iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 25/09/2026

Plot twist: Europe is Africa’s largest holder of conventional FDI. 🇪🇺🌍 Marvellous Ngundu examines not only the volume of foreign #investment, but also the sectors to which it flows and its development impact to give recommendations as to how #FDI can work better for #Africa. 📖 t1p.de/ftir0

megatrends-afrika.de

Africa Needs Better Investment, Not Just More Investment

China, Europe and the US rank differently as investors in Africa, depending on what is measured. But the development impact of FDI depends on...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 24/09/2026

At the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump claimed to have "made peace". But has he? Narine Karapetyan @berghoffnd.bsky.social and Karoline Eickhoff analyse #transactional approaches in #peace mediation 🕊️, looking at the US-brokered Washington Accords between the #DRC and #Rwanda 🇨🇩 🇷🇼 📃 t1p.de/nuh6v

megatrends-afrika.de

Transactional Deal-Making: The Promise and Perils for Peace Mediation

Transactionalism elicits strong views on both its utility and impact on peace mediation. Narine Karapetyan and Karoline Eickhoff argue that in...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 17/09/2026

🌍As Gulf rivalries extend into the #RedSea, African states are gaining strategic value while facing growing pressure on their room for manoeuvre. #PriyalSingh examines what this evolving security order means for Africa’s agency & Europe’s regional role. www.megatrends-afrika.de/publikation/...

megatrends-afrika.de

Africa’s Evolving Red Sea Security Dynamics and Implications for Europe

As Gulf rivalries extend into the Red Sea, African states are gaining strategic value while facing new pressures on their room for manoeuvre....

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 09/09/2026

🌍 What’s wrong with the world map? The #UN General Assembly decided to adopt the Equal Earth projection instead of the former #Mercator map. Karoline Eickhoff explains the differences between the two and why maps matter for how we perceive global power relations. 👀 t1p.de/6wka6

megatrends-afrika.de

Africa’s Place on the World Map

World maps are not neutral and marginalize Africa, says the “Correct the Map” campaign. The European side should therefore review its map...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 03/09/2026

🇨🇳 What does #China’s scientific cooperation with #Africa look like? From digital transformation and #agriculture to public #health and #satellite technologies, cooperation spans a wide range of fields but follows no centrally coordinated strategy explain Hangwei Li and Han Cheng. 📖 t1p.de/tnr9i

megatrends-afrika.de

China’s Scientific Cooperation with Africa

Chinese scientific cooperation with Africa is shaped by both state-led initiatives and actor-driven partnerships, spanning digital...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 01/09/2026

Critical Raw Materials: While the #EU 🇪🇺 seeks to reduce dependencies on China, #SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 aims to create jobs and retain more value locally. @fraumuellerbln.bsky.social explains in her spotlight how the interests of both sides can be aligned. 📖 www.megatrends-afrika.de/en/publicati...

megatrends-afrika.de

How South Africa and the EU Can Strengthen Cooperation on Minerals

Both the EU and South Africa seek to reshape critical raw materials supply chains. The EU aims to reduce dependencies on China, while South...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 31/08/2026

One of the key promises of the G20 Compact with Africa #CwA was to encourage more private investment in Africa. But has this goal been achieved? @rthiele.bsky.social and Tomke Necker analyse and highlight the initiative’s strengths, weaknesses and unresolved issues. 📖 t1p.de/kzgdt

megatrends-afrika.de

‘Compacts with Africa’: An Effective Lever for Private Investment?

The G20’s “Compacts with Africa” initiative aimed to create the necessary conditions, through reforms, for increased private investment in...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 20/08/2026

New Policy Brief🚨 “China in the Classroom of an African Cadre School” Who shapes a school run by six of Southern Africa’s ruling parties? Amélie Wurl's fieldwork in Tanzania looks into China's role 🇨🇳 within an African-owned institution. 🔗 www.megatrends-afrika.de/en/publicati...

megatrends-afrika.de

China in the Classroom of an African Cadre School

The Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School serves as a platform for regional and ideological connection for socialist “sister parties” in...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 12/08/2026

🌍 What will the global order look like in 2050? Collin Meisel looks to the past and present to envision the future. 🚨 spoiler alert: the world will get warmer, older, more African and less European. 📖 Read his spotlight, here: www.megatrends-afrika.de/en/publicati...

megatrends-afrika.de

Toward a “Mini-Polar” Future: Where Do Africa and Europe Stand?

