Megatrends between Democratization and Autocratization
Megatrends will shape political authority in Africa for the foreseeable future. The continent's societies are becoming younger, larger, more digital and more urban. They need to adapt to the effects of climate change, placing new demands on their states and governments. Established elites and political systems are coming under pressure from social movements. These processes of change can promote democratic structures, but also autocratic tendencies. At present, the latter is the dominant trend in many states around the world. The majority of African countries can be classified as electoral or closed autocracies. Our research examines the conditions under which megatrends have an impact in either direction.
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How Elections Can Shape Long-Term Political Views: Lessons from the 2005 Ethiopian National Election
Ethiopia has never had a national election as contested as the one in 2005. Afrobarometer data show the long-term effects of this event, such as the former youth's embrace of national rather than ethnic identities or a preference for geographically based federalism.
Megatrends Working Paper 2025 18, 25.02.2025, 17 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-WP18
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A Question of Standard Regulations? Colonial Continuities of Afro-European Visa Regimes and Mobility Partnerships
Legal and safe migration to Europe has become increasingly difficult for African citizens owing to racialised structures of mobility. Visas put huge burdens on African applicants while migration partnerships have had little impact, despite Germany’s need for migrant labour, argues Franzisca Zanker.
Megatrends spotlight 45, 17.02.2025 -
Megatrends and the Future of Democracy in Africa. How Do the Youth Bulge, Urbanization and Digitalization Shape African Politics?
Africa’s future will be young, urban and digital, but will it be more democratic? This Working Paper explores how age, urbanization and access to social media shape African citizens’ political attitudes, their willingness to participate in democratic institutions, and forms of collective action.
Megatrends Working Paper 2025 16, 17.01.2025, 41 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-WP16
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The “Demo-conomics” in African Youth Politics. Youth Bulge and Unemployment Meet Political Attitude and Participation
With more than 70 per cent of the continent’s population under 30 years of age, Africa is currently the youngest continent. A high youth bulge is associated with strong support for democratic norms, an increased likelihood of participation in demonstrations and a decreased likelihood of voting in elections.
Megatrends Working Paper 2025 15, 07.01.2025, 33 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025MTA-WP15
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Mozambique after the Elections: Civil Protests and the Risk of Escalation
Following the presidential elections in Mozambique, youthful mass protests against the alleged electoral fraud perpetrated by the ruling party FRELIMO have erupted. Tensions are exacerbated by police violence. There is a risk of further escalation, which could lead to civil war.
Megatrends spotlight 43, 17.12.2024 -
Workshop Report: Exploring Avenues for (Enhanced) Collaborations in the Digital Sphere in Africa
Africa’s digital transformations are unfolding against the backdrop of global competition between major global actors, including China, the United States, and Europe. Amidst this dynamic, the continent’s own agency is a crucial element that should not be overlooked.
Megatrends spotlight 42, 25.11.2024
