Prof. Dr. Rainer Thiele
Megatrends Afrika Project Director
Areas of Expertise
FocusDevelopment cooperation, rural development, migration, Africa,
Short Curriculum vitae
Since 2020 Director of the “Kiel Institute Africa Initiative” and Deputy Head of the Research Center “International Development“, Kiel Institute for the World Economy
2005-2020 Head of Research Area “Poverty Reduction, Equity, and Development” (Kiel Institute)
Since 2010 Adjunct Professor for Development Economics (University of Kiel)
1996 Doctoral degree in Economics (Kiel University)
Publications of the Megatrends Afrika project
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Leverage and Limits: What African Actors Make of the New Multipolarity
Africa is entering a new era of multipolarity, with global powers competing to become key partners to the continent. This study analyses the different facets of multipolarity and how African actors respond to both opportunities and constraints arising from the growing interest of foreign actors.
Megatrends Working Paper 21, 08.10.2025, 48 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-WP21
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China's Footprint in Africa
African countries share deep economic, political, and social ties with China. To better understand Beijing’s activities and impact, we need more robust empirical data. Future research should strengthen the link between empirical data and theoretical debates on status, power, and influence.
Megatrends Working Paper 2023 05, 06.07.2023, 31 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2023MTA-WP05
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Debt Relief in Africa: Conflicting Interests Between the West and China Hinder Multilateral Solutions
Several African countries have defaulted on their debt, and more could follow. Multilateral solutions for debt relief are needed but are complicated by power struggles between the West and China, argue Karoline Eickhoff and Rainer Thiele on the occasion of the Paris Summit.
Megatrends spotlight 25, 15.06.2023
