Power and Partnership: Africa in the Global Order with Chidi Blyden, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs

Chidi Blyden is an accomplished executive leader and former U.S. foreign policy advisor, with over two decades of transformative experience spanning national security, defense, economic development, and international policy. As the Principal of Culturally Bound, she develops actionable strategies to address Africa’s complex challenges and unlock its potential by leveraging the African Diaspora. Her extensive government service includes significant roles in both the Biden-Harris and Obama administrations. Notably, as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), she managed the agency’s daily operations and chaired the Investment Management Committee, overseeing a $1 billion annual investment portfolio and an $8 billion active program portfolio. In the Pentagon, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, she managed relationships with 53 African nations and played a pivotal role in redefining U.S.-Africa defense relations, securing billions in funding for various security initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Blyden served as the Special Assistant and Africa Peacekeeping Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the Obama administration, where she oversaw defense policy for East and Central African countries and led the Department of Defense’s efforts for the President’s African Leaders’ Summit. Her expertise also extended to advising the House Armed Services Committee on African nations and Western Hemisphere defense and security priorities. A socio-cultural expert, Ms. Blyden’s work emphasizes the cultural underpinnings of policy and community-driven security. As the first Africa Director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), she developed and implemented culture-specific training for the Nigerian Armed Forces to minimize civilian harm during the Boko Haram crisis.

Beyond her governmental and consulting roles, Ms. Blyden is deeply committed to mentoring and advocating for women and young leaders. She is a passionate advocate for ethical leadership and uplifting others in the national security and defense sectors, which has earned her numerous accolades, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, (x2) TrailBlazer Award from Black Professionals in International Affairs and the Aggie Impact Award from Texas A&M University. Ms. Blyden contributes to academia, as a regular lecturer at institutions such as Harvard University and Texas A&M University School of Public Service and previously as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Sitar Arts Center and has held various roles in various organizations such as the Board and Leadership Council Member for Memunatu Magazine, a magazine empowering young women in the African diaspora and the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS) and Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security (WCAPS).