U.S.-Based Sierra Leonean Chidi Blyden Named Harvard Center for African Studies Executive Director
Sahid Bangura U.S.-based Sierra Leonean Chidi Blyden has been appointed Executive Director of the Harvard University Center for African Studies (CAS), bringing extensive experience in U.S. government, national security, economic development and Africa-focused policy to the institution.
Harvard’s Center for African Studies announced Blyden’s appointment on August 31, 2026, describing her as an experienced public-service and private-sector leader with a strong background in Africa-related affairs.
Blyden 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, where she was involved in programmes focused on infrastructure, economic empowerment and community development.
Her career in government spans more than 15 years and includes service across multiple U.S. administrations. She began her career in defence and foreign policy and later held senior positions involving African security, peacekeeping, economic development and U.S.-Africa relations.
Harvard said 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.
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 also worked extensively on issues involving African and diasporan communities.
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 influence and the importance of its human capital, talent and intellectual resources.
In her new role, Blyden will work with the leadership and wider Harvard community to advance the Center’s mission of broadening knowledge about Africa and strengthening connections between Harvard and the continent.
Her appointment comes as Harvard’s Center for African Studies continues to expand its engagement with African institutions, scholars and global partners.