Trump in Africa: Brokering Peace Between Congo and Rwanda?

Last December, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement, brokered by the United States. This policy brief examines whether the “Washington Accords” have actually advanced peace between the DRC and Rwanda and what it indicates for future mediation in the region.

Megatrends Policy Brief 51, 06.07.2026, 12 Seiten

doi:10.18449/2026MTA-PB51

• David Kipp
• Emma Landmesser
• Tobias Heidland

Ein zartes Pflänzchen: Potenziale afrikanischer Erwerbs- und Bildungsmigration nach Deutschland

Während das Gros der öffentlichen Migrationsdebatte in Europa auf irreguläre Zuwanderung blickt, wachsen reguläre Erwerbs- und Bildungskorridore aus Afrika längst von selbst. Ob daraus faire und wechselseitig nützliche Wege werden, entscheidet sich daran, wie dieses zarte Pflänzchen gepflegt wird.

Megatrends Spotlight 54, 02.07.2026

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 regional security and can be read as a conciliatory gesture towards the Alliance of Sahel States. However, major hurdles remain to be overcome.

Megatrends spotlight 74, 29.06.2026

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 and ethnic coalition politics ahead of the 2027 election. Thus, Nigeria’s compliance reflects both external pressure and domestic political imperatives.

Megatrends Policy Brief 50, 26.06.2026, 10 Seiten

doi:10.18449/2026MTA-PB50

• Carolin Formella
• Tobias Heidland

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 and business in China, and, back in Africa, work in education and sectors tied to China-backed projects. This may underpin China’s geopolitical soft power.

Megatrends spotlight 73, 17.06.2026