Megatrends between Democratization and Autocratization

• Dawit Ayele Haylemariam

IMF Riots in East Africa: Lessons for Ethiopia’s Economic Reform Agenda

• German

As Ethiopia embarks on ambitious economic reforms with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it faces the delicate task of balancing reform with stability. It should do so by drawing lessons from the unrest in neighbouring Kenya and Sudan, where IMF-backed reforms have sparked widespread protests, writes Dawit Ayele Haylemariam. 

• Benedikt Erforth

Data Extraction, Data Governance and Africa–Europe Cooperation

Africa's digital realm is rapidly evolving, with increasing regulatory frameworks emerging amidst diverse challenges. This contrasts with Europe’s established yet subtly influential digital governance landscape. The paper analyzes the dynamics of data regulation cooperation, advocating a non-paternalistic EU approach that embraces data sovereignty and a nuanced partnership strategy.

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-WP14

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• Lena Gutheil
• Sina Schlimmer

Growth Beyond the Capital: Understanding Africa’s Secondary Cities

• German

Secondary cities in Africa are increasingly central to discussions on urbanisation. At the same time, capital cities maintain their economic and political significance. In this Megatrends Afrika Spotlight, Lena Gutheil and Sina Schlimmer argue for policies that address the complementarity of both city categories.

• Freda Yawson
• Tahir Mahmoud

Innovation meets Growth? Navigating the Digital Landscape in Ghana

Analyzing the digital transformation in Ghana, this working paper outlines the critical enablers and offers targeted recommendations for stakeholders in the digital sphere. It underscores the pivotal role of government in fostering a digital economy that benefits all.

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-WP11

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• Cynthia Kamwengo

Social Media Debates on Zambia’s Evolving Relations with the West and East

Social media debates on Zambia’s foreign policy are strongly polarized and focussed on two issues: (1) claims that the Zambian government is a puppet of the West and (2) concerns that the government is undermining Zambia’s long-held policy of non-alignment. These debates demonstrate the complexity of African agency and the domestic concerns that shape how African governments negotiate multipolarity.

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB21

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• Lena Gutheil

Can Public Participation Deepen Democracy?

While public engagement has contributed to enhancing social justice in Nakuru City, Kenia, challenges in improving governance effectiveness and legitimacy persist. This is due to limited responsiveness of local elites, political and legal loopholes, and restricted public participation.

doi:10.18449/2023MTA-PB18

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