty, among other priorities for the region; West Africa will begin its recovery from the devastating Ebola crisis; and the continent’s largest economy, Nigeria, will face a defining presidential election (along with more than 15 other countries). Many of these milestones will bring opportunities for Africa to redefine its relationships with global partners and strengthen its voice on the world stage. Others will present obstacles to the continent’s steady march towards peace, security, and economic and human development.

The 2015 Presidential Elections in Nigeria: The Issues and Challenges

Jideofor Adibe reviews the issues, introduces the candidates and explains the complexities of the 2015 presidential election in the continent’s most populous country and biggest economy.

The Sixth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation: New Agenda and New Approach?

As the region prepares for the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Yun Sun discusses the evolving China-Africa relationship, whether China’s priorities might be shifting, and how African countries are strengthening their voices in the conversation.

How the West Can Do More Militarily in Africa

Michael O’Hanlon and Amy Copley argue that, despite the news coverage, violence across the continent is decreasing, but to continue this trend in 2015 the international community needs to appreciate that the root causes of terrorism and intra-country conflicts extend beyond extremism.

Africa Looks Forward to the Post-2015 Development Agenda

Homi Kharas and Julie Biau explain the three prongs of the Post-2015 Development Agenda – job creation, infrastructure and governance, and peace and security – and what they mean for Africa.

2015: A Crucial Year for Financing Development in Africa

Amadou Sy offers recommendations for the 2015 International Conference on Financing for Development and identifies ways donors, governments, and the private sector can successfully leverage foreign direct investment for long-term growth.

An African Union for an Emerging Continent: Reforms to Increase Effectiveness

Mwangi S. Kimenyi reflects on the African Union’s successes and failures, recommending policy changes to increase its capability and influence as the institution confronts complex challenges in 2015.

Fighting Ebola: A Strategy for Action

In the midst of the ongoing Ebola crisis, Vera Songwe examines the long-term impacts of the epidemic and the global reaction, with an emphasis on the economic consequences and ways forward.

2015: A Pivotal Year for Obama’s Africa Legacy

Witney Schneidman appraises the White House’s current initiatives in and policies toward Africa, calling for strong leadership from the president in order to deepen U.S.-Africa relations in 2015. Read the article here.

African Elections in 2015: A Snapshot for Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Sudan

John Mukum Mbaku gives an overview of the 2015 elections in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Sudan, including a history of democratization in these countries, the top issues in the elections, and what to expect in 2015.

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Since 2010, the Brookings Africa Growth Initiative has asked its scholars to assess the top priorities for Africa in the coming year. This year, AGI’s experts and colleagues continue this tradition with Foresight Africa 2015, which presents a series of briefs on the critical issues and key moments for Africa over the next 12 months. It is their hope Foresight Africa 2015 will start a dialogue and ultimately support sound policy for sustained economic growth and development for the people of Africa.