In 2050, the world will be warmer, older, more African, less European and with a ‘mini-polar’ world order. Collin Meisel explains how political...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 11/08/2026

Zambia 🇿🇲 heads to the polls this Thursday. Ahead of the vote, revisit our research on Zambia and the interplay between domestic and foreign policy. 📚 Three perspectives on Zambia’s foreign policy, economic resilience and bureaucratic practices 🧵

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 10/08/2026

Mehr Privatinvestitionen in Afrika – eines der zentralen Versprechen des G20 Compact with Africa #CwA. Doch wurde dieses Ziel erreicht? @rthiele.bsky.social und Tomke Necker ziehen Bilanz und zeigen Stärken, Schwächen und offene Fragen der Initiative. 📖 www.megatrends-afrika.de/publikation/...

megatrends-afrika.de

„Compacts with Africa”: Wirksamer Hebel für Privatinvestitionen?

Die „Compact with Africa”-Initiative der G20 wollte mittels Reformen die nötigen Voraussetzungen schaffen, um private Investitionen für...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 06/08/2026

Xenophobic violence in #SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 is reaching new heights. Who is behind the movement? @fraumuellerbln.bsky.social analyses how social grievances are being channelled into anti-migrant mobilisation, the role of Jacob Zuma and the influence of social media. Now in English, here: t1p.de/4l309

megatrends-afrika.de

Anti-Migration Protests in South Africa: Winning Votes on the Backs of the Most Vulnerable

Xenophobic violence is escalating across South Africa. Melanie Müller examines who is behind the protests, how hardship is being exploited, and...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 05/08/2026

🗺️ Where are the eastern #DRC 's conflict #minerals located? Our map shows artisanal and small-scale mining sites for #gold and the "3Ts", #tin, #tungsten and #tantalum – minerals that help finance armed groups and sustain #conflict. Read Karoline Eickhoff's full policy brief, here: t1p.de/b587a

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 03/08/2026

The Hormuz crisis is increasing economic pressure across #NorthAfrica while accelerating the region's emergence as a strategic hub. @idos-research.bsky.social's Annabelle Houdret and Mark Furness explain why North Africa is becoming important for energy, trade and logistics. 📖 More: t1p.de/69kky

megatrends-afrika.de

Between Shock and Opportunity: Hormuz and Deepening North Africa–Europe Relations

With the world’s attention fixed on the Strait of Hormuz, developments in North Africa have made fewer headlines in Europe. The crises in the...

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Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) @swp-berlin.org · 22/07/2026

Bei seiner Afrikareise trifft Außenminister Wadephul heute den Präsidenten der ECOWAS-Kommission. @franziskaehlert.bsky.social & @denistull.eurosky.social sprechen im SWP-Podcast über Herausforderungen in Westafrika & darüber, wie Europa sich positionieren sollte🎙️🎧 www.swp-berlin.org/publikation/...

swp-berlin.org

Megatrends Afrika: ECOWAS und AES zwischen Konfrontation und Kooperation

Anfang 2025 traten Mali, Burkina Faso und Niger aus der ECOWAS aus und gründeten die Allianz der Sahel-Staaten AES. Seitdem hat sich die...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 22/07/2026

🌍 Critical #minerals are reshaping relations between #Africa and #Europe. As African countries seek greater #valueaddition and Europe looks to build resilient #supplychains, new industrial partnerships are becoming possible, explains Jonathan Kaupenjohann ▶️ www.megatrends-afrika.de/en/publicati...

megatrends-afrika.de

Critical Minerals Will Reshape European-African Relations

Critical raw materials are shaping the global geoeconomic landscape. For European industry, access to these materials is essential to maintain...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 20/07/2026

Bundesaußenminister Johann #Wadephul reist derzeit nach #Mauretanien, #Nigeria und #Südafrika. Im Fokus stehen Fragen der regionalen Sicherheit, Migration, wirtschaftlichen Zusammenarbeit sowie der Energie- und Klimapolitik. Dazu haben wir zehn Analysen von #MegatrendsAfrika zusammengestellt 🧵

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 17/07/2026

Xenophobe Gewalt in #Südafrika erreicht ein neues Ausmaß, mitunter weil Gruppen wie "March and March" soziale Not zur Mobilisierung nutzen. Wer steckt genau hinter der Bewegung? @fraumuellerbln.bsky.social analysiert politische Interessen, die Rolle Jacob Zumas und sozialer Medien ▶️ t1p.de/niln5

t1p.de

Anti-Migrationsproteste in Südafrika: Wahlkampf auf dem Rücken der Schwächsten

In Südafrika verschärft sich landesweit xenophobe Gewalt. Melanie Müller analysiert, wer hinter den Protesten steht, wie soziale Not...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 15/07/2026

