Africa

The African continent is characterized both historically and in the present day by immense social, cultural, political and economic diversity. At the same time, however, 'Africa' has also been addressed, imagined and effectively constituted as a single entity — a region. A pan-African identity emerged from anti-colonial struggles. Today, this identity manifests itself in various ways, including political organizations such as the African Union, and academic associations such as CODESRIA, the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa.

Africa is currently being studied at the University of Innsbruck from a wide variety of disciplinary perspectives, including economics, history, linguistics, literary studies, peace and conflict studies, and sociology. Topics range from the history of colonialism and development policies and work to literature, music and popular narratives about and from Africa. In examining these issues, attention is paid to the global context, and transnational interrelationships are examined closely, such as the involvement of Tyrol into imperialist constellations during the 20th century. Activities in research, teaching and third mission are also carried through in collaboration with African colleagues. Partnerships exist with sociology departments at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, and with the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution (CSPACR) at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.

The regional focus on Africa within the Network of Areas will provide a platform for Africa-related research, teaching, and third mission activities, to make them visible and to develop deeper insights and new perspectives through exchange.

Contact persons for the region

Andreas EXENBERGER, Associate Professor Dr (Department for Economy): andreas.exenberger@uibk.ac.at

Bettina MAHLERT, Assistent Professor Dr (Department for Sociology): bettina.mahlert@uibk.ac.at

Projects

Land tenure and institutions in Africa (2025/26)

The issue of land tenure is a critical and multifaceted challenge Africa, with profound implications for social equity, economic development, and political stability. Land tenure systems determine who has access to land, under what conditions, and with what rights. These systems are deeply embedded in historical, institutional, and social contexts, and they vary significantly across and within countries.

This project targets the issue of land tenure in Africa by different analytical lenses (land tenure regimes, Boone; limited access orders, North et al.; citizen and subject, Mamdani) to develop an integrated comparative approach. Land tenure is an issue of economic, social, political, as well as cultural relevance, which is also crucial to determine power relations, especially in African economies (comparably agrarian) and societies (land access being a central resource of subsistence and participation). Ethiopia will be taken as a case in order to ensure that our analysis speaks to the realities on-the-ground. The literature synthesis will be brought to application by drawing careful conclusions for policy. To this end, experts from the Ethiopian Government Policy Institute will be involved, and expert interviews with Austrian field workers will be carried through. A teaching session will be developed and integrated into an ongoing course at each institution, to be taught jointly.

The project will be carried through by researchers from Debre Markos, Ethiopia, the Management Center Innsbruck, and the University of Innsbruck.

Ansprechpersonen