By Joseph Momoh, D.S
BOSTON, USA — Sierra Leonean-American Chidi Blyden has been appointed Executive Director of the Harvard University Center for African Studies (CAS), one of the world’s leading institutions for research and teaching on Africa.
Harvard University announced the appointment on August 31, 2026, describing Blyden as an accomplished public-service and private-sector leader with deep expertise in African affairs.
Blyden brings more than 15 years of experience in U.S. government, national security, economic development and Africa-focused policy. She previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, where she managed the U.S. Department of Defense’s relationships with 53 African nations.
She also served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), where she led major programmes focused on infrastructure, economic empowerment and community development.
Her career spans multiple U.S. administrations, with senior roles covering African security, peacekeeping, economic development and U.S.-Africa relations.
According to Harvard, Blyden’s experience and networks across government, academia, the private sector and the African diaspora will support the Center’s efforts to strengthen research, teaching and partnerships between Harvard and Africa.
Commenting on her appointment, Blyden said Harvard should help educate the world about “Africa today, not Africa of the past,” while highlighting Africa’s growing global influence and the importance of its human capital, talent and intellectual resources.
In her new role, she will work with Harvard leadership and the wider university community to advance the Center’s mission of broadening knowledge about Africa and strengthening connections between Harvard and the continent.
Blyden was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and traces her heritage to Sierra Leone. According to her Harvard profile, she is fluent in English and Krio and has worked extensively on issues involving African and diasporan communities.
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