#Europe has a visibility problem in #Tunisia. European-funded bridges, dams and water #infrastructure often go unnoticed, while Chinese-backed projects receive widespread public recognition. Read Isabelle Werenfels' take on why that is and how to change it: www.megatrends-afrika.de/en/publicati...

megatrends-afrika.de

Europe’s Visibility Dilemma in Tunisia

In Tunisia, European-funded projects frequently remain under the radar, whereas Chinese initiatives are highly visible and welcomed. Isabelle...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 13/07/2026

🎧 New Podcast Alert 🎧 Hört rein, wenn @franziskaehlert.bsky.social und @denistull.eurosky.social regionale Zusammenarbeit und diplomatische Bestrebungen zwischen #ECOWAS und #AES Staaten vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen sicherheitspolitischen Herausforderungen im #Sahel diskutieren.

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 02/07/2026

🌍 The Future of African-European Relations In our second spotlight in this series David Kipp, Emma Landmesser, @heidland.bsky.social ask: How can emerging migration corridors between sub-Saharan Africa and Germany become fair and mutually beneficial? Read their spotlight, here: t1p.de/b0gra

megatrends-afrika.de

The Untapped Potential of Labour and Education Migration from Africa to Germany

While public debate on migration in Europe focuses mainly on irregular migration, regular routes for labour and education migration from Africa...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 29/06/2026

#ECOWAS at a crossroads. The planned 1,650-strong counter-terrorism unit signals a bid to redefine its role in West Africa’s security landscape. But funding, coordination, training gaps, and raise doubts about its viability, explains franziskaehlert.bsky.social. Read more: t1p.de/qcrpj

megatrends-afrika.de

The ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force: New Ambitions, Old Constraints

The Economic Community of West African States’ creation of a “counter-terrorism” force reflects its determination to retain a leading role in...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 26/06/2026

How much room for manoeuvre does #Trump leave #Tinubu? Facing Washington's demands and pressure by potential voters, #Nigeria has exercised what Joshua Akintayo calls bounded agency: the ability to shape the terms, timing and framing of its compliance. Read more, here: t1p.de/mpszo

megatrends-afrika.de

Trump in Africa: Nigeria's Bounded Agency and Structural Dependence Under US Pressure

Since last October, the United States has been exerting coercive pressure on Nigeria. President Tinubu’s response is constrained by religious...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 24/06/2026

🌍 How are critical raw materials reshaping European–African relations? Join our panel discussion which we will co-host with Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie, Hanns Seidel Foundation, and the Institute for Security Studies. 📅 2 July 2026, 10:00–11:30 CET ➡️ RSVP t1p.de/t4zg1 See you there!

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IDOS_research @idos-research.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

How do African actors, especially bureaucrats, shape Chinese-financed digital projects? What happens when political leadership changes? And what are the implications for Digital Global Gateway? 💡 A new @megatrends-afrika.de #PolicyBrief by IDOS expert Hangwei Li explores this question.

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 17/06/2026

🎓 #China is now #Africa’s largest scholarship provider. Analysing LinkedIn data on 33,000 Africans educated in China, Carolin Formella and @heidland.bsky.social suggest how education mobility is used as a soft #power tool. Read the full Spotlight: t1p.de/rfl3o

t1p.de

African Scholars in China: Education Mobility as Soft Power?

China pledged more scholarships to African students than Western governments combined. Using LinkedIn data, we show that they study engineering...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 12/06/2026

Why do #energy transition ambitions fall short of delivery? Comparing 🇧🇼 #Botswana and 🇺🇬 #Uganda shows how institutional, regulatory and infrastructure gaps can undermine implementation. Read the analysis by @phemelo-tamasiga.bsky.social and Benard Musekese Wabukala here: t1p.de/uyask

megatrends-afrika.de

The Implementation Gap and Energy Transition Pathways in Africa

Africa's energy transition will be won or lost in implementation. Botswana and Uganda show that targets matter only when matched by credible...

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Denis Tull @denistull.eurosky.social · 12/06/2026

#Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa’s 2030 power bid hits the barracks, writes Africa confidential. Behind the constitution debate is a struggle over the post-Mugabe state with presidential allies, disgruntled #generals and a fragmented opposition testing their strength. Check out G. Maringira's Policy Brief !!

