Chidi Blyden: How Africa's Growth & Geopolitics are Reshaping Global Power -- Is the U.S. Paying Attention?

Biography

Chidi Blyden is an accomplished executive leader and former U.S. foreign policy advisor with more than two decades of experience in national security, defense, economic development, and international affairs. As Principal of Culturally Bound, she develops strategies to address Africa’s complex challenges by leveraging the strengths of the African Diaspora.

Ms. Blyden served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), she managed daily operations and helped oversee a $1 billion annual investment portfolio and an $8 billion active program portfolio. Previously, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs at the Pentagon, she managed U.S. defense relationships with 53 African nations and helped reshape U.S.-Africa security partnerships.

In a prior Administration, she served as Special Assistant and Africa Peacekeeping Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, overseeing defense policy for East and Central Africa and helping lead Department of Defense efforts for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. She also advised the House Armed Services Committee on African and Western Hemisphere security priorities.

A recognized socio-cultural expert, Ms. Blyden emphasizes the importance of culture and community-driven security in policymaking. As the first Africa Director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), she developed training programs for the Nigerian Armed Forces aimed at reducing civilian harm during the Boko Haram crisis.

Ms. Blyden is also a lecturer, mentor, and advocate for ethical leadership and women in national security. Her honors include the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service and multiple leadership awards from international affairs organizations.

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