Dr. Hangwei Li
Megatrends Afrika Associate
Areas of Expertise
FocusChina’s engagement with the Global South, Africa-China Relations
Short Curriculum Vitae
Since September 2023, Senior Researcher, Megatrends Afrika Project
2022-2023 Associate Professor, College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University
2017-2022 PhD in Politics and International Studies, SOAS, University of London
2014-2017 Freelance Journalist, Researcher and Guest Lecturer, University of Zambia
2012-2014 Joint M.A. in Media, Journalism and Globalisation, Aarhus University and City, University of London (Erasmus Mundus Programme)
Publications of the Megatrends Afrika project
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Zambian Bureaucratic Practices in Chinese-Financed Digital Projects
Zambian bureaucrats have engaged with Chinese-financed digital projects under both the Edgar Lungu and Hakainde Hichilema administrations. Hangwei Li argues that the political transition widened the scope for bureaucratic manoeuvre in project management, yet these gains remained limited.
Megatrends Policy Brief 49, 21.05.2026, 8 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2026MTA-PB49
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Sino-Indian Rivalry: Competition, Collaboration and African Agency
China-India relations have recently stabilized, although rivalry persists, fuelling competition in Africa over economic sectors, resources and narratives. Hangwei Li and Raj Verma examine how African governments can leverage dynamics of competition and convergence to strengthen their agency.
Megatrends spotlight 67, 09.03.2026 -
India's Engagement with Mauritius amid the New Maritime Geopolitics
India’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean is reshaping the partnership with Mauritius. This policy brief explores how Mauritius can balance deepening ties with India while safeguarding strategic autonomy amid rising regional competition.
Megatrends Policy Brief 44, 11.12.2025, 8 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-PB44
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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 in Africa: Shaping Economic Relations Through Subnational Actors
China’s engagement with Africa is significantly shaped by its subnational actors, especially provincial and local governments. This policy brief examines Zhejiang Province to explore its motivations and tactics, highlighting how it mobilizes city-level actors to foster stronger economic ties with Africa.
Megatrends Policy Brief 36, 09.04.2025, 10 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-PB36
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FOCAC 2024: Moving Away from Large Infrastructure Deals towards Normative Power of China
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?
Megatrends spotlight 38, 16.09.2024
