Dr. Benedikt Erforth
Megatrends Afrika Project Director
Areas of Expertise
FocusEU development policy, EU-Africa relations, development finance, digitalisation policy, Franco-German cooperation, Sahel (Mali),
Short Curriculum vitae
Joined the Research Programme "Inter- and Transnational Cooperation" at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability in 2019 as a Senior Researcher
2015-2018 Teaching Fellow for International Relations and European Politics, Sciences Po Paris
2015 PhD in International Studies, University of Trento, Trento
2010-2011 Parliamentary Assistent at the French National Assembly
2009-2010 MSc, International and European Politics, University of Edinburgh
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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The Art of Balance: Mauritius, Multi-Alignment, and the Global Currency Chessboard
The launch of an RMB clearing bank in Mauritius marks a bold step in financial diversification. By balancing ties with China and India, Port Louis signals a shift toward multi-currency systems – also challenging Europe to adapt its approach as African states seek flexibility beyond dollar dominance.
Megatrends spotlight 57, 25.06.2025 -
Debating Trump 2.0 and Implications for Africa – “Mauritius must act like a small boat in turbulent waters”
In this interview with Megatrends Afrika, Nad Sivaramen discusses implications of Trump 2.0 for Mauritius and the broader Indian Ocean region. He outlines how a small island state can navigate this new, volatile world.
Megatrends spotlight 51, 15.04.2025 -
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.
Megatrends Working Paper 2024 14, 17.07.2024, 28 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2024MTA-WP14
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EU Parliament Elections: Impacts on Africa-EU Relations?
The political landscape in Europe has shifted noticeably to the right as a result of the EU parliamentary elections. In this Megatrends Afrika Spotlight, Benedikt Erforth and Niels Keijzer (IDOS) shed light on the consequences this could have for EU-Africa relations. Despite a lack of innovations in the areas of migration and partnership, a continuation of previous policies seems more likely than significant changes.
Megatrends spotlight 32, 13.06.2024 -
Joint Futures: Ideas for Germany’s Africa Policy
What does it mean to design a sustainable and effective Africa policy? How can Germany develop and rethink its relations with Africa? We addressed these questions in a dedicated blog series between September 2023 and February 2024: Joint Futures. This publication brings together all the contributions.
Megatrends Working Paper 2024 12, 23.05.2024, 161 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2024MTA-WP12
