Global Power Shift and Multipolarity

• Christine Hackenesch
• Julia Bader

Pragmatic, Strategic and Wide-Reaching: The CCP’s Party Diplomacy in Africa

This policy brief analyses recent patterns and motives of China’s party diplomacy in Africa. It finds that the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP-ID) maintains close ties with the main ruling parties in some countries in the South and East of the continent as well as a broad range of parties in countries in North Africa. 

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB29

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• Hangwei Li
• Christine Hackenesch

FOCAC 2024: Moving Away from Large Infrastructure Deals towards Normative Power of China

• German

The FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027) outlines concrete targets for China–Africa relations. What are the latest trends shaping this partnership, and how might they impact Europe’s cooperation with Africa?

• Karoline Eickhoff
• Paul Bochtler
• Hesbon Hansen Owilla

Communicating Strategically about What? Europe and China in the Kenyan Media

European actors are increasingly relying on strategic communication tools in their external relations, especially in key partner countries like Kenya. Based on a large-scale media screening and interviews with media experts, this paper examines which issues related to the EU/Europe and China have received the most media coverage in Kenya over the past decade (2013–2023). The paper finds, among other things, that European actors involved in communication efforts increasingly need to communicate about the EU’s role in global affairs and the impact of European decisions, products, and standards on African markets, without resorting to a “West versus China” framing.

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB27

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• Karoline Eickhoff

Ahead of the FOCAC 2024: How to Deal with China in Africa?

• German

In the run-up to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2024, many eyes are on China's growing influence in Africa. “What is the European dilemma in dealing with China in Africa?” asks Karoline Eickhoff in this Spotlight, which offers suggestions for dealing with competitive dynamics.

• Wolfram Lacher

Invisible Occupation: Turkey and Russia in Libya

• German

Western governments have castigated Russia and Turkey for destabilizing Libya with their military deployments. But in daily life, their military presence is hardly noticeable – even in the immediate vicinity of their bases. In this Megatrends Afrika Spotlight, Wolfram Lacher (SWP) argues that both states have adopted a low profile in order to stay in Libya for the long term – and so far, their approach appears to be working.

• Hangwei Li

Chinese Media Engagement with Africa and the Role of African Agency

This policy brief delves into China's strategic media engagement across Africa, revealing a dynamic interplay of state and private efforts aimed at reshaping narratives and boosting China's influence. It emphasises the pivotal role of economic and regulatory landscapes, suggesting the necessity of fostering African media independence to safeguard against authoritarian tendencies.

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB26

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