Africa's Role in the New World Order
Global power relations are shifting towards a multipolar and fragmented world order. This is also shaping how African actors see themselves, with an increasing orientation towards the concept of multi-alignment. Countries such as China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey are stepping up their political, economic and military engagement on the continent, creating more options for Africa’s strategic partnerships. In this research area, we examine geopolitical power shifts and their impacts on the decision-making of African actors in development, climate, science, security and economic policy.
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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 -
Judging One’s Own Credit: Risks and Promises of an African Credit Rating Agency
Faced with high borrowing costs, African leaders and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) have selected Mauritius to host a continental credit rating agency to reduce dependence on the “Big Three” and counter perceived bias. But will investors trust it?
Megatrends spotlight 66, 05.03.2026 -
Geopolitical Tensions and EU-Southern Mediterranean Shipping
Geopolitical tensions such as political instability, trade disputes, and sanctions reduce maritime connectivity and efficiency. Enock Kojo Ayesu quantifies this impact using the gravity model of trade for routes between EU and Southern Mediterranean countries.
Megatrends Working Paper 22, 18.02.2026, 23 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2026MTA-WP22
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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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Assessing 25 Years of Partnership between the AU and EU: From Strong Economic Ties to Mutually Beneficial Relations
In this Spotlight, Mark Schrolle and Ann-Marie Verhoeven examine the current state of EU–AU trade and investment relations and identify avenues through which mutually beneficial and more equitable economic ties between the European bloc and the African continent can be fostered.
Megatrends spotlight 65, 21.11.2025 -
Assessing 25 Years of Partnership between the AU and EU: No More Business as Usual
Ahead of the African Union–European Union Summit on 24–25 November in Angola, Senegalese lawyer Ibrahima Kane reflects on Europe’s fading moral authority in Africa, outlines the key priorities of African leaders, and highlights why respectful communication must guide the future of EU–Africa relations.
Megatrends spotlight 64, 14.11.2025