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 11/06/2026

🌍 The Future of African-European Relations In our new spotlight series we are analysing which policies can foster mutually beneficial cooperation between Africa and Europe. Read the first take by Collin Meisel on how “US Demographic Decline Could Reshape Global Power Dynamics”, here: t1p.de/8h1hu

t1p.de

US Demographic Decline Could Reshape the Global Balance of Power

Demographic change is becoming an increasingly important driver of global power shifts. As America's demographic advantage narrows, Africa and...

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IDOS_research @idos-research.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Wie junge Menschen in Afrika zur #Demokratie stehen, haben die Forscher*innen Christine Hackenesch und Godfred Bonnah Nkansah in einer Metastudie (lnkd.in/eD2FWp4i)) für @megatrends-afrika.de (lnkd.in/e8XsfETy) untersucht. ⤵️

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 26/05/2026

📢 How do African actors shape Chinese-financed digital projects? Hangwei Li @idos-research.bsky.social analyses how the influence of #Zambian bureaucrats on #Chinese #digital projects developed across the Lungu and Hichilema administrations. Read more here: t1p.de/c7m8e

megatrends-afrika.de

Zambian Bureaucratic Practices in Chinese-Financed Digital Projects

Zambian bureaucrats have engaged with Chinese-financed digital projects under both the Edgar Lungu and Hakainde Hichilema administrations....

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 12/05/2026

Conflict-related sexual violence is an invisible dimension of the #security crisis in Niger’s #Tillabéri region. While it remains underreported and underpoliticised, understanding its patterns is essential for effective civilian protection, explains @ltschoerner.bsky.social. 📃 t1p.de/ex3j0

t1p.de

Overlooked or Muted? Conflict- Related Sexual Violence in Niger

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 11/05/2026

We are thrilled to announce that @franziskaehlert.bsky.social is the new co-lead of Megatrends Afrika at @swp-berlin.org !

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 11/05/2026

Anlässlich des Frankreich-Afrika-Gipfel in #Nairobi ein Blick darauf wie sich Frankreichs Verhältnis zum afrikanischen Kontinent unter militärischen Rückzügen, wirtschaftlichen Kontinuitäten und #Macron's stärkere Orientierung auf nicht-frankophone Staaten gewandelt hat. Mehr, hier: t1p.de/1ddl8

megatrends-afrika.de

France’s Africa Policy under President Macron

Good Intentions, Partial Reform and the Fiasco in the Sahel

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 23/04/2026

Social #media isn’t just reporting on war, it is shaping it. @onorhamad.bsky.social shows how TikTok and Facebook function as battlegrounds in #Sudan's conflict and how narratives are built through selective framing, exaggeration, and political messaging. Find his analysis, here: t1p.de/3rnb5

t1p.de

The Weaponization of Social Media in Sudan’s War

In Sudan’s war, social media has become a central battlefield, where influencers from the diaspora shape narratives, legitimize violence, and...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 21/04/2026

Resource nationalism is rising across Africa, especially in the #Sahel. #Mali, #Niger, and #Burkina Faso are moving beyond reforms to retroactive taxes, licence revocations, and even takeovers of #mining operations. Read the complete analysis by @denistull.bsky.social here: t1p.de/pcblu

megatrends-afrika.de

Affirming Economic Sovereignty: Resource Nationalism in the Sahel

Military regimes in the Sahel increasingly use resource nationalism in the mining sector. Aiming for higher state revenues, their coercive...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 16/04/2026

Der #Iran-Krieg wird im #Sahel zum geopolitischen Balanceakt: Die AES-Staaten vermeiden klare Positionen, um neue Partnerschaften nicht zu gefährden. ltschoerner.bsky.social analysiert die Annäherung an #Iran, neue Kooperation mit den USA und mögliche innenpolitische Konsequenzen: t1p.de/03sj4

megatrends-afrika.de

Der Iran-Krieg als Stresstest für die „Diversifizierung von Partnerschaften“ im Sahel

Die Sahel Staaten haben den Krieg der USA gegen Iran trotz vertiefter Beziehungen mit Teheran nicht verurteilt. Das liegt an geostrategischen...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 14/04/2026

Der #Iran-Krieg wirkt bis ans Horn von #Afrika: Treibstoffknappheit und unterbrochene #Lieferketten für humanitäre Hilfe verschärfen bestehende #Krisen. Wie sich Handelsrouten verändern und warum der Einfluss der #Golfstaaten zentral bleibt, schreibt Gerrit Kurtz: t1p.de/89puu

megatrends-afrika.de

Der Iran-Krieg als Multiplikator für Krisen und Konflikte am Horn von Afrika

Sudan, Äthiopien und Somalia sind besonders stark von den wirtschaftlichen Folgen des Iran-Kriegs betroffen, könnten aber auch von der...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 13/04/2026

Der #Iran-Krieg setzt #Afrikas Wirtschaften unter Druck: Höhere Energiepreise schlagen auf #Dünger- und Lebensmittelkosten durch, während #Rücküberweisungen aus den Golfstaaten sinken. Wie sich das auf #Ernährungssicherheit auswirkt erklären @heidland.bsky.social und Anni Verhoeven👉 t1p.de/ontgh

t1p.de

Der Iran-Krieg als doppelter wirtschaftlicher Schock in Afrika

Der Iran-Krieg trifft Afrika wirtschaftlich: geringere Überweisungen aus den Golfstaaten und höhere Kosten für Düngemittel wirken auf Ost- und...

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Denis Tull @denistull.eurosky.social · 10/04/2026

#Zimbabwe’s leader Mnangagwa eyes role as president for life, writes the Financial Times. The implications of this, incl. a violent power struggle, are outlined in our former fellow's Godfrey Maringira's @megatrends-afrika.de policy brief. www.megatrends-afrika.de/publikation/...

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SWP Africa & Middle East @swp-mea.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Coups in Mali, Burkina Faso & Niger have reshaped not just domestic politics but the Sahel’s foreign relations. With juntas cutting ties to Europe, what options remain for the EU? @denistull.bsky.social & @ltschoerner.bsky.social examine this in our new SWP study👇 www.swp-berlin.org/10.18449/202...

swp-berlin.org

Europäische Sahel-Politik: Zurück auf Start

Die Staatsstreiche in Mali (2020/21), Burkina Faso (2022) und Niger (2023) haben nicht nur innenpolitische Veränderungen im Sahel mit sich...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 31/03/2026

What might a forward-looking partnership between Africa and Europe look like? Join our discussion online or in person. 📅 Tue, 14 April 2026, 9.00 AM – 10.30 AM (CET) 📍 Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft, Berlin RSVP ▶️ t1p.de/ehh6b

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Denis Tull @denistull.eurosky.social · 30/03/2026

#Niger's government announces formation of nation-wide local fense militias, « Domol Leydi » , what looks like a replication of the model employed in Burkina Faso, the VDP. sahelien.com/le-niger-ann... I recommand 2 policy briefs by @megatrends-afrika.de on this important topic 👇

sahelien.com

Le Niger annonce la création de groupes d'autodéfense pour renforcer la sécurité locale

Le premier site d'actualité au Sahel

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 23/03/2026

Youth protests have not (yet) emerged in #Egypt, even as living conditions for #GenZ worsen: job opportunities are shrinking while digital repression and youth co-optation by the regime are rising. Find out why this calm might be deceptive in Stephan Roll and Josef Schreck's brief: t1p.de/ife2n

megatrends-afrika.de

The Calm before the Storm? Egypt’s Youth under President al-Sisi

In Egypt, youth-led protests have been avoided as a result of systematic political control, digital repression, and emigration. However, amid...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 19/03/2026

#Translocal households across Southern Africa often span #rural and #urban areas. #Climatechange is intensifying this dynamic, turning households dependent on urban income. Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa and @lenagutheil.bsky.social explain how that power shift reshapes local #governance. 👉 t1p.de/i63g6

t1p.de

The Politics of Translocality

Households in Southern Africa often migrate for work, education and services while maintaining economic, social and political ties to their...

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 18/03/2026

[CfA] ⏳ One week left to apply ⌛ Megatrends Afrika offers 3 fully funded, 3-month research stays in Germany (Berlin, Bonn, or Kiel) for PhD holders originating from African countries and working on key global trends. 📅 Deadline: 25 March 2026 🔗 www.megatrends-afrika.de/en/the-proje...

megatrends-afrika.de

Call for Applications – Fellowship 2026

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 13/03/2026

Communities in #Bakel department, #Senegal, face mounting pressures: rising theft of cattle, phones and cash, deepening isolation, and worsening pollution of the Falémé River. Read how #security at the border to Mali can be strengthend in our new policy brief by Hannah Rae Armstrong 👉 t1p.de/4v2y5

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Megatrends Afrika @megatrends-afrika.de · 13/03/2026

Starting the weekend with this kind compliment from @yguichaoua.bsky.social. Thank you so much for acknowledging our research! 🙏 Really glad to see our work resonate.

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